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Ramblin: An Amblin Podcast

Ramblin: An Amblin Podcast

By Andrew Gaudion and Joshua Glenn

Ladies and Gentlemen, Extraterrestrials and Poltergeists, welcome to Ramblin: An Amblin Podcast.
In each episode, your hosts Andrew Gaudion and Joshua Glenn will guide you through the weird and wonderful films that fall under the Amblin Entertainment Banner, the production company founded by Steven Spielberg, Frank Marshall and Kathleen Kennedy back in 1981.
With friends and special guests joining along the way, get ready for discussions, analysis and trivia around both some of the biggest movies of all-time, and some smaller little-seen curiosities. Hold onto your butts!
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Cape Fear (1991)

Ramblin: An Amblin PodcastFeb 27, 2022

00:00
02:02:37
Catch Me If You Can (2002)

Catch Me If You Can (2002)

We kick off the first chapter in our self-coined ‘Neopolitan Spielberg trilogy’ with the strawberry of the trio, the beard’s 2002 con-man caper ‘CATCH ME IF YOU CAN’, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks. To join us in tracking down the tale of putting the story of Frank William Abagnale Jnr to the screen is film historian and musical expert Miles Eady. Together, we discuss the long line of filmmakers who couldn’t quite get their clutches on the story, try out a Christopher Walken impression or two, consider the difficulties of a broadway adaptation, and look at what depths lie beneath the stylish and breezy surface of one of Spielberg’s most surprising works. And we also grapple with the age old question: should you ever let the truth get in the way of a good story?

You can check out more of Miles’ work over on his website: https://mileseady.com/ 

Here’s a link to the real Frank William Abagnale’s appearance on The Johnny Carson Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIYtKR24LQs&pp=ygUkZnJhbmsgYWJhZ25hbGUgb24gam9obm55IGNhcnNvbiBzaG93 

And a taste of the Broadway musical: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zayv01x1QLs&pp=ygUcY2F0Y2ggbWUgaWYgeW91IGNhbiBicm9hZHdheQ%3D%3D 

Follow the podcast on Twitter (@RamblinAmblin) and be sure to like and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Get in touch with us either via Twitter or email rambinaboutamblin@gmail.com. Please feel free to give us a 5-star review, share your favourite Amblin movies and tell us if ET makes you cry.

Ramblin is created and produced by Andrew Gaudion and Joshua Glenn. A special thanks as always to Emily Tatham for the artwork, and Robert J. Hunter-Clayton & Greg Sheffield for the theme music.

Mar 17, 202401:47:35
Men in Black II (2002)
Feb 11, 202401:50:29
Minority Report (2002)
Dec 24, 202302:04:40
Jurassic Park III (2001)
Dec 03, 202301:56:58
A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001)

Cirrus. Socrates. Particle. Decibel. Hurricane. Dolphin. Tulip. Ramblin. Listener. Ramblin.

Now we’ve got that out of the way, it’s time to get serious about Papa Spielberg’s first offering of the new millennium: 2001’s moody, existentially shattering A.I. Artificial Intelligence. Beginning as a short story in the pages of Harper’s Bazaar in the early-‘70s, the film started out as a Kubrick project before gradually, over the years, forging a bridge between the two master filmmakers and ultimately coming to fruition as a ghostly collaboration. 

We talk about the extent to which the film represents the nexus of these two very (ostensibly) different sensibilities, the truly remarkable work done by Hayley Joel Osment in doing the impossible and making human this uncanny life form, and the wild (mis)interpretations that have led to people taking very different things from the conclusion. It’s heavy stuff, so we’ve brought out the big guns to help us wade through it. That’s right, for this episode we’re joined by the one and only Good Doctor himself, Mr. Mark Kermode, a man who famously reassessed the film (as well as his own reaction to it) in the years since, even going so far as to confessing to the director himself. We’re over the moon that he could join us and we hope you find this discussion (which begins at around the 40 minute mark) as rewarding as we did, instead of looking at us blankly and asking: ‘What were those words for, Mommy?’

You can listen to Mark Kermode every Friday on Kermode and Mayo’s Take, available on all good pod catchers of choice. If you’re already a member of the vanguard, we salute you.

Follow the podcast on Twitter (@RamblinAmblin) and be sure to like and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Get in touch with us either via Twitter or email rambinaboutamblin@gmail.com. Please feel free to give us a 5-star review, share your favourite Amblin movies and tell us if ET makes you cry.

Ramblin is created and produced by Andrew Gaudion and Joshua Glenn. A special thanks as always to Emily Tatham for the artwork, and Robert J. Hunter-Clayton & Greg Sheffield for the theme music, and to all our guests over the decade that was the 1990s.

Nov 12, 202301:51:28
The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas (2000)
Oct 15, 202301:47:23
Review of the 90s (Part II)
Aug 06, 202302:07:58
Review of the 90s (Part I)
Jul 30, 202301:06:26
In Dreams (1999)
Jul 09, 202301:24:40
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Jun 25, 202302:21:56
The Mask of Zorro (1998)
Jun 04, 202302:13:48
Small Soldiers (1998)
May 22, 202301:58:44
Men in Black (1997)
May 07, 202302:24:41
The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997)
Apr 23, 202301:28:27
The Trigger Effect (1996)
Apr 09, 202301:47:17
Twister (1996)
Mar 26, 202301:55:08
Balto (1995)
Mar 12, 202301:29:34
How to Make an American Quilt (1995)
Feb 26, 202301:42:56
To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995)

To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995)

No one say anything frivolous for the next few moments. We are having a significant experience! The Ramblin gang are back on the road of Amblin Entertainment. This time, we’re hitching a ride in a 1967 Cadillac Deville with drag queens Vida Boheme (Patrick Swayze), Noxeema Jackson (Wesley Snipes) and Chi Chi Rodriguez (John Leguizamo) as we discuss Beeban Kidron’s comedy TO WONG FOO, THANKS FOR EVERYTHING! JULIE NEWMAR. To tackle the longest title - in terms of letters that is - so far, we invite Sarah Buddery of Looper and Let’s Jaws For A Minute podcast fame. for the journey. Along the way, we get into the casting, the costuming and the fabulous message at the heart of this mid-90s gem. We’re so excited, we could just spit!

You can follow Sarah on Twitter @sarahbuddery and her podcast @jawsforaminute, which is available to listen to now, wherever you get your podcasts.

For more Wong Foo context ands goodness, check out these articles, interviews and episode sources:

The Crazy, Fabulous Story Behind 'To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar' - Gwynne Watkins, Yahoo

The Amazing Story Behind To Wong Foo - Mitch Kohn, The Advocate

Follow the podcast on Twitter (@RamblinAmblin) and be sure to like and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Get in touch with us either via Twitter or email rambinaboutamblin@gmail.com. Please feel free to give us a 5-star review, share your favourite Amblin movies and tell us if ET makes you cry.

Ramblin is created and produced by Andrew Gaudion and Joshua Glenn. A special thanks as always to Emily Tatham for the artwork, and Robert J. Hunter-Clayton & Greg Sheffield for the theme music, and to Greg for making us a very festive version of the theme.

Feb 12, 202301:41:55
The Bridges of Madison County (1995)
Dec 26, 202201:21:44
Casper (1995)
Dec 11, 202202:14:42
Little Giants (1994)
Nov 24, 202201:42:45
The Little Rascals (1994)

The Little Rascals (1994)

Good day, Ramblin fans, can we get an azooga!? We welcome you to the clubhouse as we assemble a group of little rascals to aptly chat about all things THE LITTLE RASCALS, the 1994 Penelope Spheeris-directed adaptation of the classic Hal Roach ‘Our Gang’ short films from the early era of Hollywood. In our clubhouse we welcome back returning guests Jack Buckley and Seb Jones and let chaos reign as our chat gets as unwieldy as the film itself. And how!

To find out which Little Rascals you are along with us, take the quiz over at Zimblo: https://www.zimbio.com/quiz/we3tkCQFx2L/Little+Rascals+Character

Follow the podcast on Twitter (@RamblinAmblin) and be sure to like and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Get in touch with us either via Twitter or email rambinaboutamblin@gmail.com. Please feel free to give us a 5-star review, share your favourite Amblin movies and tell us if ET makes you cry.

Ramblin is created and produced by Andrew Gaudion and Joshua Glenn. A special thanks as always to Emily Tatham for the artwork, and Robert J. Hunter- Clayton & Greg Sheffield for the theme music.

Nov 13, 202201:32:15
The Flintstones (1994)

The Flintstones (1994)

Yabba Dabba Doo! We’re back and this time we’re heading to the town of Bedrock through the courtesy of our two pairs of feet to meet The Flintstones. This 1994 adaptation of the Hanna-Barbera cartoon from the 1960s was much maligned by critics at the time of its release, but is the Brian Levant directed movie starring John Goodman and Rick Moranis really all that bad? To help us take apart the comically large rack of ribs that is this movie, we’re joined by podcaster co-host of W-Rated, Clare Brunton. Pour yourself a cold one and have a gay old time!

You can follow Clare and W-Rated on Twitter @clareellenhope and @WRatedPod. Listen, rate, review and subscribe to W-Rated now wherever you get youtube podcasts.

Follow the podcast on Twitter (@RamblinAmblin) and be sure to like and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Get in touch with us either via Twitter or email rambinaboutamblin@gmail.com. Please feel free to give us a 5-star review, share your favourite Amblin movies and tell us if ET makes you cry.

Ramblin is created and produced by Andrew Gaudion and Joshua Glenn. A special thanks as always to Emily Tatham for the artwork, and Robert J. Hunter & Greg Sheffield for the theme music.

Oct 23, 202201:44:39
Schindler's List (1993)

Schindler's List (1993)

We finally arrive at one of the most crucial films in both Spielberg’s and Amblin’s filmographies, 1993’s Best Picture-winning SCHINDLER’S LIST. To help us in our examination of the film’s portrayal of the Holocaust, Jewish life and Oskar Schindler, we’re very lucky to be joined by Chief Executive of UK Jewish Film, Michael Etherton. Together we break down the film’s aesthetic choices, Spielberg’s motivations behind tackling this subject matter at this particular time and the ethics of trying to depict such an abhorrent moment in human history, let alone in a piece of popular entertainment. It’s an understandably difficult area to explore, but we hope that you find the discussion illuminating.

You can follow Michael on Twitter at @MichaelEth. To learn more about UK Jewish Film, please visit https://ukjewishfilm.org/ or follow them at @UKJewishFilm.

The 2022 UK Jewish Film Festival runs from 10-20 November. Information on the programme and purchasing tickets can be found here: https://ukjewishfilm.org/festival/uk-jewish-film-festival-2022/

Follow the podcast on Twitter (@RamblinAmblin) and be sure to like and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Get in touch with us either via Twitter or email rambinaboutamblin@gmail.com. Please feel free to give us a 5-star review, share your favourite Amblin movies and tell us if ET makes you cry.

Ramblin is created and produced by Andrew Gaudion and Joshua Glenn. A special thanks as always to Emily Tatham for the artwork, and Robert J. Hunter & Greg Sheffield for the theme music.

Sep 25, 202201:51:57
A Dangerous Woman (1993)
Aug 07, 202201:06:54
We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story (1993)

We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story (1993)

It’s time to chow down on some brian grain and get weird with it in our episode on the second film from Amblin’s animation house - Amblimation - the other 1993 dinosaur movie WE”RE BACK! A DINOSAUR’S STORY. With a script by JOE VERSUS THE VOLCANO’s John Patrick Shanley and multiple hands on the wheel, the final product needs to be seen to be believed, as our makeshift herd will attest. Join us as we welcome new guest, friend and fellow Warwick grad Lucy Ogilvie, and welcome back returning guest Jack Buckley to take the trip from the prehistoric era to early-90s New York City, as we roam the streets with Rex and pals and run away to the circus - now that’s a notion with some spice!

NOTE: We, unfortunately, lost a chunk of Mr. Buckley’s audio, so if you’re wondering why he goes quiet for a period that would be why. If you’re looking for someone to blame, blame Stubbs the Clown. We can also confirm that Jack’s fear that would emanate from the Fear Radio is Slack message related.

Follow the podcast on Twitter (@RamblinAmblin) and be sure to like and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Get in touch with us either via Twitter or email rambinaboutamblin@gmail.com. Please feel free to give us a 5-star review, share your favourite Amblin movies and tell us if ET makes you cry.

Ramblin is created and produced by Andrew Gaudion and Joshua Glenn. A special thanks as always to Emily Tatham for the artwork, and Robert J. Hunter & Greg Sheffield for the theme music.

Jun 26, 202201:34:53
Jurassic Park (1993)
Jun 12, 202202:31:09
A Far Off Place (1993)
May 22, 202201:12:19
Noises Off (1992)
Apr 24, 202201:39:52
Hook (1991)

Hook (1991)

‘Have to fly, have to fight, have to crow, have to save Maggie, have to save Jack… Hook is back.’

It’s time to take flight with Ramblin once more as we head for the second star on the right and straight on till morning to discuss Steven Spielberg’s take on the Peter Pan legend - 1991’s ‘HOOK’, starring Robin Williams, Dustin Hoffman and Julia Roberts  - which asks the question, what if Peter Pan grew up?

It would be bad form not to have a guest join the Jolly Ramblin crew for such a voyage, which is why we are pleased to welcome writer, journalist, marketing manager and Hook super-fan, Sarah Cook (@CookieNScreen) aboard the pod. Together, we chart the map of development, discuss Spielberg’s own apathy towards the final product, the fairy dust of nostalgia, screaming housekeepers and Maggie Smith’s horny eyes.

So, don’t be a boil-dripping beef, fart-sniffing bubble butt - think happy thoughts, hit play and join us on our adventure to Neverland. Bangarang!

You can follow Sarah on Twitter @CookieNScreen and can find her writing at moviesonweekends.com, Hey You Guys and Film Stories.

Follow the podcast on Twitter (@RamblinAmblin) and be sure to like and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Get in touch with us either via Twitter or email rambinaboutamblin@gmail.com. Please feel free to give us a 5-star review, share your favourite Amblin movies and tell us if ET makes you cry.

Ramblin is created and produced by Andrew Gaudion and Joshua Glenn. A special thanks as always to Emily Tatham for the artwork, and Robert J. Hunter & Greg Sheffield for the theme music.

Apr 10, 202201:46:27
An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (1991)

An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (1991)

Howdy pardners, we’re back. Sorry for the hiatus, one of your fine feathered hosts got struck down with dreaded ‘rona. Don’t sweat it though Ramblin’ fans, as we’re back on the saddle to continue our epic journey through the valley of Amblin Entertainment. That’s right we’re back in the Old West, this time with an animated mouse, with our look at sequel ‘An American Tail: Fievel Goes West’.

We’re joined by our old pal - film journalist Barry Levitt (@blevitt93) - to chart our travels on to  the dusty town of Green River, home to even more nefarious cats and one gassy sheriff, old dog Wiley Burp (James Stewart in his final film role). We go deep into the creation of Amblimation, Spielberg’s very own animation house, and how a lot of hopes were hinged on the return of Fievel and the Mousekewitz family. But does the Don Bluth-less sequel match up to his heartfelt original? Join us and find out!

Josh Glenn would also like to let everyone know that The Matrix Resurrections is out now on all home entertainment formats.

You can follow Barry on Twitter and Letterboxd @blevitt93 , and catch his writing over at Looper, i-D and SlashFilm.

Follow the podcast on Twitter (@RamblinAmblin) and be sure to like and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Get in touch with us either via Twitter or email rambinaboutamblin@gmail.com. Please feel free to give us a 5-star review, share your favourite Amblin movies and tell us if ET or The Land Before Time makes you cry.

Ramblin is created and produced by Andrew Gaudion and Joshua Glenn. A special thanks as always to Emily Tatham for the artwork, and Robert J. Hunter & Greg Sheffield for the theme music.

Mar 27, 202201:21:32
Cape Fear (1991)
Feb 27, 202202:02:37
Arachnophobia (1990)
Feb 13, 202201:33:43
Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
Jan 30, 202201:54:46
Back to the Future Part III (1990)
Dec 19, 202102:01:00
Joe Versus the Volcano (1990)
Dec 05, 202101:34:35
Review of the 80s

Review of the 80s

Whoa, this is heavy - we’re already done and dusted with the 1980s, the decade responsible for some of Amblin’s greatest movies - as this review more than goes to show. So, before we hit the wilderness of the 90s, join us for a look back over the decade that was, as we reveal a number of categories that allow us to ramble once again about some of our favourite aspects of the journey so far. We explore characters, actors, music and dogs before culminating in our individual top fives, as well as revealing the results of the listener poll for best Amblin movie of the 80s. Is it all very self-indulgent? You bet it is, but we hope you enjoy it all the same.

Thanks again to everyone who voted in the listener poll, to all our guests so far and to you all for listening. Remember to like, review and subscribe, and get in touch with any Amblin thoughts you might have @RamblinAmblin on Twitter or email ramblinaboutamblin@gmail.com.

Ramblin is created and produced by Andrew Gaudion and Joshua Glenn. A special thanks as always to Emily Tatham for the artwork, and Robert J. Hunter & Greg Sheffield for the theme music.

Nov 21, 202102:34:09
Always (1989)
Nov 07, 202101:23:39
Back to the Future Part II (1989)
Oct 24, 202101:52:00
Dad (1989)
Aug 29, 202101:33:52
 The Land Before Time (1988)
Aug 15, 202101:56:39
Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
Aug 01, 202102:30:33
*batteries not included (1987)
Jul 18, 202101:32:10
Empire of the Sun (1987)
Jul 04, 202101:40:07
Innerspace (1987)
Jun 13, 202101:26:41
Harry and the Hendersons (1987)
May 30, 202101:34:10
An American Tail (1986)
May 16, 202101:30:08
The Money Pit (1986)
May 02, 202101:28:41
The Color Purple (1985)

The Color Purple (1985)

Join Andy and Josh as they take a look at Steven Spielberg’s 1985 adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, ‘The Color Purple.’ Along the way they take a deep dive into the production history of the film, the relationship it has with the novel and question whether the material is a good fit for Spielberg’s sensibilities.


TW: Please be advised that ‘The Color Purple’ is a story that deals with themes of domestic and sexual abuse. We do touch on these themes in our discussion, so please do skip this episode if these are topics you would rather avoid. 


Follow the podcast on Twitter (@RamblinAmblin) and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Get in touch with us either via Twitter or email rambinaboutamblin@gmail.com.


Created and Produced by Andrew Gaudion and Joshua Glenn. Artwork by Emily Tatham. Theme Music by Robert J. Hunter and Greg Sheffield.

Apr 18, 202101:59:04