Sylvester Stallone and His Friends' Films Podcast

Backtrace: Why Sly Did This $6M Movie & Our Brutal Review

In this episode, Ryan (Going the Distance), Craig (Sly Cast), and Doug (Rocky Minute) from the Stallone Podcast Network tackle Backtrace (2018), one of Stallone’s lesser-known straight-to-video thrillers. The guys start with an update on the upcoming Rocky 4 Director’s Cut before diving into Backtrace — a $6 million heist/amnesia movie starring Matthew Modine as a bank robber with memory loss, Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald), and Sly in a supporting detective role. They discuss the wild family twist, the experimental memory serum, endless plot holes, questionable acting (including investor-actress Meta Williams), the cement factory showdown, and why Sly signed on post-Creed. Expect honest banter about the film’s shortcomings, production curiosities, and how it stacks up against better Stallone entries. This one’s a rough watch, but the conversation delivers! * 0:00 - Intro & Rocky 4 Director’s Cut Discussion * 8:40 - Backtrace Specs, Budget & Why Sly Did It * 16:20 - Opening Heist, Matthew Modine & Amnesia Setup * 29:00 - Prison Break, Memory Serum & Family Reveal * 41:00 - Cement Factory Search & Plot Holes * 52:00 - Shootout, Twists & Stallone’s Big Scene * 1:05:00 - Ending Breakdown & “I’ll Take Care of It” * 1:12:00 - Overall Thoughts, Meta Williams Story & Final Rant

Nighthawks: Stallone's Beard, Billy Dee Chemistry & Tram Final Sequence

In this episode, Ryan, Doug, and Craig from the Stallone Podcast Network sit down for a comprehensive discussion of Sylvester Stallone’s 1981 thriller Nighthawks. The hosts explore Sly’s performance as undercover cop D’Silva (complete with the memorable beard), his strong chemistry with Billy Dee Williams as partner Matthew Fox, the gritty 1980s New York City setting, and the intense cat-and-mouse game with terrorist Wolfgar. They cover the film’s disco-heavy soundtrack featuring Rolling Stones' Brown Sugar, Keith Emerson score, key action sequences like the tram climax, deleted scenes, Stallone’s on-set influence, Rocky-isms, plot devices, and whether this could have been a buddy-cop classic. Tune in for an in-depth look at one of Stallone’s more grounded early dramatic roles outside the Rocky and Rambo franchises. * 0:00 - Intro & Welcome * 3:30 - First Impressions & Stallone Beard Talk * 8:45 - Opening Drag Scene, Fights & Miranda Rights * 15:20 - Billy Dee Chemistry, Comedy Bits & Rocky References * 22:00 - Hauer as Wolfgar: Backstory & Kills * 35:15 - Long Anti-Terrorist Briefing & Military Record * 48:30 - Tram Sequence, Ending Reveal & Stunts * 1:05:00 - Overall Thoughts, New York Grit & Film Potential * 1:12:00 - Listener Comments & Future Episodes

Sylvester Stallone TV Comedy | Muppet Show & SNL

Ryan, Doug & Craig dive into Sylvester Stallone’s legendary TV appearances — his 1979 guest spot on The Muppet Show and his 1997 hosting gig on Saturday Night Live. We break down the skits, Stallone’s straight-man energy with the Muppets, his comedic timing on SNL, and plenty of laughs along the way. Expect fun banter, behind-the-scenes insights, and classic Stallone moments from two iconic shows. If you love Sly, comedy history, or nostalgic TV deep dives, this one’s for you! 0:00 – Intro & network update 3:30 – The Muppet Show (1979) discussion 10:00 – Gladiator & groupie skits 22:00 – Saturday Night Live (1997) begins 28:00 – Orange Julius & vending machine chaos 40:00 – Jim Brewer & Tracy Morgan highlights 50:00 – Final thoughts & career reflections

Rambo: First Blood Part II - (Episode 10) | Helicopter Stunts, M60 Rampage & Village Carnage

Join host Ryan and special guest Tim (Round 14 Podcast) for a detailed scene-by-scene breakdown of Rambo: First Blood Part II. They discuss the insane helicopter stunts, mud camouflage, explosive arrow kills, Russian hand-to-hand combat, village destruction, the iconic M60 one-handed rampage, and why the practical effects still hold up decades later. Tim shares his long-time Rambo fandom and they compare notes on Sly Stallone’s action style, military themes, and 80s filmmaking magic. 0:29 – Intro & guest Tim 16:53 – Helicopter boarding & Russian fight 24:52 – Helicopter duel & village attack 29:53 – M60 rampage & chaos 42:09 – Helicopter chase & model explosion 49:40 – Bazooka finish & final escape

Rambo: First Blood Part II - (Episode 9) | Helicopter Jump & Bazooka Mayhem

Join host Ryan and special guest Adrian (Arcade Attack Podcast) for a detailed scene-by-scene breakdown of Rambo: First Blood Part II. They discuss the intense helicopter stunts, mud camouflage, explosive arrow kills, Russian hand-to-hand combat, village destruction, M60 one-handed rampage, and the practical effects that still hold up today. Adrian shares his Rambo fandom, they compare notes on Sly Stallone’s action style, and appreciate the raw 80s filmmaking without CGI. 0:29 – Intro & guest Adrian 16:53 – Helicopter boarding stunt 24:52 – Russian helicopter duel 29:53 – Village destruction & missile barrage 33:30 – Rambo grabs the M60 42:09 – Helicopter chase & model explosion 49:40 – Bazooka finish & final escape