Episodes
Charlie & George travel to the dangerous jungles of Central Africa to tackle cult 90s blockbuster oddity, Congo! It has all the ingredients for a blockbuster: based on a Michael Crichton novel, from the makers of Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park, creature effects by the late Stan Winston, and a diverse cast including a scenery (and sesame cake) devouring Tim Curry - but is it successful? Tune in to find out!   Retro Ramble 2024
Published 04/29/24
Published 04/29/24
Charlie and George travel back in time "about 40 years" to finally get around reviewing 1980s classic, The Terminator!    A huge film for the brothers and many others, it's a deep dive into the low budget thriller that started a franchise, that likes it protagonist, cannot be stopped!   One of the most important films of the decade, it made Arnold Schwarzenegger a bonafide star and introduced the world to James Cameron, the most successful director of all time! 
Published 03/30/24
1994 gave us not one, but two skydiving action thrillers, so Charlie and George thought it was only fair to revisit, review and compare both Drop Zone and Terminal Velocity.    It's Wesley Snipes vs Charlie Sheen. It's Gary B (that's Busey) vs the KG - Used to Be. There can only be one victor, but who are the boys backing? The results may surprise you!   Need more 90s action in your ears? Why not check out our Sudden Death review, recently available exclusively on our Patreon...
Published 02/26/24
In this episode Charlie and George pay tribute to the actor Carl Weathers who sadly passed away. The boys remember the actor through the iconic roles he played during his career.
Published 02/09/24
Charlie and George navigate Jim Henson's Labyrinth for a slice of 1980s kid's fantasy nostalgia! There's much to discuss, from the script development, the music and ground-breaking puppetry but mostly the majestic and much-missed, David Bowie's Goblin King, Jareth!   Be prepared for lots of bad Bowie impressions!
Published 01/26/24
Charlie and George discover the true meaning of Christmas, with Scrooged! They're back in Richard Donner country, with the festive favourite that lured back Bill Murray to acting after an absence of several years!   In a bit of a twist on Coulda Woulda Shoulda feature, we discuss the other big films from 1988 that Murray passed on to make this film - some are very surprising!   So download, get comfy and have a listen - Yule love it!   Merry Christmas!   Retro Ramble 2023
Published 12/22/23
In this month's episode Charlie and George are joined by returning guest Andy Hughes to discuss 20 years of Kill Bill! To celebrate they are revisiting "the whole bloody affair", which means both volumes 1 & 2!   It's a bumper episode taking in first memories, soundtracks, iconic anime, elaborate fight choreography and a brief overview of all things Tarantino.   There's also alternative casting in Coulda Woulda Shoulda, alternate cuts and mooted sequels/spin offs.    Retro Ramble...
Published 11/30/23
In this month's episode, Charlie and George head to Antarctica to discuss the horror classic, John Carpenter's The Thing.    This film has been on the Retro Ramble hitlist since the podcast started, and it's one of the few horror films the brothers are happy to revisit! During the episode, they delve into the film's origins, its haunting Morricone score, Rob Bottin's ground-breaking practical effects, and several Suspicious Spin-Offs!   Listeners can expect a healthy dose of paranoia, bad...
Published 10/30/23
In this month's episode, Charlie and George are back in sweaty LA with a slick slice of early nineties action with The Last Boy Scout! Brought to us by a holy action quartet of star Bruce Willis, writer Shane Black, producer Joel Silver and director Tony Scott - explosive action (on and behind the camera) is guaranteed! We dive deep into this film's production and share some juicy behind-the-scenes facts. Plus, in our "Coulda Woulda Shoulda" segment, we'll be discussing some alternative...
Published 09/29/23
In this month's episode, Charlie and George are donning their tuxedos to celebrate the 40th anniversary of two competing Bond films, Octopussy and Never Say Never Again! Both Sir Roger and Sir Sean are back, and the brothers McGhee are excited to enjoy their company. The episode features a behind-the-scenes discussion regarding the complicated ownership of James Bond rights in cinema, dating back decades. The hosts also compare the strengths and weaknesses of both films, including casting...
Published 08/30/23
In this month's episode Charlie and George slip on the black leather jumpsuits for some naughties comic book action, let's talk about X-Men!    Looking back at the original film (of a 13 film franchise) years before the birth of the MCU, there's much to discuss.From the film's long development, script challenges, budget constraints and behind the scenes drama*    As usual there's alternative casting in Coulda Woulda Shoulda and plenty of Ian McKellen impressions.   *For more insight to...
Published 07/31/23
In this month's episode Charlie and George slip on the black leather jumpsuits for some naughties comic book action, let's talk about X-Men!  Looking back at the original film (of a 13 film franchise) years before the birth of the MCU, there's much to discuss.From the film's long development, script challenges, budget constraints and behind the scenes drama*    As usual there's alternative casting in Coulda Woulda Shoulda and plenty of Ian McKellen impressions.   *For more insight to the...
Published 07/31/23
In this month's episode, Charlie and George go in search of The Holy Grail, as they saddle up to review Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade! As Indy's fifth and final adventure is released in cinemas, the McGhee boys revisit the original closing chapter of the action adventure saga! They talk the crazy early scripts (possibly including monkeys and biomechanical Nazis) alternative casting, practical effects and stunning stunts!    Need more Retro Ramble in your lives? Why not check out our...
Published 06/23/23
In this month's episode, Charlie and George head from grimy Detroit to sunny Los Angeles, that's right, we're finally reviewing Beverly Hills Cop!   The brothers discuss everything from it's more serious origins, Eddie Murphy's rise to stardom and the villains you love to hate! There's also some very interesting alternative casting in Coulda Woulda Shoulda and the usual bad impressions!   Sit back, enjoy, maybe make yourself an espresso with a little lemon twist?   ...
Published 06/02/23
In this month's episode, Charlie and George are willing to believe a man will fly - with a podcast special on Superman The Movie and Superman 2!   The films had a big effect on the Brothers McGhee growing up and as it's the Man of Steel's 85th anniversary (and 45th anniversary of the first movie) it felt the right time to revisit the classic comic book epics!   There's a whole lotta Superchat to get through, gigantic scripts, creative accounting, crazy casting, location changes, and...
Published 05/03/23
In this month's episode...it's time to start running! That's right, it's Retro Ramble's "Annual Arnie", with Charlie and George talking all about The Running Man! They cover everything from the Stephen King source novel, multiple directors, tight budgets and some alternative casting in Coulda Woulda Shoulda! Are you ready for pain? Are you ready for suffering? lf the answer is yes, then you're ready to listen to this episode! Retro Ramble 2023
Published 03/30/23
In this month's episode, Charlie and George are off to drill into to an asteroid the size of Texas for some absolute Bay-hem, it's time for Armageddon! They discuss it's origins, it's fierce competition with Deep Impact (and Godzilla), Ben Affleck's teeth and the usefulness of miniguns in space!   There's regular features Suspicious Spin offs, and alternative casting in Coulda Woulda Shoulda and the usual bad impressions.    Basically, it's the worst parts of the Bible...    Enjoy...
Published 03/03/23
In this month's episode, Charlie and George shrink themselves down to microscopic size to venture into the sci-fi comedy territory that is Innerspace! The brothers are back in the 1980s to revisit the Joe Dante-directed, Spielberg-produced cult classic!  It's a nostalgic look back where they discuss everything from the serious spy movie origins to last-minute casting, impressive special effects, and some inspired improv!   What are your thoughts on Innerspace? Let us know in the...
Published 01/30/23
We finally did it! Our 100th episode!  It's a big occasion for such a significant number, firstly, it's Christmas and we're covering family favourite, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation from 1989!   Secondly, we are joined by two special guests, John and James Glendinning, our oldest friends and first neighbours!  Their names have cropped up in a lot of previous episodes, as many of the films we've covered were introduced to us by the Glendinnings - so you could say they were part of...
Published 12/23/22
It is December and with the end of the year upon us Charlie and George have as usual taken a look back at all the juicy (and not so juicy) releases 2022 has offered.  As the world and more specifically the movie release calendar continues to recover from the pandemic this year sees more traffic coming via streaming services than cinema releases.  We should stress that many of the big hits have already been covered in Recent Ramble episodes available on our Patreon channel so if you'd like a...
Published 12/22/22
To celebrate the release of the new Willow series on Disney+, George and Charlie take a Retro Ramble on the original 1988 classic. The brothers revisit the 80s fantasy classic and cover everything from the team-up of Ron Howard and George Lucas, to the similarities with that OTHER Lucas franchise and of course, the crazy sex parties that may have occurred, just ask Ron Howard..... Not sure if the new series is for you? Can't remember the original? Then be sure to check out and PLEASE...
Published 12/01/22
In this month's episode, Charlie and George are heading to a dark and rainy Detroit to revisit the gothic cult classic, The Crow. They discuss the film's comic book origins as well as it's troubled and ultimately tragic production. They also cover the film's legacy with many, many suspicious spin-offs and a long gestating remake.   What are you waiting for? Fire it up, fire it up!!    
Published 10/28/22
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 the franchise, cost-cutting cinematic trickery, that ending and fond memories of a limited...
Published 10/07/22
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? 
Published 09/05/22