Not a Bomb

Join us on this extraordinary bonus episode of the Not A Bomb Podcast as we are thrilled to have the incredibly talented writer, filmmaker, and professor Michele Meek join our show. With her extensive experience in the realm of teen sex comedies, Michele brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that takes our podcast to new heights!

After getting to know our esteemed guest and discussing how teen comedies can inform gender studies, we dive headfirst into the captivating world of 1985's iconic teen comedy, Just One of the Guys. Directed by the talented Lisa Gottlieb and featuring a remarkable cast including Joyce Hyser, Clayton Rohner, Billy Jacoby, Toni Hudson, and WIlliam Zabka, this film takes us on a journey where Terri finds herself breaking gender barriers and becoming…well… one of the guys. It's a hilarious and thought-provoking exploration of identity and societal norms.

But wait, there's more! Our podcast crew takes on the challenge of discussing the unofficial sequel, Just One of the Girls, also known as Anything for Love. Released eight years after Just One of the Guys, this film showcases Corey Haim in a direct-to-video comedy that tries to capture the magic of Lisa Gottlieb’s earlier film. However, this sequel falls short in several aspects. Brace yourself for increased instances of gay panic, problematic scenes, terrible music, and a weaker plot. We took one for the team and watched this film so you don't have to!

Join us as we engage in an exhilarating discussion with Michele Meek, analyzing these gender-swapping teen comedies, their impact on the genre, and their cultural significance. This special episode promises to be an engaging and entertaining exploration of gender fluidity themes in film. Don't miss out!

Please check out Michele Meek’s website for all of her information - About Michele Meek - Michele Meek, Ph.D. Also, pick up a copy of Michele Meek’s newest book, Consent Culture and Teen Films: Adolescent Sexuality in US Movies. Michele Meek photos are provided courtesy of Stephanie Ewens Photography.

If you want to leave feedback or suggest a movie bomb, please drop us a line at [email protected] or Contact Us - here. Also, if you like what you hear, leave a review on Apple Podcast.

Cast: Brad, Troy, Michele Meek

Come on, ride the train (choo choo ride), and ride it (woo woo) (choo choo ride)!

On this episode of Not A Bomb podcast, the guys welcome back friend of the podcast, Nate, to discuss 1995’s buddy action comedy - Money Train. Following the success of White Men Can’t Jump, studios hoped to replicate the box office return by reuniting Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson. The resulting film was 1995’s Money Train. Sadly, the film failed to make a White Men Can’t Jump sized impact and was both a financial and critical failure.

Sure, Money Train might not be White Men Can’t Jump quality but were audiences and critics wrong about the movie? Is a 1995 Jennifer Lopez worth the price of admission? Does the chemistry of Snipes and Harrelson elevate a mediocre script? Download this week’s episode and find out. As a bonus, you get to hear the gang’s thoughts on White Men Can’t Jump. A great big shout out to Valencia for the suggestion!

Timestamps: Intro -(1:25), Box Office Results and Critical Response - (17:36), People Involved -(25:18), Money Train discussion- (46:22), Is it a Bomb? - (75:21), White Men Can’t Jump discussion - (77:35), Outro - (97:02)

Money Train is directed by Joseph Ruben and stars Wesley Snipes, Woody Harrelson, Jennifer Lopez, Robert Blake, and Chris Cooper.

If you want to leave feedback or suggest a movie bomb, please drop us a line at [email protected] or Contact Us - here. Also, if you like what you hear, leave a review on Apple Podcast.

Cast: Brad, Troy, Nate

Welcome to Season 4 of Not A Bomb, the podcast that reexamines some of the biggest bombs in cinematic history! This week, the guys tackle the criminally underseen American Western from 2007 (possibly one of the greatest years in cinema) - The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. Based on the book of the same name, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, chronicles…you guessed it…the assassination of Jesse James. Even with its modest budget, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford failed to recoup its production budget and was only given a very limited theatrical release. Some critics, however, thought it was one of the best films of the year and this little seen Western received two academy award nominations. Listen as Troy and Brad discuss modern mob films, marvel at Roger Deakins, and decide if this is one of the best films of the last few decades.

Timestamps: Intro - (1:10), Box Office Results and Critical Response - (5:14), People Involved - (14:09), Production and Development - (20:49), Why did it bomb? - (27:03), Commercial Break - (35:24), The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford Discussion - (37:27), RoboReviewer1000 - (86:23), Is it a Bomb? - (89:40), Listener Feed - (95:12), and Outro - (102:32)

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is directed by Andrew Dominik and stars Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Sam Shephard, Mary-Louise Parker, Paul Schneider, Jeremy Renner, Zooey Deschanel, and Sam Rockwell.

If you want to leave feedback or suggest a movie bomb, please drop us a line at [email protected] or Contact Us - here. Also, if you like what you hear, leave a review on Apple Podcast.

Cast: Brad, Troy

On this very special episode of Not A Bomb, the gang celebrates their three-year anniversary with a show dedicated to all thing’s grindhouse cinema. To cap it off, the guys dive deep into 2007’s epic theatrical bomb - Grindhouse. We couldn’t celebrate this anniversary without some help. So, we asked Sammy, “The Godfather of Grindhouse,” to join us and puts his knowledge on display.

Released as an over three-hour experience, Grindhouse featured two full length films - Planet Terror and Death Proof from Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino. Also, various other directors contributed fake movie trailers to capture the traditional grindhouse theatrical experience. Sadly, this unique film experience flopped at the box office and prevented audiences from getting another experiment like Grindhouse for a long time.

Before the timestamps, we have one last note. We at Not A Bomb thank you for your support over the past three years! This community is fantastic and we look forward to exploring more epic movie bombs with all of you.

Timestamps: Intro - (2:15), Grindhouse Cinema talk - (5:32), Grindhouse Film origin story - (20:20), Box Office Results and Critical Response - (24:57), Why Did it Bomb? - (28:49), Planet Terror Key People - (39:53), Planet Terror Discussion - (42:16), Commercial Break - (69:04), Grindhouse Trailer Talk - (71:44), Death Proof Key People - (75:10), Death Proof Discussion - (79:04), Is it a Bomb? - (110:37), RoboReviewer1000 - (118:00), Shoutouts! - (122:25), and Outro - (132:09)

Planet Terror is directed by Robert Rodriguez and stars Rose McGowan, Freddy Rodruguez, Josh Brolin, Marley Shelton, Jeff Fahey, Micheal Biehn, Bruce Willis, Naveen Andrews, Fergie, Tom Savini, Julio Oscar Mechoso, Nicky Katt, Michael Parks, and Quentin Tarantino

Death Proof is directed by Quentin Tarantino and stars Kurt Russell, Zoe Bell, Rosario Dawson, Vanessa Ferlito, Sydney Tamilia Poitier, Tracie Thoms, Rose McGowan, Jordan Lann, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Michael Parks, Quentin Tarantino, James Parks, and Jonathan Loughran

If you want to leave feedback or suggest a movie bomb, please drop us a line at [email protected] or Contact Us - here. Also, if you like what you hear, leave a review on Apple Podcast.

If you want to hear more of Sammy, make sure you subscribe to the Gentlemen’s Guide to Midnite Cinema and be sure to leave them a review.

Cast: Brad, Troy, Sammy

Welcome back to Not A Bomb Presents: Breaking Brad! Troy, Sammy from the GGTMC, and Jose from the Watch/Skip+ pick some of the worst films imaginable to see if they can break Brad. On this episode, the gang tackles the 1980 Philippine action-comedy spy film - For Y’ur Height Only. A parody of James Bond films and starring Weng Weng as Agent 00, For Y’ur Height Only is cheaply made, horribly edited, poorly paced, and laughably written. But… is there a chance that all four hosts enjoyed it? How many short jokes can be made in one podcast? Was this the film that finally broke Brad? Listen and find out!

Be sure to subscribe to the Gentlemen’s Guide to Midnite Cinema to hear more of Sammy. Also, check out Jose’s podcast - Watch/Skip+ • A podcast on Anchor. Both are highly recommended.

If you want to leave feedback or suggest a movie bomb, please drop us a line at [email protected] or Contact Us - here. Also, if you like what you hear, leave a review on Apple Podcast.

Cast: Brad, Troy, Jose, Sammy

On this very religious episode of Not A Bomb, the gang welcomes back Jose from Watch/Skip+ to discuss Wiliam Peter Blatty’s 1980 psychological drama - The Ninth Configuration. Known as the second installment in Blatty’s “Fatih Trilogy”, The Ninth Configuration examines the the human psyche, faith, insanity and the “mystery of goodness” in man. The film takes big swings at some big topics, but do they all hit? Does the strong cast save The Ninth Configuration from being too talky and pretentious? And what the heck is up with that bar scene in the third act? Listen and find out who loved this film and who couldn’t get behind this religious thriller.

Timestamps - Intro - (1:07), Religion Talk - (4:30), Box Office and Critical Response - (14:45), People Involved - (20:46), Production and Development - (37:15), Commerical Break - (40:25), The Ninth Configuration - (42:25), Is it a Bomb? - (98:33), Robo Reviewer 1000 - (101:34), Bomb Predictions - (106:38), Listener Feedback - (113:16), and Outro - (123:29)

The Ninth Configuration is directed by William Peter Blatty and stars Stacy Keach, Scott Wilson, Jason Miller, Ed Flanders, Neville Brand, George DiCenzo, and Moses Gunn

If you want to leave feedback or suggest a movie bomb, please drop us a line at [email protected] or Contact Us - here. Also, if you like what you hear, leave a review on Apple Podcast.

Cast: Brad, Troy, Jose

Welcome back to another “super” exciting episode of Not A Bomb. This is the podcast where we go back and reexamine some of the biggest bombs in cinematic history and see if they deserve a second chance. On this week’s episode, the guys are once again joined by Jose from the Watch/Skip+ podcast to discuss 1987’s superhero film - Superman IV: The Quest for Peace. What do you get when you combine the Man of Steel and The Cannon Group? You get a commercial and critical failure, and the end of Christopher Reeves as Superman. Made with a comparatively tiny budget, The Quest for Peace is best known for terrible special effects, a total lack of scientific knowledge, and slo-mo WWE wrestling in space. Does The Quest for Peace have enough charm to make it watchable? Why is Jon Cryer in this movie doing his impression of a “Valley Girl?” Did Brad just do a Rodney Dangerfield impression? Download and listen today!

Timestamp: Intro - (1:13), Box Office and Critical Results - (11:10), People Involved - (14:49), Production and Developments - (33:36), Commerical Break - (44:22), The Quest for Peace Discussion - (47:03), Is it a Bomb? - (80:52), Robo Reviewer1000 - (92:58), Outro - (105:00)

Superman IV: The Quest for Peace is directed by Sidney J Furie and stars Christopher Reeves, Gene Hackman, Jackie Cooper, Marc McClure, Jon Cryer, Sam Wanamaker, Mariel Hemingway, Margot Kidder, and Mark Pillow.

If you want to leave feedback or suggest a movie bomb, please drop us a line at [email protected] or Contact Us - here. Also, if you like what you hear, leave a review on Apple Podcast.

Cast: Brad, Troy, Jose

All hail the Patron Saint of Not A Bomb - Dolph Lundgren! The most reviewed action star on the podcast!

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Not A Bomb. This is the podcast where we go back and reexamine some of the biggest bombs in cinematic history and see if they deserve a second chance. On this week’s episode, the guys are pleased to welcome back Zo from the Back Look Cinema Podcast to discuss 1987’s superhero film - Masters of the Universe. Known as one of the films that bankrupted The Cannon Group, Masters of the Universe was meant to rejuvenate the franchise and increase toy sales. However, the poor critical reception and bad business decisions from Mattel did more damage than Skeletor riding on Panthor through Eternia. The film bombed and the kiddos stopped buying the action figures. Lots of great topics this episode including grown men collecting toys and the best Cannon films of the 80’s. Also, why is Frank Langella in Masters of the Universe delivering a Shakespeare quality performance?

Timestamps: Intro - (2:35), Box Office Results and Critical Response - (23:50), People Involved - (26:09), Production and Development - (38:25), Commerical Break - (61:06), Masters of the Universe Discussion - (63:38), Is it a Bomb? - (109:48), RoboReviewer1000 - (114:03), Listener Feedback - (118:19), and Outro - (129:10)

Masters of the Universe is directed by Gary Goddard and stars Dolph Lundgren, Frank Langella, Courtney Cox, James Tolkan, Christina Pickles, Meg Foster, and Robert Duncan McNeill.

Please check out the Back Look Cinema podcast and if you want to hear Troy discuss Jackie Chan with Zo, listen to the Rumble in the Bronx episode!

If you want to leave feedback or suggest a movie bomb, please drop us a line at [email protected] or Contact Us - here. Also, if you like what you hear, leave a review on Apple Podcast.

Cast: Brad, Troy, Zo

Welcome back to your favorite podcast about some of the biggest cinematic bombs of all time. This week, the guys are so excited to have Amy and Freddy Morris from the longest running horror podcast of all time - Night of the Living Podcast. If you have some of the foremost experts on horror on your show, you have to jump into the zombie realm and that’s actually what we did! This week, the gang tackles the 1988 buddy cop action zombie comedy film - Dead Heat. As one of the more insane buddy cop films, Dead Heat failed to make an impact upon release with both audiences and critics. The movie fell short of expectations forcing the studio to cancel the planned sequel. Does Dead Heat deserve a second look? Are pee and poop jokes funny when you’re in your 40’s? Is Vincent Price the greatest horror actor of all time? Listen to this week’s episode and find out!

Timestamps: Intro - (2:09), 5 Burning Questions - (3:30), Box Office Results and Critical Response - (16:02), People Involved - (19:50), Production and Development - (42:04), Why did it Bomb? - (43:37), Commerical Break - (50:06), Dead Heat Discussion - (52:06), Is it a Bomb? - (86:52), Robo Reviewer100 - (90:35), and Outro - (101:46)

Dead Heat is directed by Mark Goldblatt and stars Treat Williams, Joe Piscopo, Darren McGavin, Lindsay Frost, and Vincent Price.

Freddy and Amy host one of the longest running horror podcasts on the internet - Night of the Living Podcast, please go check it out! They just celebrated 17 years in podcasting!

If you want to leave feedback or suggest a movie bomb, please drop us a line at [email protected] or Contact Us - here. Also, if you like what you hear, leave a review on Apple Podcast.

Cast: Brad, Troy, Amy, Freddy

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Not A Bomb. This is the podcast where we go back and reexamine some of the biggest bombs in cinematic history and see if they deserve a second chance. On this week’s episode, the guys are joined by friend of the show and TV nerd, John Nance, to discuss 1992’s fantasy/comedy, Stay Tuned. A self-referential, meta comedy, Stay Tuned finds a couple being sucked into their television and must survive 24 hours of parody tv/movie stations. Stay Tuned released to mixed reviews and very light box office results. In fact, most people forgot about this film, and it doesn’t get much discussion when film fans talk about Peter Hyams’ filmography. How does this box office flop stand the test of time? Do the references still work today? Is there a better lovable loser than John Ritter? Is Peter Hyams one of the most underrated directors of the 80’s and 90’s? Listen and find out!

Timestamps: Intro - (2:04), Box Results and Critical Response - (6:45), People Involved - (10:41), Production & Development - (37:16), Why did it Bomb? - (38:35), Commerical Break - (46:05), Stay Tuned Discussion - (49:34), Is it a Bomb? - (88:07), RoboReviewer1000 - (90:42), Listener Feedback - (93:42), and Outro - (106:06)

Stay Tuned is directed Peter Hyams and stars John Ritter, Pam Dawber, Jeffrey Jones, and Eugene Levy.

If you want to leave feedback or suggest a movie bomb, please drop us a line at [email protected] or Contact Us - here. Also, if you like what you hear, leave a review on Apple Podcast.

Cast: Brad, Troy, John Nance