Episode 24: Sweepers

On this month’s episode we’re taking a look back at 1998’s Sweepers!  In this film Dolph Lundgren plays Christian Erickson, a humanitarian aid worker (with a Special Forces background) who races to stop the development of a new, high-tech landmine in Angola!  This was Lundgren’s second film with production house Nu Image and his first attempt at an action thriller, but one with a message. Don’t worry… the message isn’t as confused as the one in Seagal’s On Deadly Ground.  Joining me to discuss this socially conscious thriller is Brenton Haysom from the website, All Outta Bubblegum, the ultimate fan page devoted to the action movies we all love and enjoy!  To what extent is Lundgren once again channeling Clint Eastwood in this role?  What new touches does he add to the “hero with a tragic past” archetype?  Did this film bring a sense of awareness to the issue of landmines in Africa?  And what exactly is going on with Bruce Payne in this film? Join Brenton and I as we discuss the somewhat overlooked Sweepers!

Major thanks to Brenton Haysom for joining me.  For action movie reviews, video essays, and killcounts, please check out Brenton’s site, allouttabubblegum.com!

Please feel free to rate and review the show on iTunes, Stitcher, SoundCloud, or wherever else you go to subscribe!

Episode 23: Blackjack

In 1998, Dolph Lundgren starring in a syndicated television show seemed like a solid idea.  Add to the fact that Hong Kong action legend John Woo would be taking over directing duties, and this would be an action junkie’s dream come true.  Enter 1998’s Blackjack!  Lundgren plays Jack Devlin – a former US marshal turned bodyguard for hire with a penchant for card tricks and an aversion to the color white!  Unfortunately, the USA network passed on the pilot, and Dimension Films quickly picked it up, packaged it as a feature-length film and released it to home video.  But does Blackjack work as an actual movie?  Joining me to discuss this one is Bryan Coyne, writer and director of the horror films Infernal and Bad Apples!  Had this been picked up, would it have been able to sustain multiple seasons?  What John Woo tropes does Blackjack employ, and which does it not utilize?  Is Lundgren’s white-phobia a stroke of originality or a kryptonite that’s almost too bizarre for its own good?  And just how amazing is the “milk scene”?  Join us as we breakdown the wild television pilot Blackjack!

Major thanks to Bryan Coyne for joining me.  Please check out his films Infernal and Bad Apples currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime!  Please feel free to rate and review the show on iTunes, Stitcher, or wherever else you go to subscribe.