Movie of the Month/LAMBcast #68: Oldboy

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The voters in our last MOTM poll overwhelmingly selected Oldboy as this month's film, and it's not hard to see why. Chan-wook Park's genre-spanning 2003 film shockingly was not an instant classic, but has become more than a cult icon in the eight years since its release, climbing the IMDb Top 250 (it currently sits at #97) and, more importantly, becoming more and more known as one of the quintessential Asian films of the new century.

For those unfamiliar with it, the plot synopsis from IMDb:

"An average man is kidnapped and imprisoned in a shabby cell for 15 years without explanation. He then is released, equipped with money, a cellphone and expensive clothes. As he strives to explain his imprisonment and get his revenge, Oh Dae-Su soon finds out that his kidnapper has a greater plan for him and is set onto a path of pain and suffering in an attempt to uncover the motive of his mysterious tormentor."

First up, the links! Thanks to all of the LAMBs that sent in their posts for this edition of the MOTM. Be sure to check out the varied opinions on this controversial film over at the LAMB.

It's also time to vote on next month's movie. I've included many of the choices from last month, but swapped a few out to keep it interesting. You have one week to vote.

Online Surveys & Market Research

As we do every month, the LAMBcast is tied into the MOTM. We had a jam-packed show with six participants for our MOTM-theme, with Nick, Jason, Kai, Jess, Univarn and Dylan on board. Bonus: there's a SHOCKER of an announcement given by a couple of the participants. You won't believe it when you hear it!

Also on tap:

* (An epic) Rants of the Week
* Trailer Talk: Conan the Barbarian
* Last LAMB Standing

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Music provided royalty-free by Kevin MacLeod's Incompetech website. Big thanks to Kevin for providing this service. The LAMBcast loves feedback, too. Either here in the comments section or to blogcabins@yahoo.com or to our Facebook page. Also, we're on iTunes, and would still love a review, even if it's a bad one.

Thanks for listening!

If you haven't seen Oldboy then you can either rent it or watch it online with LOVEFiLM - the home of free movies online.

And then...

LAMBcast #66: Scream 4

We had a full house of five LAMBcasters on board to discuss the latest installment of Wes Craven's once-upon-a-time-hip teen slasher franchise - would we think this one continues the tradition or falls flat? Nick, Jason, James, Dylan and Simon break it down. Also - we bid adieu to the LAMB of the Week and unveil our new segment: Rants of the Week. Be sure to let us know what ya think!

Also on tap:

* Trailer Talk: The Change-Up
* Last LAMB Standing

Music provided royalty-free by Kevin MacLeod's Incompetech website. Big thanks to Kevin for providing this service. The LAMBcast loves feedback, too. Either here in the comments section or to blogcabins@yahoo.com or to our Facebook page. Also, we're on iTunes, and would still love a review, even if it's a bad one.

Thanks for listening!

And then...

Movie of the Month/LAMBcast #64: Black Dynamite

Alright you jive-ass turkeys...it's time to shut up and listen, 'cause grown ups is talking.

That's right, it's time for the Movie of the Month, and with it, the LAMBcast dedicated to said movie. If you haven't seen the 2009 comedy that kisses the feet of the blaxploitation genre just prior to sweeping those feet from the ground, you're missing out. Can you dig it? So kick back, have yourself some Anaconda malt liquor, and try to make the connection between something that "melts in your mouth" and "Little Richard."

If you're having trouble with that one, in the meantime you can check out all these badass fellow LAMBs that took part in the MOTM by writing about the comedy classic that is Black Dynamite:

Big Thoughts From a Small Mind
Big Thoughts From a Small Mind (2)
Net-flixation
A Life in Equinox
Bargain Bin Review
The Film Cynics
Jack L. Film Reviews
French Toast Sunday
Can't Explain
Cinema Sights
Rachel's Reel Reviews
Blog Cabins

It's also time to vote on next month's movie. I've included many of the choices from last month, but swapped a few out to keep it interesting. You have one week to vote.

Online Surveys & Market Research

If all that's not enough for you, the LAMBcast took on BD as well. Jason, Nick, Stevee, Aiden and Dylan tried to analyze the film on a deep level, but mostly just riff on all the awesome things contained within.

Also on tap:

* LAMB of the Week
* Trailer Talk: Crazy. Stupid. Love.
* Last LAMB Standing

For the LAMB of the Week, we take a look at LAMB #674, moviesandsongs365:

Music provided royalty-free by Kevin MacLeod's Incompetech website. Big thanks to Kevin for providing this service. The LAMBcast loves feedback, too. Either here in the comments section or to blogcabins@yahoo.com or to our Facebook page. Also, we're on iTunes, and would still love a review, even if it's a bad one.

Thanks for listening!

And then...

Burning Questions: Mallrats

For the first time, we feature a guest post here for Burning Questions. Jason Soto of Invasion of the B Movies couldn't quite find the right place to post this on his site(s) (Mallrats not being a B movie and all), so he's donated it to the cause. It's not fashioned entirely in the usage I typically do (mine are typically in regards to logic errors), but you'll find that it burns a hole in your head all the same...

Alright, so everyone here seen Mallrats, right? The second Kevin Smith film? Takes place in a mall? Well in case you haven't I'll give you a quick rundown.

Two guys spend a day in a mall and wacky things happen. Done.

Ok, now for those of you (like me) who seen the movie countless times, let me recount the scene then get to my question.

So Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer is producing a dating game show and it's gonna be filmed live in the mall. Why? Why not?! Anyway, Quint's ex-girlfriend is gonna be a contestant on the show, which is pretty much a rip-off of "The Dating Game". Quint wants to get back with his girlfriend so he comes up with a plan to fill in for the three suitors who are trying to win the date with the ex-girlfriend. Quint enlists the help of Jay to get the suitors so stoned they can't go on. The problem is he only got two of them stoned, leaving a third one (Gill Hicks) left. Since they didn't have time to dispatch the third guy, they go on with Gill. So here's the question:

What would've it been like if Jay did get Gill stoned, leaving a third spot open AND Jay had to go on stage with Quint and Brodie? That would've been fucking hilarious! Be like:

Brandi: "Suitor number three: describe our date"
Jay: "First, girl, we go back to my Mom's place, where I make her cook us some scrambled eggs, while that's happening, we smoke a big fat blunt! Then after the meal, we go back up to my room and BICKITY BAM!! We're fucking!! All sorts of styles, baby! Snootchies!!!"

Tell me that wouldn't be funny?
-Jason

And then...

LAMBcast #59: Whatcha Been Watchin' Lately?

New blood alert! New blood alert! My numerous calls for new LAMBcast players has paid fruitful dividends that will play out over the next few weeks. On this episode, LAMB contributor CS from Big Thoughts From a Small Mind joins James, Jason, and host Nick. Here, the guys recount some of their latest and greatest film viewings.

Also on tap:

* Listener Feedback
* LAMB of the Week
* Trailer Talk: Kung Fu Panda 2
* Last LAMB Standing

For the LAMB of the Week, we take a look at LAMB #757, Movies with Mitch:


If you'd like your site to be a future LAMB of the Week, hit me up via email and I'll add you to the queue.

If you're interested, you too can be a LAMBcaster - we love new blood! For more information on the LAMBcast, check out the topic at the LAMB Forums. Music provided royalty-free by Kevin MacLeod's Incompetech website. Big thanks to Kevin for providing this service. The LAMBcast loves feedback, too. Either here in the comments section or to blogcabins@yahoo.com or to our Facebook page. Also, we're on iTunes, and would still love a review, even if it's a bad one.

Thanks for listening!

And then...

LAMBcast #58: This Is Spinal Tap + The Rejuvenation of the LAMB Movie of the Month

(Note: see below the player for news about the LAMB Movie of the Month!)

The gang of four is back after a one-week hiatus to bring you a new kind of LAMBcast. Jason, James, Nick and Dylan couldn't find anything worth discussing in the new release section, so we watched This Is Spinal Tap (for the first time!) and convened to break it down. Smell the Glove, baby!!

Also on tap:

* Listener Feedback
* LAMB of the Week
* Trailer Talk: Bad Teacher
* Last LAMB Standing

For the LAMB of the Week, we take a look at LAMB #1, Blog Cabins:


If you'd like your site to be a future LAMB of the Week, hit me up via email and I'll add you to the queue.

As we discussed during the taping of the last LAMBcast, we think it's high time to bring back the LAMB Movie of the Month, and we're gonna tie it in with the LAMBcast.



So, I looked at the upcoming schedule and have planned for the event to take place on April 16. What we'll do is this:

* I've listed several movies in a poll below. Select which one you would like to be the next MOTM. If you have suggestions for a future MOTM, post them in the comments section here.

* The poll will run for one week. When it's finished, I'll put up another post with the results.

* From that point, you'll have over a month to watch and write about the movie. I'd like for everyone to hold their posts until 4/16, so it'll be a true blog-a-thon on that day.

* Whoever is interested can join in on the LAMBcast for that movie, to be recorded one week prior to the event (4/9 in this case). Spots might fill up quickly, so head over to the thread at the Forums to claim yours (max. of 5 people). The LAMBcast for the MOTM will go live on 4/16 as well, as will a poll to decide the next movie.

Sound like fun?

Online Surveys & Market Research

Music provided royalty-free by Kevin MacLeod's Incompetech website. Big thanks to Kevin for providing this service. The LAMBcast loves feedback, too. Either here in the comments section or to blogcabins@yahoo.com or to our Facebook page. Also, we're on iTunes, and would still love a review, even if it's a bad one.

Thanks for listening!

And then...

LAMBcast #57: Terry Gilliam

The three amigos (Jason, Nick, and Dylan) go on a quest to discover and discuss the films of the LAMB's most recent subject of the Director's Chair series, Terry Gilliam.

Also on tap:

* Listener Feedback
* LAMB of the Week
* Trailer Talk: X-Men: First Class
* Last LAMB Standing

For the LAMB of the Week, we take a look at LAMB #775, PopChopShop:


If you'd like your site to be a future LAMB of the Week, hit me up via email and I'll add you to the queue.

Music provided royalty-free by Kevin MacLeod's Incompetech website. Big thanks to Kevin for providing this service. The LAMBcast loves feedback, too. Either here in the comments section or to blogcabins@yahoo.com or to our Facebook page. Also, we're on iTunes, and would still love a review, even if it's a bad one.

Thanks for listening!

And then...

LAMBcast #55: Whatcha Been Watchin' Lately?

On a very special episode of the LAMBcast, Nick tells Jason that he "learned it from watching him, alright!"

Naw...it's special for an entirely different reason, but you'll just have to listen to find out why. Kai and Dylan are also on hand, as we discuss What We've Been Watchin' Lately.

Also on tap:

* Listener Feedback
* LAMB of the Week
* Trailer Talk: Insidious
* Last LAMB Standing

For the LAMB of the Week, we take a look at LAMB #629, Inspired Ground:


If you'd like your site to be a future LAMB of the Week, hit me up via email and I'll add you to the queue.

Music provided royalty-free by Kevin MacLeod's Incompetech website. Big thanks to Kevin for providing this service. The LAMBcast loves feedback, too. Either here in the comments section or to blogcabins@yahoo.com or to our Facebook page. Also, we're on iTunes, and would still love a review, even if it's a bad one.

Thanks for listening!

And then...

LAMBcast #54: Top 5 Most Anticipated for 2011

Jason, James, Nick, Stevee and Dylan get together to discuss their Top 5 Most Anticipated films for 2011. Like I say, I know we're a month into the new year, but does January really count? Also, we premiere the brand-spanking new segment transitions - don't worry, it's way more interesting than that sounds.

Also on tap:

* Listener Feedback
* LAMB of the Week
* Trailer Talk: Perfect Sense
* Last LAMB Standing

For the LAMB of the Week, we take a look at LAMB #132, Bitchin' Film Reviews:


If you'd like your site to be a future LAMB of the Week, hit me up via email and I'll add you to the queue.

Music provided royalty-free by Kevin MacLeod's Incompetech website. Big thanks to Kevin for providing this service. The LAMBcast loves feedback, too. Either here in the comments section or to blogcabins@yahoo.com or to our Facebook page. Also, we're on iTunes, and would still love a review, even if it's a bad one.

Thanks for listening!

And then...

LAMBcast #53: Best of 2010

And so, it is finally time to draw line in the calendar and reflect on the past year in film. James, Jess, Nick, Jason and Dylan document their Best of 2010 in a variety of categories. The highlight: James' pick for Best Ensemble, by far.

Also on tap:

* Listener Feedback
* LAMB of the Week
* Trailer Talk: Battle: Los Angeles
* Last LAMB Standing

For the LAMB of the Week, we take a look at LAMB #262, The Film Vituperatem:


If you'd like your site to be a future LAMB of the Week, hit me up via email and I'll add you to the queue.

Music provided royalty-free by Kevin MacLeod's Incompetech website. Big thanks to Kevin for providing this service. The LAMBcast loves feedback, too. Either here in the comments section or to blogcabins@yahoo.com or to our Facebook page. Also, we're on iTunes, and would still love a review, even if it's a bad one.

Thanks for listening!

And then...

The State of the Cabins (1/5/11)

Things to Click On
* Jason Bellamy's Bests of 2010 post is phenomenal - the best post I've read this year! Full of creative awards for the last year in film. You'll never think of How to Train Your Dragon the same way again, either. (The Cooler)

* Speaking of Jasons, Mr. Soto's latest "Jason Made a Video" is a must watch for the opening minute alone. Yeah, it's an inside joke, but goddamn is it a good one. (Invasion of the B Movies)

* It's been around for a few weeks, but the new game over at Hoping for Something to Hope For is, as you might have guessed, right up my alley. Here's the third one.

* James lets you in on his Top 20 Discoveries of 2010. Love the idea of this post. (Cinema Sights)

* Univarn has been on a tear lately. Just check out anything from the past two weeks or so (I had to skip the film reviews as I've not yet seen the flicks, but the editorials and poster wrap-up have all been terrific). (A Life in Equinox)

Movies watched for the first time (non-theatrically) since last week time:
* About a Boy
You know how, just because someone has a British accent, they seem smarter and more refined than their North American counterpart? Can the same be said for films?

I swear, were About a Boy made with, say, John Cusack in the lead, it would have come off a lot worse than it did. (This might have already happened...did anyone actually see Martian Child?) I, too, was pretty smitten with About a Boy, but I just had this nagging feeling that it was more familiar and cliched than it actually was. Asshole, Peter Pan-y bachelor learns to love someone besides himself, earning a family and a sense of purpose along the way. Haven't we seen this a million times? Was the writing really that much more superior so as to make it stand out from the crowd?


Sadly, I don't know if I have the answers to those questions, and I'm going to do my best to not care. I was charmed by Hugh Grant - ironically, perhaps liking him more in this asshole role than in any prior role of his. Anything's better than watching this suave, good-looking guy stumble and stammer his way through another character, right? I've been somewhat of a basket case over the last two and a half months, so I wasn't surprised that the super-happy ending got to me, either. Yes, it got dusty in there.

A winning film, with a hilarious intro. Who else could threaten to 'shag' their goddaughter and come away smelling of roses?

P.S. - I completely forgot that the Boy was the one that grew up to be Colin Firth's love interest in A Single Man. Jarring, really. He really did look strange in About a Boy - Mrs. Fletch even thought they'd done something to his eyebrows to make him look like a Vulcan.

Fletch's Film Rating:

	Expectation: "It's in the hole!"
	Reality: "It's in the hole!"

LAMBScore:

Music I'm currently obsessed with:
* Nothing in particular. Picked up the latest from The Black Keys, Royksopp, Kanye West and Vampire Weekend...now it's time to take them all in.

Book I'm currently reading:
* Notice a trend here?

Usually, I don't like to read consecutive books from the same author, as it feels better to mix it up. Too much of the same thing starts to blend all together into one giant book. Yet, I guess a desire to continue reading something light took me from the second in the Camel Club series by David Baldacci, The Collectors, to the third one, Stone Cold. Ironically, similar to the second and third books in the Millenium trilogy, The Collectors and Stone Cold do blend together. There's a new story and villain here, but a large portion of Collectors was left on a cliffhanger that's sure to be resolved in Stone. And I'm enjoying this third book probably even more so than the prior two. I think there's a fourth (and maybe even a fifth) novel in the series...I just might take them all on in a row.

And then...