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...

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...

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...

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!!    

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...

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 accounting and liberally borrowing from bigger (and better) blockbusters.   There's plenty to...

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 whole in the following decades.   Are you not entertained? Let us know on our social...

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 reshoots and of course, the power of Kenny Loggins.  After more sweaty Top Gun action? Then...

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 what actually happened at the OK Corral!   Further reading - the True West article that is...

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 you a headache (not a tumour)!   Need more Retro Ramble in your life/ears? Why not check out...

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 squint off between Robert Loggia and Bill Pullman?!   Do you need more Retro Ramble in your...

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, a brief discussion on the new wave of the horror films that followed and of course, some bad...

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 Coulda Woulda Shoulda, some strong language and the odd bad impression. "5 dollars? Maybe I...

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. From casting Dolph Lundgren, real ringside rumbles, the power of a montage (or two or three) and the various screen appearances of SICO aka Paulie's robot girlfriend.

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 shoulda as well as Suspicious Spin Offs. But remember, beware the moon, stick to the road and stay...

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 relationship to Matrix...

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 Wells, Ronny Cox, Martin Kove and Robert Patrick amongst many others! 

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 the film deliver on it's John Wick meets Groundhog Day premise? How long does Frank Grillo spend on his...

This month 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 Hood projects, Kevin Costner's hot-streak, rewrites and last-minute edits.

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! 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-soaked growling), alternative casting in Coulda Woulda Shoulda and Suspicious Spin-Offs, where they tackle the various sequels, reboots and spin-offs!

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 - does the film contains enough techno music?! Enjoy and please share!

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 and the diverse filmography of director Peter Hyams. Dodgy time travel mechanics, mullets and futuristic guns ensue. Finally, there's a deep dive on Suspicious Spin-Offs.

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). As per usual there are bad impressions (trying to out-ham each other as John Lithgow), alternative casting in Coulda Woulda Shoulda and life beyond Cliffhanger in Suspicious Spin-Offs.

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 funny? How are the barbershop guys still alive?! Tune in to find out our thoughts.