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Not A Bomb Podcast explores the cinematic failures of the box office as well as movies that critics, universally, didn‘t love. Each week, Brad and Troy discuss the history of a disastrous movie release and debate whether the film deserves a second chance. From misunderstood classics like Heaven’s Gate to cheesy flicks like Samurai Cop, you’ll find a wide variety of films that get a little extra attention and a possible second chance at success.

337 Episodes
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Episode 297 - Belly

Episode 297 - Belly

2026-02-2701:59:20

For the month of February, Not A Bomb is shining a spotlight on some of the greatest Black directors in cinematic history. This week, Troy and Brad dive into their first film from legendary music‑video visionary Hype Williams with his 1998 crime drama Belly, a film that’s as visually bold as it is culturally influential.Anchored by performances from DMX and Nas, the film brings Willams’ unmistakable aesthetic to every frame — surreal lighting, striking color palettes, and kinetic camera work, creating a dreamlike, hypnotic atmosphere that feels ripped straight from the golden era of hip‑hop. It’s a world where every shot looks like an album cover and every moment feels charged with style and attitude. While critics were divided on its narrative, Belly has endured as a cult classic, influencing filmmakers, musicians, and visual artists for decades. It’s messy, ambitious, and unlike anything else released in its era, which makes it perfect for the Not A Bomb treatment. The guys are also happy to bring friend of the show, Zo from Back Look Cinema Podcast back to the show! Be sure you go support his show!Belly is directed by Hype Williams and stars DMX, Nas, Taral Hicks, Method Man, Tionne “T‑Boz” Watkins, and Hassan Johnson.Support the ShowWant to help support the show? Head over to the Not A Bomb Tee Public store and check our merchandise. Special thanks to Ted Blair for the amazing designs!We're committed to hearing your feedback and suggestions. If there's a cinematic flop you'd like us to delve into, please reach out to us at NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page. Your reviews and feedback are what drive us. If you enjoy our content, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.Cast: Brad, TroySpecial Guest: Zo
Love is in the air… which means it’s time for a group of so-called friends to emotionally waterboard their buddy with terrible cinema.This week’s experiment: the glitter-soaked fever dream starring Paris Hilton — The Hottie and the Nottie. A romantic comedy that bravely asks, “Can true love conquer all?” …and then immediately tests that theory against a script that absolutely cannot.We would break down the plot, but that would imply there’s structure. Instead, imagine a loose collection of baffling decisions, early-2000s fashion choices, and jokes that feel like they were rescued from a rejected middle school notebook — all stitched together with lip gloss and desperation.It’s a movie that doesn’t just challenge beauty standards and rom-com tropes… it challenges friendships. And on this episode, we find out whether love is patient, love is kind — and whether Brad can survive 90 minutes of this without filing a formal complaint.Happy Valentine’s Day. Bring chocolate. And emotional support.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 NotABombPod@gmail.com or Contact Us - here. Also, if you like what you hear, leave a review on Apple Podcast.Cast: Brad, Troy, Jose, Sammy
For the month of February, Not A Bomb is shining a spotlight on some of the greatest Black directors in cinematic history. This week, Troy and Brad shift gears from grounded crime dramas to full‑throttle grindhouse fantasy as they explore their first film from RZA — the Wu‑Tang Clan legend turned filmmaker — with his 2012 martial‑arts epic The Man with the Iron Fists.Set in the chaotic, neon‑splashed world of Jungle Village, the film follows a humble blacksmith who becomes entangled in a violent power struggle between assassins, warriors, mercenaries, and one extremely committed Russell Crowe. Drawing inspiration from Shaw Brothers classics, spaghetti westerns, and old‑school kung fu cinema, RZA blends genre homage with his own hip‑hop sensibilities to create something loud, stylish, and completely unrestrained.With bone‑crunching fight scenes, outrageous characters, and a world that feels ripped straight from a fever‑dream comic book, The Man with the Iron Fists asks a simple question: can pure passion and love for martial‑arts cinema overcome a chaotic script and some questionable acting choices? Troy and Brad dig into RZA’s directorial vision, the film’s wild production energy, and why this gonzo kung‑fu mashup has earned a cult following.Sharpen your blades — this one gets rowdy.The Man with the Iron Fists is directed by RZA and stars Russell Crowe, Cung Lee, Lucy Liu, Bryon Mann, RZA, Rick Yune, David Bautista, and Jamie ChungWant to help support the show? Head over to the Not A Bomb Tee Public store and check our merchandise. Special thanks to Ted Blair for the amazing designs!We're committed to hearing your feedback and suggestions. If there's a cinematic flop you'd like us to delve into, please reach out to us at NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page. Your reviews and feedback are what drive us. If you enjoy our content, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.Cast: Brad, Troy
Episode 295 - Clockers

Episode 295 - Clockers

2026-02-1301:33:55

Welcome back to Not A Bomb!—the podcast where we resurrect cinema’s most infamous box office disasters and ask the burning question: was it really that bad? We’re celebrating five years of cinematic redemption.For the month of February, Not A Bomb is shining a spotlight on some of the greatest Black directors in cinematic history. This week, Troy and Brad take on their very first Spike Lee joint with his 1995 crime drama Clockers — a film that blends gritty realism, moral complexity, and Lee’s unmistakable visual style.Set in a Brooklyn housing project, Clockers allows Spike Lee to use his sharp eye for cultural tension, systemic injustice, and the lived realities of urban America, the film becomes more than a crime story — it’s a layered portrait of community, policing, and the cycles that trap people in impossible choices.Is Clockers one of Spike Lee’s most underrated films? And how does it fit into the larger conversation about ’90s crime cinema and Black storytelling on screen? Troy and Brad dig into all of it.Clockers is directed by Spike Lee and stars Harvey Keitel, John Turturro, Delroy Lindo, Mikhi Phifer, Isaiah Washington, and Ketih David. Want to help support the show? Head over to the Not A Bomb Tee Public store and check our merchandise. Special thanks to Ted Blair for the amazing designs!We're committed to hearing your feedback and suggestions. If there's a cinematic flop you'd like us to delve into, please reach out to us at NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page. Your reviews and feedback are what drive us. If you enjoy our content, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.Cast: Brad, Troy
Welcome back to Not A Bomb! —the podcast where we resurrect cinema’s most infamous box office disasters and ask the burning question: was it really that bad? We’re celebrating five years of cinematic redemption.For the month of February, Not A Bomb is shining a spotlight on some of the greatest Black directors in cinematic history. And look — Brad and Troy fully acknowledge that two white guys aren’t exactly the cultural authorities here. But they are passionate about movies, and they wanted to take time to celebrate a handful of incredible filmmakers and the films that deserve more love.This week, the guys dive into one of the most underrated neo‑noirs of the ’90s: Devil in a Blue Dress (1995). Directed by the criminally overlooked Carl Franklin, the film follows Denzel Washington as Easy Rawlins, a WWII veteran navigating postwar Los Angeles who gets pulled into a mystery involving a missing femme fatale, political secrets, and the kind of corruption noir fans live for.With a powerhouse cast, razor‑sharp direction, and a richly atmospheric take on the genre, Devil in a Blue Dress raises a big question: is this one of the greatest noir films ever made? Brad and Troy dig into the performances, the themes, the legacy, and why Carl Franklin deserves far more recognition than he gets.Hard-boiled and sharp-edged, this soul-scarred noir doesn’t ask for the spotlight — it takes it. Press play and step into the night.Devil in a Blue Dress is directed by Carl Franklin and stars Denzel Washington, Tom Sizemore, Jennifer Beals, Don Cheadle, and Maury ChaykinWant to help support the show? Head over to the Not A Bomb Tee Public store and check our merchandise. Special thanks to Ted Blair for the amazing designs!We're committed to hearing your feedback and suggestions. If there's a cinematic flop you'd like us to delve into, please reach out to us at NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page. Your reviews and feedback are what drive us. If you enjoy our content, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.Cast: Brad, Troy
Welcome back to Not A Bomb! —the podcast where we resurrect cinema’s most infamous box office disasters and ask the burning question: was it really that bad? We’re celebrating five years of cinematic redemption.For the month of January, Not A Bomb asks a very important cinematic question: what happens when actors decide that being in front of the camera just isn’t enough and take a shot at directing themselves? This week, Brad and Troy dive into the wild, weird world of one of cinema’s most unique action heroes — Steven Seagal — and his 1994 directorial debut, On Deadly Ground. What happens when you blend Road House bar‑brawling energy, sprinkle in a little Dances with Wolves spiritualism, and top it off with the explosive absurdity of Commando? You get Seagal as a Native American eco‑warrior battling a cartoonishly evil oil company that’s tearing up the Alaskan wilderness.And if that’s not enough, Michael Caine shows up with the greasiest hair of his career, there’s a bar scene that might belong in the Action Movie Hall of Fame, and Seagal delivers environmental monologues with the confidence that only Steven Seagal can deliver. Is it poorly written? Without question. Is Seagal a terrible director? Oh, absolutely. But does that stop On Deadly Ground from being a fascinating, ridiculous, and thoroughly entertaining action‑adventure? Not a chance.Strap in — this one’s a blizzard of bad decisions, big explosions, and pure ’90s action madness.On Deadly Ground is directed by Steven Seagal and stars Steven Seagal, Michael Cine, Joan, John C. McGinley, R. Lee Ermey, Shari Shattuck, Billy Bob Thornton, Richard Hamilton, Sven-Ole Thorsen, and Mike Starr.Want to help support the show? Head over to the Not A Bomb Tee Public store and check our merchandise. Special thanks to Ted Blair for the amazing designs!We're committed to hearing your feedback and suggestions. If there's a cinematic flop you'd like us to delve into, please reach out to us at NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page. Your reviews and feedback are what drive us. If you enjoy our content, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.Cast: Brad, Troy
It’s a magical day…..for Season 2 of Not A Bomb Presents: Breaking Brad. The premise is simple. Troy, Sammy from GGTMC, and Jose from Watch/Skip+ pick some of the worst films imaginable to see if they can break Brad.To kick off the new season, the guys dive headfirst into their very first Neil Breen experience — Fateful Findings, a movie that boldly asks, “What if one man did everything… and maybe shouldn’t have?”We tried to write a quick synopsis, but that’s scientifically impossible. This film doesn’t have a plot so much as it has… events. Many events. All happening. All at once. In ways no human mind can fully process.Will writer/producer/director/star/caterer/sound editor/makeup artist/set decorator Neil Breen finally be the one to break Brad? Or will Brad ascend to a higher plane of Breen‑lightenment?Only one way to know — Listen and join us on this mystical, laptop‑throwing journey.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 NotABombPod@gmail.com or Contact Us - here. Also, if you like what you hear, leave a review on Apple Podcast.Cast: Brad, Troy, Jose, Sammy
Episode 292 - The Two Jakes

Episode 292 - The Two Jakes

2026-01-2301:30:32

Welcome back to Not A Bomb! —the podcast where we resurrect cinema’s most infamous box office disasters and ask the burning question: was it really that bad? We’re celebrating five years of cinematic redemption.For the month of January, Not A Bomb asks a very important cinematic question: what happens when actors decide that being in front of the camera just isn’t enough and take a shot at directing themselves? In the latest episode of Not A Bomb, Troy and Brad crack open one of Hollywood’s strangest sequels — The Two Jakes. Arriving sixteen years after Chinatown, this long‑delayed follow‑up limped into theaters weighed down by production troubles, an unfinished script, and the impossible shadow of one of the greatest neo‑noirs ever made.Jack Nicholson pulls double duty this time, stepping behind the camera while reprising his role as private eye J.J. “Jake” Gittes. But despite the star power and the legacy attached, the film barely made a dent upon release, leaving audiences and critics wondering whether this sequel ever had a fighting chance.Does The Two Jakes earn its place as a continuation of a classic, or is it proof that some stories are better left alone? Troy and Brad dig into the mystery.The Two Jakes is directed by Jack Nicholson and stars Jack Nicolson, Harvey Keitel, Madeleine Stowe, Eli Wallach, Ruben Blades, Frederic Forrest, David Keith, and Richard FarnsworthWant to help support the show? Head over to the Not A Bomb Tee Public store and check our merchandise. Special thanks to Ted Blair for the amazing designs!We're committed to hearing your feedback and suggestions. If there's a cinematic flop you'd like us to delve into, please reach out to us at NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page. Your reviews and feedback are what drive us. If you enjoy our content, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.Cast: Brad, Troy
Welcome back to Not A Bomb! —the podcast where we resurrect cinema’s most infamous box office disasters and ask the burning question: was it really that bad? We’re celebrating five years of cinematic redemption.For the month of January, Not A Bomb asks a very important cinematic question: what happens when actors decide that being in front of the camera just isn’t enough and take a shot at directing themselves? In the latest episode of Not A Bomb Podcast, we boldly go where many fans wish the franchise hadn’t with Star Trek V: The Final Frontier. William Shatner steps fully into the captain’s chair — pulling double (and triple) duty as director, co-writer, and star — and the results are… complicated. We break down Shatner’s ambitions behind the camera, the notoriously troubled production, studio interference, budget issues, and how a film built around big ideas about faith and God ultimately became one of the most debated — and often maligned — entries in the Star Trek film series.Joining us for this journey beyond the galactic barrier is Sammy from The Gentlemen’s Guide to Midnight Cinema, who helps us ask the forbidden question: is Star Trek V really as bad as its reputation? While the film is frequently labeled one of the worst in the franchise, we dig into its themes, character moments, and oddball sincerity to see if there’s a misunderstood Trek hiding beneath the camp, chaos, and infamous missteps. Strap in, grab your favorite Tribble, and prepare for a spirited reassessment of one of Star Trek’s most controversial adventures.Want to help support the show? Head over to the Not A Bomb Tee Public store and check our merchandise. Special thanks to Ted Blair for the amazing designs!We're committed to hearing your feedback and suggestions. If there's a cinematic flop you'd like us to delve into, please reach out to us at NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page. Your reviews and feedback are what drive us. If you enjoy our content, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.Cast: Brad, Troy
Episode 290 - The Quest

Episode 290 - The Quest

2026-01-0901:38:39

Welcome back to Not A Bomb! —the podcast where we resurrect cinema’s most infamous box office disasters and ask the burning question: was it really that bad? We’re celebrating five years of cinematic redemption.For the month of January, Not A Bomb asks a very important cinematic question: what happens when actors decide that being in front of the camera just isn’t enough and take a shot at directing themselves? Troy and Brad are “kicking” things off with The Quest, the 1996 martial‑arts adventure film both directed by — and starring — the Muscles from Brussels himself, Jean‑Claude Van Damme.Upon release, The Quest didn’t exactly spin‑kick its way into critics’ hearts. Reviews were mixed at best, with many calling it a reheated blend of better tournament movies and a vanity project that proved JCVD might be more comfortable throwing roundhouses than calling “action.” Financially, the film limped across the finish line, earning modest box office returns that fell far short of Van Damme’s earlier hits. In short: not a total disaster, but definitely not the triumphant directorial debut he probably envisioned.One part Bloodsport, one part Street Fighter, one part Enter the Dragon, and all parts dumb, The Quest might be the perfect argument for actors to stay in their lanes. But hey — it does feature plenty of sweaty, oily dudes kicking each other in the face. Is that enough to win Troy and Brad over?Only one way to find out — listen now!The Quest is directed by Jean-Claude Van Damme and stars Jean-Claude Van Damme, Roger Moore, James Remar, Janet Gunn, Jack McGee, Aki Aleong, and Louis Mandylor. Want to help support the show? Head over to the Not A Bomb Tee Public store and check our merchandise. Special thanks to Ted Blair for the amazing designs!We're committed to hearing your feedback and suggestions. If there's a cinematic flop you'd like us to delve into, please reach out to us at NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page. Your reviews and feedback are what drive us. If you enjoy our content, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.Cast: Brad, Troy
Episode 289 - Eddington

Episode 289 - Eddington

2026-01-0202:00:22

Welcome back to Not A Bomb! —the podcast where we resurrect cinema’s most infamous box office disasters and ask the burning question: was it really that bad? We’re celebrating five years of cinematic redemption.As Not A Bomb waves goodbye to 2025 and kicks open the saloon doors of 2026, Troy and Brad saddle up for one last cinematic misfire from the year that was. This time, the guys take aim at Eddington, Ari Aster’s divisive neo‑western that split audiences harder than a frontier land dispute.Despite Aster’s reputation as one of modern horror’s most daring auteurs, Eddington rode into theaters under a cloud of confusion and left with its saddle noticeably lighter. Critics were sharply divided — some praised its ambition and genre‑bending weirdness, while others felt the film wandered the desert without a map. Audiences weren’t much kinder, and the box office numbers reflected it, turning Aster’s bold experiment into one of 2025’s most talked‑about financial face‑plants.Is Aster’s genre‑twisting odyssey a misunderstood masterpiece or a dusty dud best left on the prairie trail? Troy and Brad ride into the heart of the chaos to find out.Giddy up and listen now!Eddington is directed by Ari Aster and stars Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Luke Grimes, Deirdre O’Connell, Michael Ward, Austin Butler, and Emma Stone. Want to help support the show? Head over to the Not A Bomb Tee Public store and check our merchandise. Special thanks to Ted Blair for the amazing designs!We're committed to hearing your feedback and suggestions. If there's a cinematic flop you'd like us to delve into, please reach out to us at NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page. Your reviews and feedback are what drive us. If you enjoy our content, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.Cast: Brad, Troy
Episode 288 - Mickey 17

Episode 288 - Mickey 17

2025-12-2601:41:11

Welcome back to Not A Bomb! —the podcast where we resurrect cinema’s most infamous box office disasters and ask the burning question: was it really that bad? We’re celebrating five years of cinematic redemption.Not A Bomb is seeing double this week! Troy and Brad continue their tour through 2025’s biggest cinematic misfires with Mickey 17, Bong Joon Ho’s sci‑fi black‑comedy follow‑up to his Academy Award–winning masterpiece Parasite. Armed with a massive budget and total creative freedom, Joon Ho delivered a true blank‑check passion project… that somehow managed to lose over $75 million.The guys dig into the film’s stacked themes, its wonderfully weird performances, and the not‑so‑subtle political parallels that had everyone talking. Did one of modern cinema’s most celebrated directors craft another instant classic, or is Mickey 17 a clone you can safely skip?Only one way to find out — listen now!Mickey 17 is directed by Bong Joon Ho and stars Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark RuffaloWant to help support the show? Head over to the Not A Bomb Tee Public store and check our merchandise. Special thanks to Ted Blair for the amazing designs!We're committed to hearing your feedback and suggestions. If there's a cinematic flop you'd like us to delve into, please reach out to us at NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page. Your reviews and feedback are what drive us. If you enjoy our content, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.Cast: Brad, Troy
This week, we’re doing something a little different—and a whole lot of fun. It’s time to reveal the Not A Bomb Community’s official list of the 25 greatest films of the last 25 years. That’s right… your picks, your favorites, and your cinematic darlings. To help us break down this monster list, Troy and Brad are joined by longtime friend of the show Charlie, who brings his signature insight, enthusiasm, and love of history to the discussion. Together, the trio look back at a quarter century of unforgettable filmmaking—everything from the universally beloved to the “wait… really?” selections that only our community could deliver.Does your favorite movie make the cut? Only one way to find out—hit play and join the countdown.Support the ShowWant to rep Not A Bomb out in the wild? Swing by our TeePublic store and check out the latest merch. Huge shout‑out to Ted Blair for crafting the killer designs that make us look far cooler than we actually are.We Want to Hear From YouGot a cinematic misfire you’re dying for us to tackle? A forgotten flop that deserves redemption? Drop us a line at NotABombPod@gmail.com or reach out through our contact page. Your feedback, reviews, and suggestions keep this whole thing rolling.If you enjoy the show, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps more than you know.Cast: Brad, Troy, Charlie
Welcome back to Not A Bomb! —the podcast where we resurrect cinema’s most infamous box office disasters and ask the burning question: was it really that bad? We’re celebrating five years of cinematic redemption.Not A Bomb! marches on with their discussion of some of the biggest bombs of 2025. Some movies stroll into the Not A Bomb clubhouse with a polite knock. Others kick the door down, track mud across the carpet, and immediately ask where you keep the bourbon. Caught Stealing (2025) is absolutely the second kind.This week, we dive into the pulpy, bruised‑knuckle world of Paul Tremblay’s crime novel turned cinematic fever dream — a film that somehow blends noir grit, slapstick chaos, and the kind of escalating misfortune that makes you want to pat the protagonist on the shoulder and say, “Buddy… maybe just stay home next time.” The guys are so happy to have Jose from Watch Skip Plus to join in on the conversation. Caught Stealing is directed by Darren Aronofsky and stars Austin Butler, Regina King, Zoe Kravitz, Matt Smith, Liev Schreiber, Vincent D’Onofrio, Benito Martinez Ocasio, Griffin Daune, and Carol KaneWant to help support the show? Head over to the Not A Bomb Tee Public store and check our merchandise. Special thanks to Ted Blair for the amazing designs!We're committed to hearing your feedback and suggestions. If there's a cinematic flop you'd like us to delve into, please reach out to us at NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page. Your reviews and feedback are what drive us. If you enjoy our content, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.Cast: Brad, Troy, Jose
Welcome back to Not A Bomb! —the podcast where we resurrect cinema’s most infamous box office disasters and ask the burning question: was it really that bad? We’re celebrating five years of cinematic redemption.Not A Bomb! continues with the bombs of 2025, this time examining the black comedy film - The Phoenician Scheme. Troy and Brad use this opportunity to reflect on the cinematic career of Wes Anderson. Everyone knows Wes has a unique visual, but has he grown as a filmmaker? Is he just doing the Wes Anderson thing? The hosts find themselves battling with their initial thoughts and The Phoenician Scheme provided plenty for them to chew on. But hey, most importantly the guys are able to talk about Richard Ayoade AKA Dean Learner from Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace so maybe The Phoenician Scheme is the greatest film ever made for that simply fact.The Phoenician Scheme is directed by Wes Anderson and stars Benicio del Toro, Mia Threapleton, Michael Cera, Rix Ahmed, Bryan Cranston, Mathieu Amairic, Richard Ayoade, Jeffrey Wright, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Rupert FriendAdditionally, Troy and Brad discuss Kill Bill: The Whole Affair as a bonus.Want to help support the show? Head over to the Not A Bomb Tee Public store and check our merchandise. Special thanks to Ted Blair for the amazing designs!We're committed to hearing your feedback and suggestions. If there's a cinematic flop you'd like us to delve into, please reach out to us at NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page. Your reviews and feedback are what drive us. If you enjoy our content, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.Cast: Brad, Troy
Welcome back to Not A Bomb! —the podcast where we resurrect cinema’s most infamous box office disasters and ask the burning question: was it really that bad? We’re celebrating five years of cinematic redemption.Not A Bomb! rolls into month two of dissecting the biggest cinematic disasters of 2025. This week, the crew tackles a film that dares to ask: what if Robert De Niro played not one, but two mobsters? That’s right—double the De Niro, half the payoff—in The Alto Knights.Do you love watching Sopranos alums remix their old tricks with barely a fresh idea in sight? Want to behold some of the most baffling lighting choices ever burned onto a screen? Or maybe you’re in the mood for two full hours of nonstop rambling with virtually no action to show for it? Then strap in—this cinematic “bomb” has your name scrawled on it in giant, flaming letters.To sweeten the deal, we’re celebrating the 15th anniversary of the cult web-series Infinite Santa 8000 by welcoming back director Michael Neel. His sharp, technical perspective offers a refreshing counterpoint to the chaos, that is Troy and Brad. The Alto Knights is directed by Barry Levinson and stars Robert De Niro, Debra Messing, Cosmo Jarvis, Katherine Narducci, and Michael RispoliWant to help support the show? Head over to the Not A Bomb Tee Public store and check our merchandise. Special thanks to Ted Blair for the amazing designs!We're committed to hearing your feedback and suggestions. If there's a cinematic flop you'd like us to delve into, please reach out to us at NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page. Your reviews and feedback are what drive us. If you enjoy our content, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.Cast: Brad, Troy, Michael
Welcome back to Not A Bomb! —the podcast where we resurrect cinema’s most infamous box office disasters and ask the burning question: was it really that bad? We’re celebrating five years of cinematic redemption.🔥 Not A Bomb! marches back into the battlefield of cinematic disasters with another contender for “biggest bomb of 2025.” This week, Troy and Brad summon a Greek God to their party—friend of the show Soph—who brings his artistic lens to the carnage.⚔️ The subject? The 2025 remake/reboot of the 1985 sword-and-sandals cult relic Red Sonja. Armed with snark and steel, the crew takes a mighty swing at this low-budget “attempt” to reintroduce the flame-haired warrior to a new generation. But here’s the burning question: does this reboot honor the source material, or does it alienate the fans who kept Sonja’s legend alive? You’ll have to listen to find out.Want to help support the show? Head over to the Not A Bomb Tee Public store and check our merchandise. Special thanks to Ted Blair for the amazing designs!We're committed to hearing your feedback and suggestions. If there's a cinematic flop you'd like us to delve into, please reach out to us at NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page. Your reviews and feedback are what drive us. If you enjoy our content, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.Cast: Brad, Troy, Soph
Episode 283 - Black Bag

Episode 283 - Black Bag

2025-11-2101:31:25

Welcome back to Not A Bomb! —the podcast where we resurrect cinema’s most infamous box office disasters and ask the burning question: was it really that bad? We’re celebrating five years of cinematic redemption.On this week’s episode of Not A Bomb! - the guys continue examining some of the biggest bombs of 2025 and for this episode they jump into Steven Soderbergh’s 36th directorial film - Black Bag. This spy thriller finds Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett putting their marriage to the test to see just how far they would go to find a traitor. A critical darling, Black Bag failed to find commercial success but has all the markings of a cult classic. Listen as Troy and Brad deep drive into this super-sexy spy thriller. Black Bag is directed by Steven Soderbergh and stars Cate Blanchett, Michael Fassbender, Marisa Abela, Tom Burke, Naomie Harris, Rege-Jean Page and Pierce BrosnanWant to help support the show? Head over to the Not A Bomb Tee Public store and check our merchandise. Special thanks to Ted Blair for the amazing designs!We're committed to hearing your feedback and suggestions. If there's a cinematic flop you'd like us to delve into, please reach out to us at NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page. Your reviews and feedback are what drive us. If you enjoy our content, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.Cast: Brad, Troy
Welcome back to Not A Bomb! —the podcast where we resurrect cinema’s most infamous box office disasters and ask the burning question: was it really that bad? We’re celebrating five years of cinematic redemption.The “celebration” of 2025’s biggest cinematic misfires rolls on, and this week, Troy and Brad pirouette into the bullet-riddled ballet that is Ballerina. Set in the ever-expanding World of John Wick, this spin-off tries desperately to remind you that, yes, the John Wick franchise is still very cool, very successful, and very much alive—even if this particular entry feels like it’s limping to the finish line in high heels.Ballerina stars Ana de Armas as Eve, a vengeance-fueled assassin with a tragic backstory and a penchant for pirouettes and pistol-whipping. The film’s marketing promised a sleek, stylish detour into Wick’s world, but what audiences got was a muddled mix of lore-dumping, recycled set pieces, and storytelling that felt like it was choreographed by committee.Troy and Brad dive deep into the film’s long and winding production history, including the last-minute call to bring in franchise godfather Chad Stahelski to punch up the action. Is Ballerina a misunderstood gem or just a misstep in an otherwise bulletproof franchise? Tune in as they dissect the good, the bad, and the ballet of it all—and decide whether Ballerina deserves a second dance or a swift exit stage left.From the world of John Wick: Ballerina is directed by Len Wiseman and stars Ana de Armas, Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Lance Reddick, Norman Reedus, Ian McShane, and Keanu Reeves.To celebrate the last 25 years of film, the Not A Bomb podcast is compiling a Top 25 list from the Not A Bomb community. If you would like to submit your own list, please use this form to enter your 25 choices. For a film to be eligible, it must have been released between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2025. Those are the only rules. Hurry, this is the last week to submit your list! Thank you for being a part of the community! Stay tuned for a special episode revealing the results in December. Head over to Not A Bomb 25 in 25 to fill out the form!Want to help support the show? Head over to the Not A Bomb Tee Public store and check our merchandise. Special thanks to Ted Blair for the amazing designs!We're committed to hearing your feedback and suggestions. If there's a cinematic flop you'd like us to delve into, please reach out to us at NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page. Your reviews and feedback are what drive us. If you enjoy our content, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.Cast: Brad, Troy
Welcome back to Not A Bomb! —the podcast where we resurrect cinema’s most infamous box office disasters and ask the burning question: was it really that bad? We’re celebrating five years of cinematic redemption.November’s here, and that means it’s time for our annual deep dive into the biggest cinematic faceplants of the year. First up, one of 2025’s superhero-sized stumbles — Captain America: Brave New World.With Sam Wilson stepping into the shielded spotlight, the film promises a bold new chapter in the legacy of America’s most iconic hero. But behind the patriotic veneer lies a tangled web of rewrites, reshoots, and a post-production timeline that rivals a presidential campaign. Is this a gripping political thriller worthy of the Winter Soldier legacy—or a bloated blockbuster weighed down by too many cooks in the writers’ room?As Thunderbolt Ross ascends to the presidency and global tensions simmer, Brave New World aims to blend superhero spectacle with cloak-and-dagger intrigue. But does it soar or sink?Tune in as Troy and Brad break down the film’s ambitions, its execution, and whether Marvel’s latest gamble is a brave new triumph—or a not-so-subtle bomb. 🎧 Listen now and decide for yourself.Captain American: Brave New World is directed by Julius Onah and stars Anthony Mackie, Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Carl Lumbly, Xosha Roquemore, Giancarlo Esposito, Liv Tyler, Tim Blake Nelson, and Harrison Ford. To celebrate the last 25 years of film, the Not A Bomb podcast is compiling a Top 25 list from the Not A Bomb community. If you would like to submit your own list, please use this form to enter your 25 choices. For a film to be eligible, it must have been released between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2025. Those are the only rules. Thank you for being a part of the community! Stay tuned for a special episode revealing the results in December. Head over to Not A Bomb 25 in 25 to fill out the form!Want to help support the show? Head over to the Not A Bomb Tee Public store and check our merchandise. Special thanks to Ted Blair for the amazing designs!We're committed to hearing your feedback and suggestions. If there's a cinematic flop you'd like us to delve into, please reach out to us at NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page. Your reviews and feedback are what drive us. If you enjoy our content, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.Cast: Brad, Troy
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