Episode 319 - Innerspace (1987)
Welcome back to Not A Bomb, the podcast where we resurrect cinema’s most infamous box office disasters and ask the burning question: is it a bomb? This week, Troy and Brad shrink down, suit up, and dive headfirst into the wild, high‑concept sci‑fi comedy Innerspace from 1987. It’s one of those movies that sounds absolutely unhinged when you describe it out loud, yet somehow becomes charming, energetic, and weirdly heartfelt once you hit play.
That’s the Joe Dante magic. In the hands of a less capable director, Innerspace could’ve been a complete mess. The premise alone, a hotshot pilot miniaturized and accidentally injected into a hypochondriac grocery store clerk, is the kind of thing that could collapse under its own absurdity. But Dante threads the needle, blending cartoon logic, sci‑fi spectacle, slapstick comedy, and genuine sweetness into a film that shouldn’t work but absolutely does. It’s insane in the best way, and charming in a way only Dante seems able to pull off.
Troy and Brad dig into the film’s chaotic energy, its inventive effects, and the pitch‑perfect performances from Dennis Quaid and Martin Short, who somehow make the whole thing feel grounded even as it spirals into sci‑fi lunacy. And of course, they take a moment to appreciate Meg Ryan, because 1987 Meg Ryan was peak Meg Ryan. She lights up every scene she’s in, adding warmth and charisma that elevate the movie even further.
The guys also explore how Innerspace has evolved from a modest box office performer into a beloved cult favorite, why its blend of genres feels so unique today, and how Dante’s playful filmmaking style keeps the movie from ever tipping into chaos.
Grab your lab coat, avoid the rogue scientists, and prepare to get very, very small.
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 y
Welcome back to Not A Bomb, the podcast where we resurrect cinema’s most infamous box office disasters and ask the burning question: is it a bomb? This week, Troy and Brad shrink down, suit up, and dive headfirst into the wild, high‑concept sci‑fi comedy Innerspace from 1987. It’s one of those movies that sounds absolutely unhinged when you describe it out loud, yet somehow becomes charming, energetic, and weirdly heartfelt once you hit play.
That’s the Joe Dante magic. In the hands of a less capable director, Innerspace could’ve been a complete mess. The premise alone, a hotshot pilot miniaturized and accidentally injected into a hypochondriac grocery store clerk, is the kind of thing that could collapse under its own absurdity. But Dante threads the needle, blending cartoon logic, sci‑fi spectacle, slapstick comedy, and genuine sweetness into a film that shouldn’t work but absolutely does. It’s insane in the best way, and charming in a way only Dante seems able to pull off.
Troy and Brad dig into the film’s chaotic energy, its inventive effects, and the pitch‑perfect performances from Dennis Quaid and Martin Short, who somehow make the whole thing feel grounded even as it spirals into sci‑fi lunacy. And of course, they take a moment to appreciate Meg Ryan, because 1987 Meg Ryan was peak Meg Ryan. She lights up every scene she’s in, adding warmth and charisma that elevate the movie even further.
The guys also explore how Innerspace has evolved from a modest box office performer into a beloved cult favorite, why its blend of genres feels so unique today, and how Dante’s playful filmmaking style keeps the movie from ever tipping into chaos.
Grab your lab coat, avoid the rogue scientists, and prepare to get very, very small.
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.
Episode 224 - The Substance (Not A Bomb X Watch Skip Plus Crossover)
Welcome back to Not A Bomb! This is the podcast where we dive into some of cinema's biggest box office failures and explore whether they deserve a second chance!
Listener Request Month takes a little pause as the guys gather in the same room to record a special episode with Jose and Alex from Watch Skip Plus. To celebrate this momentous occasion, there was only one film that could do it justice: The Substance. Equal parts Cronenberg and Showgirls, The Substance stands apart from anything previously covered on the podcast—and with its current box office flop, it’s officially podcast-worthy. The hosts also dive into their favorite finds from Baltimore Comic-Con and share thoughts on the movies they've been watching lately. So, grab a seat, relax, and tune in for conversations about fame, body image, chewing sounds, and the ever-debated pronunciation of Demi Moore's name. Plus, everyone experiences a weirdly flavored drink for the plus!
The Substance is directed by Coralie Fargeat and stars Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid.
Spoilers for The Substance between - (105:36 - 143:34)
Other films discussed include Ninja Terminator, Tammy and the T-Rex, Death Promise, Hard Boiled, This is Spinal Tap, and Cop Game.
Make sure to check out Watch Skip Plus on your podcast catcher of choice!
Not A Bomb just launched new designs in our Merch store! Head over to the Not A Bomb Tee Public store and check them out. Special thanks to Ted Blair for the amazing designs!
We value your feedback and suggestions. If you have a cinematic flop you'd like us to discuss, please reach out to us at NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page. Your reviews and feedback are what keep us going. If you enjoy our content, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
Welcome back to Not A Bomb! This is the podcast where we dive into some of cinema's biggest box office failures and explore whether they deserve a second chance!
Listener Request Month takes a little pause as the guys gather in the same room to record a special episode with Jose and Alex from Watch Skip Plus. To celebrate this momentous occasion, there was only one film that could do it justice: The Substance. Equal parts Cronenberg and Showgirls, The Substance stands apart from anything previously covered on the podcast—and with its current box office flop, it’s officially podcast-worthy. The hosts also dive into their favorite finds from Baltimore Comic-Con and share thoughts on the movies they've been watching lately. So, grab a seat, relax, and tune in for conversations about fame, body image, chewing sounds, and the ever-debated pronunciation of Demi Moore's name. Plus, everyone experiences a weirdly flavored drink for the plus!
The Substance is directed by Coralie Fargeat and stars Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid.
Spoilers for The Substance between - (105:36 - 143:34)
Other films discussed include Ninja Terminator, Tammy and the T-Rex, Death Promise, Hard Boiled, This is Spinal Tap, and Cop Game.
Make sure to check out Watch Skip Plus on your podcast catcher of choice!
Not A Bomb just launched new designs in our Merch store! Head over to the Not A Bomb Tee Public store and check them out. Special thanks to Ted Blair for the amazing designs!
We value your feedback and suggestions. If you have a cinematic flop you'd like us to discuss, please reach out to us at NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page. Your reviews and feedback are what keep us going. If you enjoy our content, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
Episode 213 - The Alamo
Welcome back to Not A Bomb! This is the podcast where we dive into some of cinema's biggest box office failures and explore whether they deserve a second chance.
As we roll into the summer months, Not A Bomb has decided to dedicate July to the Summer Blockbuster season. That particular time of year when film budgets seemingly have no limit. To kick off our Summer Blockbuster extravaganza, Troy and Brad tackle 2004’s historical drama - The Alamo. All this is well and good, but here is what you need to know: the summer blockbuster season is May-August. That was the assignment, and Brad picked a film released in April, so we are already off to a great start! Outside of someone’s inability to understand time, we hope you enjoy the episode.
The Alamo is directed by John Lee Hancock and stars Dennis Quaid, Billy Bob Thornton, Jason Patric, Patrick Wilson, Jordi Molla, and Emilio Echevarria
Not A Bomb just launched new designs in our Merch store! Head over to the Not A Bomb Tee Public store and check them out. Special thanks to Ted Blair for the amazing designs!
We value your feedback and suggestions. If you have a cinematic flop you'd like us to discuss, please reach out to us at NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page. Your reviews and feedback are what keep us going. If you enjoy our content, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.
Cast: Brad, Troy
Welcome back to Not A Bomb! This is the podcast where we dive into some of cinema's biggest box office failures and explore whether they deserve a second chance.
As we roll into the summer months, Not A Bomb has decided to dedicate July to the Summer Blockbuster season. That particular time of year when film budgets seemingly have no limit. To kick off our Summer Blockbuster extravaganza, Troy and Brad tackle 2004’s historical drama - The Alamo. All this is well and good, but here is what you need to know: the summer blockbuster season is May-August. That was the assignment, and Brad picked a film released in April, so we are already off to a great start! Outside of someone’s inability to understand time, we hope you enjoy the episode.
The Alamo is directed by John Lee Hancock and stars Dennis Quaid, Billy Bob Thornton, Jason Patric, Patrick Wilson, Jordi Molla, and Emilio Echevarria
Not A Bomb just launched new designs in our Merch store! Head over to the Not A Bomb Tee Public store and check them out. Special thanks to Ted Blair for the amazing designs!
We value your feedback and suggestions. If you have a cinematic flop you'd like us to discuss, please reach out to us at NotABombPod@gmail.com or through our contact page. Your reviews and feedback are what keep us going. If you enjoy our content, consider leaving a review on Apple Podcast or Spotify.