Retro Ramble

George McGhee & Charlie McGhee

Retro Ramble is a movie podcast and blog from the Brothers McGhee.

Join George and Charlie McGhee as they review the TV and Films of their youth and discuss why many are still relevant and worth revisiting today.

Warning: contains explicit language and poor impressions.

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132 episodes
Updated Wednesday
Explicit

Episodes132

Newest first

Dec 27, 2021 · 1 hr 6 min
EP#73_Trading Places (1983) Retro Ramble Movie Podcast
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 could go to the movies....by myself!"
Dec 1, 2021 · 1 hr 13 min
EP71 - Rocky IV (1985) Retro Ramble
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 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. Enjoy, and please share! 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 studios & recording studios and has only be used for this episode.
Oct 30, 2021 · 52 min
EP69 An American Werewolf In London 1981
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 off the Moors!
Oct 15, 2021 · 1 hr 14 min
EP68: Commando (1985) - Retro Ramble Movie Podcast
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... Finally we also spend some time with last month's guest, Timon Singh to get some extra trivia!
Oct 1, 2021 · 49 min
EP67: Timon Singh - Born To Be Bad
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 (Commando), Ronny Cox (Total Recall, Robocop), Martin Kove (The Karate Kid) and Robert Partick (Terminator 2) amongst many others! The brothers also find time to also discuss Timon's other ventures, hosting the Bristol Bad Film Club, the documentary he produced, In Search of The Last Action Heroes, and his thoughts on the current state of action cinema. Twitter: @TimonSingh Facebook: www.facebook.com/BornToBeBadBook
Sep 3, 2021 · 1 hr 10 min
EP66 - Last Mercenary Boss Level RECENT RAMBLE
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 hair? Finally, as it's August, a time of summer holidays, the brothers discuss what they've been reading, you know - actual books! They discuss the crazy science fiction of Andy Weir and Blake Crouch to the 80s and 90s villains of action cinema in Timon Singh's Born to be Bad.
Aug 3, 2021 · 1 hr 5 min
EP#65 - Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
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 Hood projects, Kevin Costner's hot-streak, rewrites and last-minute edits. As usual, there's also alternative casting in Coulda Woulda Shoulda as well as treasure chest laden with bad impressions.
Jul 9, 2021 · 55 min
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.
Jun 11, 2021 · 41 min
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!
May 28, 2021 · 1 hr 34 min
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
Apr 15, 2021 · 1 hr 9 min
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
Mar 22, 2021 · 36 min
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.
Mar 2, 2021 · 1 hr 30 min
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.
Feb 9, 2021 · 44 min
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!
Jan 29, 2021 · 1 hr 4 min
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!
Dec 22, 2020 · 1 hr 9 min
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
Nov 27, 2020 · 1 hr 9 min
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
Oct 30, 2020 · 1 hr 28 min
EP#54 - The Karate Kid - Cobra Kai Season One - Retro Ramble Movie Podcast
For their latest podcast episode, Charlie and George take a Retro Ramble back to 1984 to cover the Rocky For Kids classic that is The Karate Kid. From the impressive character acting of Pat Morita that earned him an Oscar nomination to New Jersey wide-boy Ralph Maccio to the Nazi-inspired blonde looks of the Cobra Kai there is plenty the boys delve into from their most recent viewing. SPOILER WARNING - With franchise spin-off Cobra Kai becoming one of the most streamed TV Shows of all time the brothers devote a section to covering the highs and lows offered in season one. There's all the usual mischief including, bad impressions and an extensive Coulda Woulda Shoulda for your ears to feast on. Enjoy, rate and please share! 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 Colombia Pictures and has only be used for this episode.
Sep 25, 2020 · 1 hr 26 min
EP€53 - Bill and Ted's Most Excellent Podcast Special - Retro Ramble
In this months episode, Charlie and George hop in the time-travelling phone box to discuss all things bodacious and heinous about all things Bill and Ted! With the belated release of Bill and Ted Face The Music, the brothers McGhee go back to review both Excellent Adventure and Bogus Journey for this podcast special. As per usual, they'll be going over the story origins, alternate casting in Coulda Woulda Shoulda and discuss some very Suspicious Spin-Offs! Videos discussed in the episode: Bill and Ted Auditions - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCF6uiixU7E The Bill & Ted Sitcom and Animated Series - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qimQKEa7hM Other Featured music - Steve Vai, Album - The Elusive Light and Sound, Vol. 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tRvA3MZZLE Copyright Disclaimer - All media used in this episode relates to the film being reviewed and has been done so in accordance with the guidelines of the Creative Commons Act.
Aug 24, 2020 · 59 min
EP#52 - Grosse Pointe Blank (1997) Retro Ramble Movie Podcast
In this month's episode, Charlie and George are going to the high school reunion at Grosse Point (Blank)! That's right, the boys go back to 1997 to review the action-rom-com cult classic that topped our listeners poll! They discuss the films genesis (which started with a high school reunion), an amazing cast including multiple Cusacks, Jeremy Piven, Minnie Driver and the legendary Dan Ackroyd. Also one hell of an 80's jukebox soundtrack! As per usual, there's alternative casting options in Coulda Woulda Shoulda and for their Special Features, the brothers discuss the later careers of both John Cusack and Dan Ackroyd. Bing, bing, bing, bing, POPCORN!