Who are LAMB? (round III)

There were 101 participants in the latest Who Are LAMB? survey, compared with 79 last time (though, of course, there were fewer LAMBs at that time; probably about the same level of participation overall).

The results:

Compared to last time, you're: about the same age, much more male (from 69% to 81%), equally hetero-homosexual, a bit more commited, relationship-wise, and equally white. More details below - here are the full results:






















I asked a few other more specific questions. For those in the US, I asked for a state. Of 69 possible, 65 provided a state. Last time, the top state was New York with 9 LAMBs; not so this go around. The USA's most populous state is representing the LAMB the most as well, with 7. Utah (??) was 2nd with 5 LAMBs, followed by Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Texas with 4, and Colorado, Minnesota, New Jersey and New York tying with 3 each.

Of the 7 Canadian respondents, we have 3 each from British Columbia and Ontario, along with one from Quebec. The LAMB is certainly getting more continental, with 25% non-US/Canadaian bloggers, compared with 20% previously, and including 12 folks from the British Isles.

Since I'm a wildly curious individual, I also asked you all just what it is that you do "for real." I'm glad to say that 100/101 people answered. Below I give you everyone's answers, with identifying information deleted, in a random, hard-to-read order (each answer is separated by a comma). Trust me, it's better than listing one per line:

account manager/writer for a design firm, staff writer at a newspaper, art teacher, art teacher, associate producer/creative consultant, book/magazine editor, book publishing coordinator, cubicle drone for a major telecommunications corporation, call center rep, casino manager, civil servant, college student, computer and technical support, computer programmer, computer tech, corporate concierge, corporate concierge, customer service representative, billing coordinator, database manager, desk monkey in a purchasing department, drug store retail, editorial consultant, eng editor, equities trader, executive account in advertising, film critic , filmmaker and animator, freelance reporter, freelance writer, freelance writer, full-time university student, engineer for state government, graduate student, graphic designer, high school english teacher, student, victim advocate, lawyer specializing in corporate governance, between jobs, computer tech/helpdesk/it guy, advertising, music business, chemistry student, filmmaker, english teacher, executive assistant, mentor, web editor, english major, unemployed, freelance writer, insurance, it consultant, legal assistant, legal assistant, legal office manager, librarian , broadcasting production crew member, marketing coordinator/writer & associate editor for soccer magazine, medical transcription, nothing, office manager, online property sales, owner of a manufacturing company, paper pusher, restaurant management, restaurant manager, retired, not working full time, videographer/editor, social worker, software engineer, university student, student, student, student, student, student, student , student/independent digital artist, student, esl teacher, teacher, tech support, this is my real job, unemployed, unemployed, university student, unix systems administrator, web content editor, web page designer, work for the state government, work in a drug store, work in media communications, write about film, writer, writer

That about does it. Many, many thanks to the 100 other folks that took the time to participate, and a horse's head on your pillow to the rest. ;) Not sure when we'll do this again, but ~600 LAMBs sounds about right.

For the results from the previous Who Are LAMB? surveys, click the label below.

PRESS RELEASE: Mississippi Damned

Mississippi Damned takes place in 1986 and 1998 and is based on a true story about three poor, Black kids in rural Mississippi who reap the consequences of their family's cycle of abuse, addiction, and violence. They independently struggle to escape their circumstances and must decide whether to confront what's plagued their family for generations or succumb to the same crippling fate, forever damned in Mississippi. Please go to Mississippi Damned's website, http://www.mississippidamned.com/, to see the latest about the film and see a trailer.

Mississippi Damned had its World Premiere at Slamdance 2009 in Park City, Utah in January. After which it screened at: the Philadelphia Film Festival/CineFest 2009, the 2009 Atlanta Film Festival 365, the 2009 Boston International Film Festival, NewFest 2009 in New York City, the 2009 American Black Film Festival in Miami, Frameline33 in San Francisco, Outfest 2009 in Los Angeles, the 2009 Urbanworld Film Festival in New York City, the Zurich Film Festival, and the 45th Chicago International Film Festival.

You may also find it interesting that the young architects of Mississippi Damned have been recognized for their talents by the industry:

1. See the Variety Web Exclusive review by Ronnie Scheib.

2. See the article in indieWire where Mississippi Damned is named one of the six films to watch out of Outfest.

3. 25 New Faces of Independent Film: In the 2009 Summer issue of Filmmaker Magazine, Mississippi Damned's Writer/Director Tina Mabry and Director of Photography, Bradford Young, are among this talented group of filmmakers.

The link to the YouTube trailer is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bA5f47ihycs

The link to our website is: http://www.mississippidamned.com/

Got a Press Release, something to Plug, or a Screener available for review (or some combination of the three)? Ok, well don't get all crazy about it. Just click here and give me the details - I'll handle the rest.

LAMB #401 - Cinema Takes

URL: http://cinematakes.blogspot.com/
Site Name: Cinema Takes
Categories: Reviews, Humour, General, Foreign Films, Documentaries
Rating: PG-13

What is the main focus of your site?
Current films at the cinema.

What are your blogging goals, personally and/or professionally? In other words, what, if anything, are you trying to get out your blog?
Enjoyment, interaction, what writers get from writing.

Do you prefer an interactive community for your blog or are you the teacher and your readers the students?
I'm egalitarian. No right answers.

How long have you been movie blogging for, and how frequent do you post updates to your site?
August 2008 Weekly, more during MIFF.

Name up to three of your favorite movies (and no more).
Casablanca, Pulp Fiction, Samson & Delilah (2009 version)

How did you hear about the LAMB?
Film Babble blog.

Any additional comments, or give yourself an interview question that's not listed above.
Greenaway is wrong about cinema.

LAMBScores: This Is It

Sorry for the delay this week. Blame the holiday.

Lets Go to the Movies


The Dark of the Matinee
The Movie Encyclopedia
Foolish Blatherings


Big Mike's Movie Blog
Matte Havoc


Cut Print Review


Average LAMBScore out of five, rounded to nearest half-LAMB: (7 sites)


Median LAMBScore:


Submissions for this film are now closed. To submit your rating & review for other new releases, visit the LAMB Forums (must be an existing LAMB to join).

Director's Chair #4 is Three Days Away!

We are only three days away from installment number four of The LAMBs in the Director's Chair event that will prominently feature Steven Soderbergh at the forefront of the three-day event. If you are not completely sure how the event works, I will explain it for you. Simply put I ask that every participating blogger is a LAMB member who will publish at least one article about the featured director before the end of the second day of the event. It is that easy! You can approach the topic in any method that you see reasonable for the event. Articles for the previous events have included movie reviews and event themed cooking recipes that tie in with the movies that have been helmed by the previous film directors! As previously mentioned, the focus of Director’s Chair #4 is Steven Soderbergh. There are a couple of promotional banners for the event in the original announcement post. If you would like to participate in the event and already have an article or two published on your website please feel free to e-mail me the link to mattehavoc@gmail.com as soon as possible.

LAMB Chops

Site Name: Matt Havoc
Post Title/Link: Promotional Photos for Jonah Hex (2010)
Submitted By: Matt Havoc

Site Name: Cold Fusion Video Reviews

Post Title/Link: Review: Jungle Holocaust (1977)

Submitted By: Cold Fusion Video Reviews

Site Name: Phil on Film

Post Title/Link: Review: A Serious Man

Submitted By: Phil on Film

Site Name: Only Good Movies

Post Title/Link: Haiku Movie Reviews

Submitted By: Only Good Movies

Site Name: The Schleicher Spin

Post Title/Link: The Winter of Our Discontent

Submitted By: NoirishCity

Site Name: Goregirl

Post Title/Link: Goregirl's 10 Favorite Zombie Films

Submitted By: Goregirl

Be on the lookout Tuesday for some new and very exciting changes to LAMB Chops. Send your submissions now to weeklylambchops@gmail.com!

Podcast Roundup (11/28/09)

LAMB: The Cynical Blog
Podcast name/host site link: The Film Cynics on CFAX 1070
Latest episode (and short description, if given):
The Cynics quench your Thirst and discuss The Age of Stupid
We had a great show this week, and not just because we had our second guest ever come on our show. Mandy Leith from Open Cinema joined us to talk a little about her organization and their upcoming screening of quasi-documentary The Age of Stupid. We run down a very short list of some of the shows that have been cancelled so far this season… we’re sure there are more to come. We review South Korean vampire movie Thirst, Park Chan-Wook’s latest film meant to make you squirm in your seat. For Geeking Out this week, we examine what the new cell networks mean for the iPhone and where you should pick one up if you’re so inclined. Finally, Steve and Brian break out National Lampoon’s Vacation and Léon The Professional from the Vault, and share the trailers for Date Night and Kick Ass.

UPDATE: The most recent episode of The Film Cynics can be found here.

LAMB: Popcorn N Roses
Podcast name/host site link: Subject: CINEMA
Latest episode (and short description, if given):
Subject:CINEMA #200 - "OMG! It's Our 200th Show!"
TC and Kim celebrate their 200th show! Come flashback as we take a look back at our past shows, the evolution of Subject:CINEMA over nearly four years of shows, and celebrate the movie industry with us! Plus: the debut of the 2009 edition of the Grinch Watch, your e-mail, voicemails from several listeners, and our review of THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON!

Some other recent shows:
* Subject:CINEMA #198 - "Directors' Chair: Not Just A Valley Girl - The Films Of Martha Coolidge!"
* Subject:CINEMA #197: "It's The End OF the World As We Know It - Earth Apocalypse Movies!"
* Subject:CINEMA #196 - "Diamonds In The Rough IV"

LAMB: Entertain Me
Podcast name/host site link: The Simon and Jo Show
Latest episode (and short description, if given):
Podcast Number 8 description:
Bonjour! Regardez les musique! It's a music and French special combo! The films in focus this week include Ortega's This Is It, Dreamgirls and Once when we look at music while the French films are Mesrine: Public Enemy No 1 and A Prophet - the London Film Festival's Best Film winner! Plus some details on our Welsh correspondents recent viewings ...


That does it for this edition of the roundup. I understand that it might get a bit confusing with all of the links, but I wanted to give one to the LAMB site that you're familiar with, their podcast home (if different from their usual site, and a link to their latest podcast.

To get your podcast listed in the next roundup (whether you're included above or not), please send me the following when you've published your next show:

* Your LAMB site name and link,
* The name of your podcast and it's indexed home page, if different from above, and
* A link to your latest episode, along with a short description, if desired.

Send this info with the subject of "Podcast Roundup," or simply click here.

mini-PLUG: Nevemind Popular Film

Nevermindpopfilm is having a Christmas Movie Countdown starting December 2nd.

http://nevermindpopfilm.blogspot.com/

Got a Press Release, something to Plug, or a Screener available for review (or some combination of the three)? Ok, well don't get all crazy about it. Just click here and give me the details - I'll handle the rest.

PRESS RELEASE/FREE SCREENING: Bullets Over Brownsville

Hello, I would like to invite some of your New York Members to a Free screening that I am having on December 2 at Linden Blvd Multiplex Cinemas, 2784 Linden Boulevard, Brooklyn, NY

Thanking you in advance,
Anthony Richards

Synopsis

“Imagine a place where life is held with little regard, where dreams die young and innocence is forever lost, where drugs are accessible like corner store candy and kids are forced to grow up way before their time. A place where a typical Exit sign can be a symbol for hope and freedom. This is Brownsville.

This disturbing, gritty tale chronicles the lives of four characters. An ex-drug dealer turned visionary, an aspiring model looking for her big break, a delusional veteran of neighborhood warfare and a young boy fascinated with guns are all linked by situations that will forever change their lives.”

CHECK OUT THE TRAILER
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6flia_bullets-over-brownsville-trailer_shortfilms


Got a Press Release, something to Plug, or a Screener available for review (or some combination of the three)? Ok, well don't get all crazy about it. Just click here and give me the details - I'll handle the rest.

LAMB #400 (!!!) - The Movie Mistress

URL: http://themoviemistress.blogspot.com/
Site Name: The Movie Mistress
Categories: Humor, Reviews, General
Rating: R

What is the main focus of your site?
To make sure every movie gets its chance to shine, good or bad. Obviously, I don't expect to watch every single movie, but if there's a "bad" or "poorly made" movie, I'm not going to ignore it. The Room gets just as much time in the spotlight on my site as, say, Titanic (both of which I've written about). I don't like to discriminate. My initial goal was to watch willingly anything that anyone submitted or suggested and write about it with the intention of having a discussion, but I've tweaked the purpose a little since I don't get very many readers.

What are your blogging goals, personally and/or professionally? In other words, what, if anything, are you trying to get out your blog?
I blog for myself because I enjoy watching movies and I enjoy writing about them. I don't get very many viewers per day (between 20-30), but making money or getting a lot of traffic isn't a concern for me. I considered myself a movie slut even before I was blogging. Now that I have a blog, I'm just a movie whore because now I get something out of it. Having a blog gives me a goal for my movie-watching, and although I like to share my movie opinions with the world, it isn't a professional aspiration of mine. I have more of a therapeutic relationship with my blog than anything else.

Do you prefer an interactive community for your blog or are you the teacher and your readers the students?
I encourage comments and discussions. I love hearing what other people think about movies that I've spotlighted. I'd like it to be interactive because movie watching is a social experience. I'd really prefer for people to have massive orgies while reading my blog. Why shouldn't my blog be a social, sexual experience the same way that watching a really awesome movie can be?

How long have you been movie blogging for, and how frequent do you post updates to your site?
I've been blogging since the beginning of August, so 3 months. I try to update every day, but most of the time my updates come every other day.

Name up to three of your favorite movies (and no more).
Marie Antoinette
Braindead (Dead Alive)
Bob and Carol and Ted and Alice

How did you hear about the LAMB?
I heard about it through Bloggeries.

Any additional comments, or give yourself an interview question that's not listed above.
I like to tell it as it is and use idioms that are part of spoken language, but I also believe in using correct grammar. This is writing, after all. Oh, and I f**king cuss A LOT. It's sort of a bad habit of mine. Or an awesome one, however you like to look at it. But then again, I am a whore to watching movies, so why shouldn't I be blunt and dirty?

LAMB #399 - Movies Kick Ass

URL: http://www.movieskickassblog.blogspot.com/
Site Name: Movies Kick Ass
Categories: Reviews, Classic film, Psychoanalytical interpretation, Classic celebrities, Latin American cinema, editorials, musicals
Rating: R

What is the main focus of your site?
Keep people entertained and engage in film conversation. Invite people to see things they hadn't seen before, make them see movies under a new perspective and overall make them enjoy cinema.

What are your blogging goals, personally and/or professionally? In other words, what, if anything, are you trying to get out your blog?
If I could watch movies and write about them for a living I would be the happiest man alive. However for now my intention is to evolve as a writer, learn from other writers and explore cinema I haven't seen before.

Do you prefer an interactive community for your blog or are you the teacher and your readers the students?
I LOVE debate. We all have something to teach and something to learn.

How long have you been movie blogging for, and how frequent do you post updates to your site?
I have been writing online since November 2003. I update several times a week. Sometimes daily.

Name up to three of your favorite movies (and no more).
A Streetcar Named Desire
Gone With the Wind
Volver

How did you hear about the LAMB?
Linked through other sites.

Any additional comments, or give yourself an interview question that's not listed above.
None.

Director's Chair #4 is One Week Away!

We are only one week away from installment number four of The LAMBs in the Director's Chair event that will prominently feature Steven Soderbergh at the forefront of the three-day event. If you are not completely sure how the event works, I will explain it for you. Simply put I ask that every participating blogger is a LAMB member who will publish at least one article about the featured director before the end of the second day of the event. It is that easy! You can approach the topic in any method that you see reasonable for the event. Articles for the previous events have included movie reviews and event themed cooking recipes that tie in with the movies that have been helmed by the previous film directors! As previously mentioned, the focus of Director’s Chair #4 is Steven Soderbergh. There are a couple of promotional banners for the event in the original announcement post. If you would like to participate in the event and already have an article or two published on your website please feel free to e-mail me the link to mattehavoc@gmail.com as soon as possible.

LAMB Chops!

Site Name: Just Chick Flicks
Post Title/Link: Why Are Women So Fascinated By Vampires?

Submitted By: Just Chick Flicks

Site Name: Blog Cabins

Post Title/Link: Candy for Your Ears

Submitted By: Blog Cabins

Site Name: Marshall and the Movies

Post Title/Link: Review: Precious

Submitted By: Marshall and the Movies

Site Name: Pluck You, Too!

Post Title/Link: Modern Horror Sucks?

Submitted By: Out of the Past

Site Name: Out of the Past

Post Title/Link: If Eddie Felson from The Hustler (1961) was on Match.com

Submitted By: Out of the Past

Site Name: Movie Mobsters

Post Title/Link: 2012 Reviewed by Jim

Submitted By: Movie Mobsters

Happy Thanksgiving everybody! If you've got time between turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie, send submissions to weeklylambchops@gmail.com!

LAMB #398 - Not Just Movies

URL: http://armchairc.blogspot.com/
Site Name: Not Just Movies
Categories: Reviews, General
Rating: PG-13 (occasional strong language, usually quoted from the films being reviewed)

What is the main focus of your site?
The main focus of my blog is to allow me to gain experience about film criticism through hands-on practice. I also review other media that catch my interest, such as television programs and the odd album.

What are your blogging goals, personally and/or professionally? In other words, what, if anything, are you trying to get out your blog?
I'm not necessarily looking to make money off my blog, as I don't think I'm to the point yet where I deserve to, but I'm hoping that writing down my thoughts on the movies I watch will help me grow as a writer and that placing them online invites feedback that can aid my improvement.

Do you prefer an interactive community for your blog or are you the teacher and your readers the students?
I would love an interactive community that provides honest feedback to help me improve my writing style, or to point me in the direction of new films, books on film, etc.

How long have you been movie blogging for, and how frequent do you post updates to your site?
I blogged a few times in the fall of 2008, but I did not begin to take it seriously until the end of that year. Barring real-life activities such as vacations or (heaven forbid) a computer crash, I tend to have new posts as frequently as once every two-three days, if not daily.

Name up to three of your favorite movies (and no more).
2001: A Space Odyssey, The Red Shoes, Persona.

How did you hear about the LAMB?
I heard about it by reading the blog M. Carter @ the Movies.

Any additional comments, or give yourself an interview question that's not listed above.
I'm aware that some earlier articles need revising, as the ever-shifting nature of opinions and even a growth in writing ability warrant second looks at some of those casual '08 reviews.

LAMB #397 - Nurse Bob's Film Reviews

URL: http://www.nursebob.ca/
Site Name: Nurse Bob's Film Reviews
Categories: Reviews (all genres listed in alphabetical order with separate section for "Adult" films)
Rating: Umm.....I'm from Canada but I suppose it'd be "PG-13".

What is the main focus of your site?
Reviewing films I've seen.

What are your blogging goals, personally and/or professionally? In other words, what, if anything, are you trying to get out your blog?
Just sharing my reviews with interested parties.

Do you prefer an interactive community for your blog or are you the teacher and your readers the students?
I have a "comments" section as well as a "contact me" option but for the most part I post and people read.

How long have you been movie blogging for, and how frequent do you post updates to your site?
A year. I update as soon as I watch a film, at least 3 or 4 times per week depending on my work schedule (it sucks having a "life" sometimes).

Name up to three of your favorite movies (and no more).
Oh man....I've seen several hundred films over the years, you should know better than to ask a cinephile this question! Okay: 2001: A Space Odyssey, Maborosi, and The Man Who Fell to Earth. Of course after I post this I will think of dozens of other titles.

How did you hear about the LAMB?
Sebastian.

Any additional comments, or give yourself an interview question that's not listed above.
I used to print out mini-reviews each year after attending the Vancouver International Film Festival as I got tired of co-workers asking me for movie
suggestions, now I can just refer them to my website. Along the way I've discovered a real passion not only for viewing flms but for writing concise (and hopefully entertaining) critiques as well. I've received a great deal of positive feedback from other movie lovers over the past several months so I thought I'd increase my visibility. You'll notice I also like to write academic reviews on old retro porn films (using PG-13 rated language) because: a) no one else is doing it that I know of, and b) it's a real mental exercise to objectively appraise something with a title like Captain Hooker & Peter Porn. If nothing else, my taste in films is definitely eclectic. Cheers!

LAMB Chops!

Site Name: 1416 and counting

Post Title/Link: Reader's Choice -- Guilty Pleasures: Down with Love

Submitted By: Out of the Past

Site Name: The Schleicher Spin

Post Title/Link: Cinematic Culture Clash (four films reviewed)

Submitted By: NoirishCity

Site Name: The Film Reel

Post Title/Link: Christmas - A time for peace, love, and horror???

Submitted By: Movie Mobsters

Site Name: Movie Mobsters

Post Title/Link: Top Ten Turkey Day Movies

Submitted By: Movie Mobsters

Site Name: Goregirl's Dungeon

Post Title/Link: Review: Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter

Submitted By: Goregirl's Dungeon

Site Name: Chuck Norris Ate My Baby

Post Title/Link: Review: Blastfighter

Submitted By: Chuck Norris Ate My Baby

Thanks for all of your recent submissions! The LAMB Chops pool is now replenished. Keep sending them to weeklylambchops@gmail.com. There were a few first time submitters that had some questions about what the rules of LAMB Chops are. Pretty much, there are no rules. You can submit any article, from any point in time that you want featured! It can be from your own site or from any other site you'd like to recommend. Be sure to send a link to the actual article, not just to the site in general (it makes things much easier). I try to post on Tuesdays and Saturdays. If I don't get your post in the first time, keep submitting and I'll get around to everyone. If anyone has any more questions, just email me. Thanks again!

Podcast Roundup Reboot

A bit of a tepid response (just two, but thanks to Eric of The Moving Arts and Andrew of Row Three for doing so) to my last call for podcasts for the roundup. It's something I'd like to get going and publish on a weekly basis, though, so I'm giving it another go before giving up on it.

To get your podcast listed in the next roundup, just send me the following when you've published your next show:

* Your LAMB site name and link,
* The name of your podcast and it's indexed home page, if different from above, and
* A link to your latest episode, along with a short description, if desired.

Send this info with the subject of "Podcast Roundup," or simply click here.

LAMB #396 - i luv cinema

URL: http://iluvcinema.com/
Site Name: i luv cinema
Categories: Reviews, Previews, Programming News, Commentary, Classic Film, General, Fun Stuff
Rating: PG-13

What is the main focus of your site?
To serve as a forum for my musing about film - I review, preview films, offer commentary on trends I see affecting the film industry, discuss favorite film areas.

What are your blogging goals, personally and/or professionally? In other words, what, if anything, are you trying to get out your blog?
I am building my writing skills by writing my blog and also looking at it as a means of personal expression.

Do you prefer an interactive community for your blog or are you the teacher and your readers the students?
I think that my blog can serve both functions.

How long have you been movie blogging for, and how frequent do you post updates to your site?
Blogging since 2007; initially, I tried to post at least once a week but lately I have been able to blog a couple of times a week to at least once a day (currently on a two weeks and running streak).

Name up to three of your favorite movies (and no more).
Adventures of Robin Hood
Children of Men
Sleeping Beauty

How did you hear about the LAMB?
Internet Search.

Any additional comments, or give yourself an interview question that's not listed above.
None.

LAMBScores: Antichrist

Phil on Film
Foolish Blatherings


Plus Trailers
The Korova Theatre
The Movie Encyclopedia


Sarahnomics


The Film Reel


Average LAMBScore out of five, rounded to nearest half-LAMB: (7 sites)


Median LAMBScore:


Submissions for this film are now closed. To submit your rating & review for other new releases, visit the LAMB Forums (must be an existing LAMB to join).

Survey ends 11/21.
If you've not taken, please do so now!
Click above to vote.

Poll results; new poll

61.5% vs. 38.5%. Not exactly an overwhelming majority, especially when you consider the relatively small sample size. Thus, I remain a bit perplexed about what to do with the LAMB Scroll Box. I think it's a valuable tool in terms of site promotion and recognition, as it's nearly as ubiquitous as "Larry" the LAMB's (so named by The Lightning Bug) image throughout the movie blogosphere. However, I remain questioning its practical usefulness.

For now, it shall remain.

New poll piggybacks (or dovetails, if you want to be optimistic) on the LAMBs in the Director's Chair series, wondering what your favorite Soderbergh flick is from a list of career highlights. If yours is not amongst the choices, leave a comment here.

Brutally Blunt Blog Blustering #22: Cut the Crap Movie Reviews

It's Blusterin' Time!

And remember: Blustering should be a two-way street; if you've asked to be blustered, you better be a blusterer.

If you're new to this feature or need a refresher, click the label at the bottom of this post and see the first few posts. Otherwise, here's the basics:

What I'll do is list a site; you're asked to critique it. But here's the catch: to induce the most honest reactions, don't leave the comment using your normal alias/login - instead, go anonymous, and be as brutally honest (or complimentary) as you wish to be. Also, be specific, and naturally, don't be rude. If I deem anything inappropriate, I'll have no problem deleting the comment.

So, go to the site listed below, familiarize yourself with it for a few minutes, then come back and leave some constructive criticism and/or comments that you have.

Site: Cut the Crap Movie Reviews
LAMB#: 368
URL: http://ctcmr.com/



















If you're up for this treatment for your site (and you're a LAMB), send me an email with the subject "Bluster Me!" If you've already done so, no need to do it again - you're on the list, and these will be going up in order of when I received your email (by the way, it could take a while for your site to be Blustered, since I don't run this more than once a week or so).

LAMB #395 - Marshall and the Movies

URL: http://marshallandthemovies.com/
Site Name: Marshall and the Movies
Categories: Reviews, Editorials, and a new category....Oscars/Awards Season
Rating: PG

What is the main focus of your site?
The main focus of my blog is to expose the community to movies or aspects of movies that they might not see at first glance.

What are your blogging goals, personally and/or professionally? In other words, what, if anything, are you trying to get out your blog?
As I wrote in my first blog post, the goals of my blog are to "to inspire a deeper appreciation of movies, foster a desire to discuss movies, and connect with people through the glorious medium of film." But as time has passed, I have begun to use my blog to discover why movies are important to me and to find the root of my obsession with movies.

Do you prefer an interactive community for your blog or are you the teacher and your readers the students?
I prefer an interactive community, but in order to have one, I need more readers to comment! I have a few who comment frequently, but I need a much greater number to comment so that I do not become a teacher and my readers students.

How long have you been movie blogging for, and how frequent do you post updates to your site?
I have been blogging for three months (the minimum amount of time it takes to be featured here), and I have loved every minute of it. I post a "Random Factoid" about myself every day, which gives some obscure insight into my love of movies. I highlight a lesser-known movie every Friday, which I call the "F.I.L.M. of the Week;" F.I.L.M. stands for "First-Rate, Independent Little-Known Movie." And on occasion, reviews and columns will pop up whenever I have time to complete them.

Name up to three of your favorite movies (and no more).
Being limited to three favorite movies is tough. Soon, I will embark on what I call the Top 10 project, in which will analyze my favorite 10 movies, put them in order of preference, and get to the core of what really makes a movie great. But if I have to choose now, my three favorite movies are The Departed, American Beauty, and The Dark Knight.

How did you hear about the LAMB?
I heard about LAMB through a link on a blog that I frequently read, M. Carter at the Movies.

Any additional comments, or give yourself an interview question that's not listed above.
Other questions/things to know:

* I am 17 years old and out to prove that my generation is not going to lead cinema into a dark age.
* I am COMPLETELY obsessed with movies.

To quote Casablanca, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Confession: That's what Rotten Tomatoes told me when I joined the community. That's the only way I know it.

LAMB #394 - Only Good Movies

URL: http://www.onlygoodmovies.com/blog/
Site Name: Only Good Movies
Categories: News, Editorials, Humor, Classic Film, Horror, General, Reviews (we try to include a little of everything, but lately I've been specializing in various movie lists and recommendations)
Rating: PG-13 (I curse from time to time, but that's really about it.)

What is the main focus of your site?
I like to inform my readers, whether that means movie news, movie recommendations, or a number of other options. The idea that someone might listen to my opinion and get some enjoyment out of it brings me a great amount of personal joy.

What are your blogging goals, personally and/or professionally? In other words, what, if anything, are you trying to get out your blog?
I love movies, and I hope to share that love with my readers. I especially love coming up with new and unique categories and gimmicks to get readers interested. Gaining enough traffic to make a few bucks wouldn't be so bad, either.

Do you prefer an interactive community for your blog or are you the teacher and your readers the students?
I'd love for my blog to be more interactive, but I'm still in the process of trying to build a core audience. Until then, I guess I'll stick to pontificating wildly about various areas of cinema.

How long have you been movie blogging for, and how frequent do you post updates to your site?
I've been blogging at Only Good Movies for eight months, and the blog is updated at least five times per week. The main site (www.onlygoodmovies.com) also has a feature article added once per week.

Name up to three of your favorite movies (and no more).
The Thing (1982), Glengarry GlenRoss, and Oldboy.

How did you hear about the LAMB?
I sometimes do a feature where I interview various online movie bloggers and critics. One of them suggested that I apply.

Any additional comments, or give yourself an interview question that's not listed above.
Question: What are some of your most hated films?
Answer: Syriana, Batman and Robin, and Titanic.

Director's Chair #4 is Two Weeks Away!

We are only two weeks away from installment number four of The LAMBs in the Director's Chair event that will prominently feature Steven Soderbergh at the forefront of the three-day event. If you are not completely sure how the event works, I will explain it for you. Simply put I ask that every participating blogger is a LAMB member who will publish at least one article about the featured director before the end of the second day of the event. It is that easy! You can approach the topic in any method that you see reasonable for the event. Articles for the previous events have included movie reviews and event themed cooking recipes that tie in with the movies that have been helmed by the previous film directors! As previously mentioned, the focus of Director’s Chair #4 is Steven Soderbergh. There are a couple of promotional banners for the event in the original announcement post. If you would like to participate in the event and already have an article or two published on your website please feel free to e-mail me the link to mattehavoc@gmail.com as soon as possible.

LAMBcast #5

The LAMBcast is back in its full form, and back with a full slate of five hosts. The featured discussion this time out is none other than the supposed "last great movie star," Mr. George Clooney, who (in case you've been living under a rock in a cave) might have three films out at your local theater next month when Up in the Air opens, joining The Men Who Stare at Goats and his vocal contribution to The Fantastic Mr. Fox. We dissect his career, from The Facts of Life to Batman & Robin and everything in between. Also on tap: some Trailer Talk and a game of Last Man Person Standing.

In it, I was joined by fellow LAMBs:

* Tom Clift of Plus Trailers
* Nick Jobe of Random Ramblings of a Demented Doorknob,
* Mike Mendez of Big Mike's Movie Blog, and
* Alex Kittle of Film Forager.

Trailers discussed:









I hope you'll join us, either as a listener or, if you're interested, as a fellow podcaster. For more information on the LAMBcast, check out the topic at the LAMB Forums.

As usual, the music, as provided royalty-free by Kevin MacLeod's Incompetech website, is the bomb. Big thanks to Kevin for providing this service.

You can listen by playing it in the widget in the left sidebar; if you'd like to add it to your site (you would), click the "Add to my page" link. Also, you can find us on iTunes; just go to the Podcasts section and search for "LAMBcast."

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, we'd love to hear them.

LAMB Chops!

Site Name: Stop the Planet of the Apes... I want to get off
Post Title/Link: Eh... The Movie was Better III: Slumdog Millionaire/Q&A
Submitted By: Stop the Planet of the Apes... I want to get off

Site Name: Foolish Blatherings
Post Title/Link: Paranormal Activity is Shit
Submitted By: Foolish Blatherings

Site Name: The Cooler
Post Title/Link: Go There: Where the Wild Things Are
Submitted By: Insight to Entertainment

Site Name: Japan Cinema

Post Title/Link: Review: Cowboy Bebop - The Anime Series

Submitted By: Japan Cinema

Site Name: All Talking! All Singing! All Dancing!

Post Title/Link: Review: Mambo (1930) - Lost and Found

Submitted By: Out of the Past

Site Name: The Lightning Bug's Lair

Post Title/Link: Review: Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)

Submitted By: The Lightning Bug's Lair

My LAMB Chops reserves are very, very low. Please send me some! Weeklylambchops@gmail.com

LAMB #393 - Anomalous Material

URL: http://www.anomalousmaterial.com/movies/
Site Name: Anomalous Material
Categories: Reviews, Lists
Rating: PG

What is the main focus of your site?
My site is focused on the stock market but also contains a significant movie section with numerous movie reviews and a budding more general movie section. Someday, I might just give the movie section its own website if there is enough interest.

What are your blogging goals, personally and/or professionally? In other words, what, if anything, are you trying to get out your blog?
I love movies and everything that comes together to make a good movie. I tend to stray toward less mainstream movies but do review some of those once in a while as well.

Do you prefer an interactive community for your blog or are you the teacher and your readers the students?
I am open minded and movie experience are always subjective. Discussion is what I try to achieve.

How long have you been movie blogging for, and how frequent do you post updates to your site?
I have been movie blogging for almost 3 years. I update the movie section about 3-4 times a week.

Name up to three of your favorite movies (and no more).
My favorite movies are LA Confidential (1997), Saving Private Ryan (1998), and The Shawshank Redemption (1994).

How did you hear about the LAMB?
I stumbled upon the link while browsing one of your member's website.

Any additional comments, or give yourself an interview question that's not listed above.
None.

LAMB #392 - XX Cinema

URL: http://xxcinemablog.blogspot.com/
Site Name: XX Cinema
Categories: News
Rating: PG-13 (I don't think there is anything too risqué, but some of the trailers might have brief nudity)

What is the main focus of your site?
I am looking to increase awareness of movies directed by women, particularly while they are in theaters, but also when they screen at film festivals or other venues. I also like to direct readers to movies (also directed by women) that may have come out a few years ago, but are worth watching and are readily available on Netflix.

What are your blogging goals, personally and/or professionally? In other words, what, if anything, are you trying to get out your blog?
As I said above, I am mainly just interested in raising awareness about women directors and their movies. I started it when I realized that I wanted to support women directors (who make up under 10% of the directing community!), but couldn't find a website that would let me know what was in theaters! So I made one.

Do you prefer an interactive community for your blog or are you the teacher and your readers the students?
Everyone is definitely welcome and encouraged to leave comments, especially if they have seen the movie in question and would like to offer an opinion.

How long have you been movie blogging for, and how frequent do you post updates to your site?
I've had this blog since April, and I try to post at least 4 or 5 times a week (more if there is a big festival going on).

Name up to three of your favorite movies (and no more).
Some recent favorites are Persepolis, The Beaches of Agnès and Blame It on Fidel!.

How did you hear about the LAMB?
I was poking around the Internet for information on Cindy Sherman's Office Killer, and came across a blog that had the LAMB button.

Any additional comments, or give yourself an interview question that's not listed above.
None.

LAMB #391 - Chuck Norris Ate My Baby

URL: http://chucknorrisatemybaby.blogspot.com/
Site Name: Chuck Norris Ate My Baby
Categories: News, Reviews, Horror Film, Asian Cinema, Foreign Film, Humor, Cult Cinema, B-Movies, Exploitation, Martial Arts.
Rating: PG-13

What is the main focus of your site?
While I do it for fun, the fun has almost become overtaken by obsession. I could sit at my computer and write blogs all day, I love doing it so much. That could partially be due to being a new(ish) kid on the block (cause I have the right stuff!), but the love for writing that I have developed through blogging over the last year is to the point that I would like to find a way to make a career out of it in some capacity (magazine, internet, books, etc…). In a perfect world, I could write specifically about horror and genre films, because that is what I love and what I know best, and to be able to inject my certain brand of humor into my writings would be the most rewarding. I want people to read what I write and laugh. I want them to come and read what I write because they want to hear my opinion. I want everyone to read what I have to say, because I said it!

What are your blogging goals, personally and/or professionally? In other words, what, if anything, are you trying to get out your blog?
See above.

Do you prefer an interactive community for your blog or are you the teacher and your readers the students?
I like to teach people things that they might not know, but I would rather have input from my readers, hear what they have to say about a subject. They may bring something to the table I hadn’t. On my blog, I respond to EVERY comment within a half a day and they are always well thought out responses, not just shrugging it off and saying thanks.

How long have you been movie blogging for, and how frequent do you post updates to your site?
I started blogging for Paracinema Magazines blog (Paracinema…The Blog) in March of this year, so just about eight months. I post an average of 6 to 7 times a week

Name up to three of your favorite movies (and no more).
Children of Men
Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance
Halloween

How did you hear about the LAMB?
From doing blogs at Paracinema…The Blog.

Any additional comments, or give yourself an interview question that's not listed above.
With nothing to compare it too, I have done pretty well with Chuck Norris Ate My Baby in the first three months of doing it. I have over 60 REAL followers; I have had over 3,500 unique visitors with over 5,000 page loads, a nice amount of constant feedback, and the best part, a huge community of fellow bloggers and readers. I am proud of the little niche I have found for myself, it is very rewarding and I would like to continue to expand what I do and my talents by becoming bigger and better as a writer. I have been looking forward to being a part of The LAMB since day one of CNAMB and for the three months to finally be over is great. I love the community that you have and I can only add to that community with my sense of humor and dedication to what we do. Thanks.

LAMB Chops!

Site Name: Bargain Bin Review

Post Title/Link: Bargain Bin Review pairs fine spirits with not-so-fine b movie genres

Submitted By: Bargain Bin Review

Site Name: NoirishCity
Post Title/Link: In The Spotlight: Authors Eric Beetner and J.B.Kohl's Just Released Book..."One Too Many Blows To The Head"...
Submitted By: NoirishCity

Site Name: JDBRecords

Post Title/Link: Review: Precious

Submitted By: JDBRecords

Site Name: Final Girl

Post Title/Link: A Field Guy To Horror Movie Jerks

Submitted By: Invasion of the B Movies

Site Name: Phil on Film

Post Title/Link: Interview with Lucy Bailey and Andrew Thompson

Submitted By: Phil on Film

Site Name: Cold Fusion Video Reviews

Post Title/Link: Review: Slightly Scarlet (1956)

Submitted By: Cold Fusion Video Reviews

Send more to weeklylambchops@gmail.com!!!

LAMBScores: Where the Wild Things Are, Paranormal Activity and A Serious Man

This Guy Over Here


Film Forager
Bitchin' Film Reviews


Nevermind Pop Film
Foolish Blatherings
The Robot Who Likes Pretty Things
The Film Cynics
Insight into Entertainment
The Rest Is Cream Cheese
The Dark of the Matinee
Pluck You, Too!
Blog Cabins


Random Ramblings of a Demented Doorknob
8th Circuit
Cut the Crap Movie Reviews
The Flick Chick


Sarahnomics
Popcorn 'N' Roses (Podcast)


Average LAMBScore out of five, rounded to nearest half-LAMB: (18 sites)


Median LAMBScore:


Submissions for this film are now closed. To submit your rating & review for other new releases, visit the LAMB Forums (must be an existing LAMB to join).





This Guy Over Here
The Dark of the Matinee
The Movie Encyclopedia


Nevermind Pop Film
The Film Reel
8th Circuit


Random Ramblings of a Demented Doorknob


Blog Cabins
Cut the Crap Movies


Korova Theatre Presents


Foolish Blatherings


Average LAMBScore out of five, rounded to nearest half-LAMB: (11 sites)


Median LAMBScore:


Submissions for this film are now closed. To submit your rating & review for other new releases, visit the LAMB Forums (must be an existing LAMB to join).





Nevermind Pop Film
The Dark of the Matinee


Sarahnomics


Bitchin' Film Reviews
The Flick Chick


Blog Cabins
The Rest Is Cream Cheese


Average LAMBScore out of five, rounded to nearest half-LAMB: (7 sites)


Median LAMBScore:


Submissions for this film are now closed. To submit your rating & review for other new releases, visit the LAMB Forums (must be an existing LAMB to join).