EP#191: Big 1988

In this episode, Charlie and George are talking about one of the 1980s biggest (pun intended) and most beloved comedies, it's Big with Tom Hanks!   A key film in Hank's career, as well as director Penny Marshall who would become the first female director to make over $100m at the box office.   There's some interesting behind the scenes trivia including crazy casting, a custom giant piano and controversial love stories.   Also includes George saying "Robert Loggia" a lot.

Charlie and George take a trip to Mega City One to cover cult-comic book adaptation, Judge Dredd! We discuss the production challenges, changing scripts, a novice director and big stars with big chins and bigger egos.   Expect (bad) Stallone impressions and a mild sprinkling of trivia - We are the Law!    

Charlie and George have found themselves trapped in The Phantom Zone as they revisit the cult curiosity that is Supergirl! As we see a new take on the superhero currently in cinemas, the brothers look back at the first big-screen attempt, which, unsurprisingly, had a few production challenges along the way. An absent Superman, extensive rewrites, an eclectic cast and last-minute distributor issues are just a few things under discussion. For additional Super-podding on the Christopher Reeve era, check out our Superman 1 & 2 special "zodcast" in episode 108! 

Charlie and George mount up for a double (barrelled) bill of Young Guns and Young Guns 2: Blaze of Glory!    The brothers discuss how these films injected a heavy dose of brat-pack swagger into the classic Western genre. The hosts break down Emilio Estevez's wild performance as Billy the Kid, with solid support from Kiefer Sutherland and Lou Diamond Philips. There's also General Zod vs Carl Grissom.    The sequel gains Christian Slater and a Bon Jovi soundtrack, but is it a worthy follow up? Tune in to find out!    Enjoy and please share! EDITOR'S NOTE For those who have already downloaded the episode before June 4th 2026, please be aware that we had some tech glitches when we initially published - if the episode sounds a little crackly, please try downloading again. Apologies for the inconvenience!

In this episode Charlie and George find themselves in the brutal Hyborian Age to revisit Conan the Barbarian! But they're not alone in this mythic quest; they're joined by special guest Dr. Tomas Rawlings, who brings an extensive knowledge of Conan canon! These three brave pod-warriors explore the literary origins of Conan (arguably starting the fantasy genre as we now know it), the film's production challenges and the casting of one Arnold Schwarzenegger, in his breakout role. With a character that's almost 100 years old, there's a lot to discuss in Suspicious Spin Offs, as well as the usual alternative casting in Coulda Woulda Shoulda and only a smattering of Arnie impressions. Tomas can be found on Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/tomasrawlings.bsky.social Further reading - Some Tomas' amazing Conan research that he touches on can be found here -  https://exploringwarhammer.substack.com/p/conan Enjoy, please share with like-minded fans of retro movies! Warning - contains explicit language and bad impressions. COPYRIGHT NOTICE - All content used within guidelines of Creative Commons act.  

Charlie and George are off to mid-90s Miami, getting hot and sweaty in the explosive and (not so) erotic action movie, The Specialist!   There's a lot to unpack - Stallone and Stone's desperate search for chemistry, James Wood's acting in overdrive, Rod Steiger offending all of Latin America with that accent and Eric Roberts' amazing wardrobe - just wow.    Oh, there's also John Barry on the soundtrack with some James Bond B-sides. There's all the usual alternative casting and directors, deleted scenes and bad impressions.

Charlie & George are taking a stroll down the shadowy alleys of Dark City! They are looking back at the 1998 cult-classic sci-fi noir from The Crow's Alex Proyas. They look at the film's origins, influences, philosophical themes, plus it's similarities with The Matrix, which was released a year later. There's also alternative casting in Coulda Woulda Shoulda and some breathy Kiefer Sutherland impressions.

How do you follow up a blockbuster like Top Gun? Simple, you get the same people involved and remake it, swapping out jets for race cars. What could go wrong? Turns out quite a bit.   Yes, that's right it's a Retro Ramble on 1990's summer blockbuster Days Of Thunder, reuniting star Tom Cruise, director Tony Scott and uber-producers Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer.    For such an event, Charlie and George are joined by a returning guest, broadcaster, good friend and fellow Tom Cruise fan, Andy Hughes.    

In this episode, Charlie and George are tackling another Christmas classic, this time slightly more modern than previous festive outings, they're talking about Elf! From the films challenging production with an untested star and director in Will Ferrell and Jon Faverau, a limited budget, legal issues and some nostalgic stop motion. As per usual, there's alternative casting in Coulda Woulda Shoulda, some bad impressions as well as abandoned sequel ideas in Suspicious Spin Offs! Enjoy, and please share!   Retro Ramble (2025) Note: All content copyright or otherwise is protected by the Creative Commons Act.

In this episode, Charlie & George are hitting the streets of LA to revisit cult comedy TV show adaptation, Dragnet! They delve into the production of one of 1987's biggest hits, very much a passion project for writer and star Dan Ackroyd, co-starring a then-up-and-coming actor called Tom Hanks and directed by Bond alumni, Tom Mankiewicz. There's also chat around the legacy of Dragnet, some alternative casting, and the bizarre craze of a tie-in rap song - so a whole lot more than just the facts, maam!   COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL USED IN LINE WITH CREATIVE COMMONS ACT