Retro Ramble

By George McGhee & Charlie McGheeTV & Film Film History

Retro Ramble episodes

July 09, 2021 EP64 - The Fast And The Furious (2001)
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-soaked growling), alternative casting in Coulda Woulda Shoulda and Suspicious Spin-Offs, where they tackle the various sequels, reboots and spin-offs! Retro Ramble 2021 Copyright Notice: All copyright material remains the property of the original copyright holder and all clips and audio samples have been used only as a reference and as part of a review in line with Creative Commons FAIR USE policy. All Audio Clips, Trailers and Soundtrack usage remains the property of the film studio and has only be used for this episode.
56 min
June 11, 2021 EP#63 - Mortal Kombat (2021)
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!
42 min
May 28, 2021 EP#62 - Timecop (1994) Retro Ramble Movie Podcast
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 they also debate dodgy time travel mechanics, mullets and futuristic guns (you know, the ones with little red laser sights on top?) Finally, there's a deep dive on Suspicious Spin-Offs, with contributions from our guests and some listeners! Thanks to Matt @mattbrothers2 and Liam @liamhdempsey for joining in on the Ramble! please check out their great podcast Spocklight, which looks at Star Trek from a non-Trekkie perspective, available on all good pod platforms as well as Twitter @spocklightpod
1 hr 35 min
April 15, 2021 EP#61: Cliffhanger 1993 - Retro Ramble Movie Podcast
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 um, Brian Harvey (of East 17 fame). 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. Enjoy, and please share! Retro Ramble 2021
1 hr 10 min
March 22, 2021 Ep60 - Coming 2 America Retro Ramble Movie Podcast
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.
37 min
March 02, 2021 EP59 - Highlander 1986 - Retro Ramble Movie Podcast
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 iconic Queen score, music video visuals, and dubious stunt doubles.

Also present are regular features like alternative casting in Coulda Woulda Shoulda, Suspicious spin-offs (of which there are many), and Listeners Comments.
1 hr 31 min
February 09, 2021 EP#58: Total Recall Part 2 - Retro Ramble Movie Podcast
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 an extended session of Suspicious Spin-Offs, Charlie opens his mind to the crazy sequel ideas that George has uncovered. There are also alternative casting revelations in Coulda Woulda Shoulda and some lovely Listener's Comments. We hope you enjoyed the ride!
45 min
January 29, 2021 EP#57: Total Recall (1990) - PART ONE - Retro Ramble Movie Podcast
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 development and production. They also cover their favourite moments (with plentiful Arnie impressions), including the directors' trademark mix of satire and ultraviolence! Being a Verhoeven film, there will be bad language, but thankfully (as we're a podcast), zero gratuitous nudity.

Part 2 will feature regular features like Suspicious Spin-Offs (an extended look at the crazy sequel ideas that almost happened), alternative casting in Coulda Woulda Shoulda and Listener's Comments.
See you at the party!
1 hr 5 min
December 22, 2020 EP56 - Coming to America 1988 - Retro Ramble Movie Podcast
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 in the sequel. Enjoy, and please share! :) As touched on during the episode here are some related links that audio alone wouldn't do justice to: - Coming to Alderan - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXze55Z2GuY - Sexual Chocolate! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otEm_aI2Vac
1 hr 10 min
November 27, 2020 EP55 - Universal Soldier 1992 Retro Ramble Movie Podcast
In this month's episode, Charlie and George go on a mission to revisit the JCVD vs DL (that's Dolph Lundgren) sci-fi actioner, Universal Soldier! The boys delve into Roland Emmerich's first Hollywood production and discuss the films heavy sci-fi origins. Along the way, they chat about the challenges of being on the run in a pre-internet era, Dolph's amazing villain and ponder why JCVD isn't being his usual sassy, splits-tastic, sexy self. Unsurprisingly, there are enough bad JCVD impressions to make a Belgian blush! For this month's feature, Suspicious Spin-Offs, George educates Charlie on the many, many sequels and reboots that Universal Soldier has had over the past three decades (spoiler alert - it's probably more than you think!). Notes: Alternative Ending - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4SSdx1czfE Further reading/behind the scenes - http://www.dolph-ultimate.com/articles/cinefantastique1992.html
1 hr 10 min