Retro Ramble

In this month's episode, Charlie and George boldly go where plenty of other podcasts have been, they review Star Trek II - The Wrath of Khan!  It's the film's 40th anniversary and the first time they've ventured into Trek-territory, fortunately, they're not alone as they're joined by author, animator and Star Trek fan, Niel Bushnell!   Expect discussions of why the film is such a beloved entry in...

In this month's episode, Charlie and George fly to Utah in their stealth jet (they were big in the 90s) to review John Woo's Broken Arrow!  The brothers discuss slo-mo, Hans Zimmer, exploding helicopters and John Travolta devouring the gorgeous scenery in the first of his many OTT villains.   For extra episodes, why not check out our Patreon channel? 

In this month's episode, Charlie and George are off to Eternia (but only briefly for budget reasons) to review the cult curiosity that is Masters of The Universe! It's a nostalgic trip back as the brothers reminisce about the toys and one of George's first cinema outings! They discuss how the toyline behemoth became one of Cannon Film's most expensive productions, as well as casting, creative acco...

In this month's episode, Charlie and George head back to ancient Rome (via the Millenium), for the star-studded, action-packed, swords and sandals epic, Gladiator!   They discuss the film's troubled production, effective use of CGI and the film's impact on DVD. There's also alternative casting in Coulda Woulda Shoulda, discussions on a (still in development) sequel and the impact on the genre as a...

In this month's episode, Charlie and George are off to sweaty Miramar, for one of the 1980's biggest films, Top Gun!  In celebration of the release of Top Gun: Maverick, the brothers revisit the classic Bruckheimer/Simpson blockbuster that made Tom Cruise the movie star and aviators the must-have sunglasses. They chat production background, involving real Top Gun pilots, casting stories, romantic...

In this month's episode, Charlie and George travel back to 1993 (or is it 1881?) and saddle up for their first western, the action and actor-packed, Tombstone!    They discuss the film's troubled production, including ghost directors, alternate casting and the rivalry with a similar project headed by one Kevin Costner. They also discuss the massive star-studded cast, real moustaches and delve into...

In this month's special - it's a tribute to the late Ivan Reitman, with two comedy classics starring our good friend Arnie - it's Twins and Kindergarten Cop! The brothers go into detail on the production background of both films, revealing how one became Arnie's most profitable film! There's also time for alternative casting, suspicious spin-offs, ferret trivia and enough Arnie impressions to give...

In this month's episode, Charlie and George beam back to 1996 to tackle one of the biggest blockbusters of the 90s - it's Independence Day!   With Roland Emmerich trying to destroy the Earth (yet again) in his latest disaster flick, Moonfall, the boys thought it apt to revisit his biggest hit.   They talk controversial casting, novelization tie-ins, and the most pressing question; who would win a...

In this month's episode, Charlie and George head to Woodsboro to watch a scary movie, namely the original Scream! The boys revisit the late nineties horror which gave the genre a much-needed shock. They talk the bidding war for Kevin Williamson's hot script, winning over horror legend Wes Craven and some ill advised studio meddling. Along the way, there's casting shake-ups in Coulda Woulda Shoulda...

In this month's festive special, Charlie and George head to Philadelphia to review classic comedy, Trading Places! The film is McGhee family favourite and as such, the brothers are joined by their dad, Ray McGhee, aka Ray Ray, in his first podcast appearance!  They discuss the films origins, controversial casting and their favourite comedies of the 1980's. As usual, there's alternative casting in...

In this month's episode, Charlie and George head out to the Russian wilderness to train for the fight that could end the Cold War - yes, it's time to revisit Rocky IV! As Sylvester Stallone's director cut Rocky vs Drago is released, the brothers revisit the original cut of the biggest Rocky film to see why it's so beloved by many. They discuss the film's production, from casting the then-unknown D...

In this month's episode, it's time for another Halloween special, with Charlie and George heading from the Yorkshire Moors to revisit An American Werewolf in London! In celebration of the horror comedy's 40th anniversary, the brothers discuss 80s London, some very surreal nightmare sequences and  groundbreaking make up and special effects! As usual there's some alternate casting in coulda woulda s...

In this month's episode, Charlie and George slap on the war paint and suit up for cult classic Arnie actioner - Commando! The boys cover the film's more grounded origins before discussing how it would go on to create the Arnie Action Formula, as well as competing with Stallone and Rambo First Blood Part 2. There's also chat about a certain flamboyant villain of the film and his questionable relati...

In this month's podcast special, Charlie and George get nasty and talk villains with author, podcaster and filmmaker, Timon Singh! The brothers talk to Timon about his books Born to Be Bad and Born to Be Bad Part 2, where he interviews the greatest villains of 80s and 90s cinema! Timon's books are recommended reading for Retro Ramble listeners, as they include interviews with the likes of Vernon W...

In this month's episode, it's time for a Recent Ramble double feature with Charlie and George discussing some two new streaming releases!    First up is JCVD in Netflix's action-comedy The Last Mercenary. Is it a triumphant return for The Muscles From Brussels? Can he bring the action  and  the comedy?    Next up is time loop actioner Boss Level from Joe Carnahan and action star Frank Grillo. Does...

In this month's episode, Charlie and George take a trip back to the 12th century to discuss one of the 1991's biggest blockbusters - Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves! To celebrate the film's 30th anniversary - the brothers discuss everything from magnificent mullets, dodgy accents, even dodgier geography, fantastic villains and bloody Bryan Adams! There's production chat, covering competing Robin Hoo...

In this month's episode, Charlie and George travel back to 2001 (a quarter-mile at a time) to discuss The Fast and The Furious!   To celebrate the recent release of F9:The Fast Saga, the brothers explore the original film's beginnings, from a humble Point Break rip-off that would slowly spawn a billion-dollar blockbuster franchise.    As per usual, there are bad impressions (aka lots of Diesel-soa...

Time for another Recent Ramble and this time the Brothers McGhee return to the Netherrealm to discuss Mortal Kombat 2021! Charlie and George tackle Hollywood's latest attempt at adapting the game franchise and kompare it against the original 1995 film (which they rambled about in Episode 46). They try and keep spoilers to a minimum whilst talking highlights, lowlights and the biggest topic of all...

In this month's episode, Charlie and George travel back to 1994 (from the distant 2004) to tackle Timecop! But they won't be alone on this journey, they're joined by special guests Matt and Liam from Spocklight podcast! The gang chat their first memories of discovering the film, the mighty Jean Claude Van Damme (JCVD to his fans) and the diverse filmography of director Peter Hyams. Along the way t...

In this month's episode, Charlie and George head to the dangerous Rockies (via Italy) to discuss "Die Hard on a Mountain", Cliffhanger!   The brothers go into detail on how the film evolved out of two failed Stallone projects, his career at the time and that of rising star director Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2). They also find time to chat about record-breaking stunts. dodgy sets, cockney henchmen and...

As promised/threatened in our Coming To America episode (#56) late last year -  with the release of Coming 2 America, it's time for a Recent Ramble!  In this short special, Charlie and George discuss the film's origins, the pros and cons of being an Amazon Prime exclusive, their personal thoughts as well as the critical consensus on the belated sequel.  Is it a worthy follow-up? Does it bring the...

In this month's episode, Charlie and George are joined by fellow Sean Connery enthusiast (and returning guest), Andy Hughes to discuss fantasy cult classic, Highlander! As per usual, they delve into the production history including the film's controversial casting of the world's most famous Scotsman as err, an Egyptian, and an aspiring French/Swiss actor as.... a Scotsman. There's also talk of the...

In the second (and final) part of our Total Recall special, Charlie and George are still stuck on Mars and are still wondering, is it all a dream or reality?! In Part 1, the brothers delved in the crazy production history of the sci-fi action classic and touched on their highlights of the film. Part 2 sees the boys wrap themselves in trippy sci-fi riddles, as they try to unravel the film's ending....

In the first of a two-part special, Charlie and George get their asses to Mars to discuss a memory of a lifetime, sci-fi action-classic Total Recall! With Robocop and Starship Troopers already covered on previous episodes, the boys finally complete the Paul Verhoeven sci-fi trilogy!  The brothers discuss their first impressions of the film, the Philip K Dick source material and it's lengthy develo...

In this month's episode,  Charlie and George get ready for a big trip, they're Coming To America!  Ahead of the belated sequel, the boys revisit the beloved romantic comedy classic. They discuss the film's abundance of heart and soul (glo), multiple roles, cracking cameos and its cultural impact.   As usual, there's lots of bad impressions, film trivia and thoughts on what the brothers want to see...