The LAMBcast

This week we are giving props to character actor Vincent D'Onofrio by having a draft show with some enthusiastic fans. D'Onofrio is instantly recognizable to most people as Private Pyle in Stanley Kubrick's "Full Metal Jacket". That movie however was at the start of his career and we take a deep dive into a variety of films that he has appeared in to bring the wide range of his roles to your attention. Lisa Leahey gets the "I'm not worthy treatment from D'onofrio, and Heather Baxendale still gets to snag the movie she wanted away from her. Our exit question this week asks about other character actors, and there is a short game. Go to the Lamb site to look for a poll where you can vote for the best slate of films. 

We have a full complement of suspects to discuss the first feature film from the Coen Brothers. It is also the debut film of Frances McDormand. This is a deep in the heart of Texas Neo Noir that subverts location and the femme fatale tropes and gives us something new in the thriller field.  Sean Homrig, as the champion of the film, hosts the discussion with longtime Lamb Daniel Lackey, back for an episode. Jess Manzo returns to her regular spot on the MOTM rotation, as does Nick Rehak. James Wilson puts a cap on the guest and leaves his lighter to prove he was here. 

Looking for something you are not familiar with? Ready to explore strange new movies and experiences? This is the place to start. This week's episode is a trail head to adventure. Take a chance on some films you have probably not heard of. Damien Riley, Howard Casner, Nicole Ayers, Todd Liebenow, and The Vern get out their maps to the unknown and suggest some destinations you might enjoy. Everybody can spin their compass dial and end up in a place you never expected. 

Get ready for an epic show, almost as long as Avatar The Way of Water or Babylon. Five Lambs go round robin style through their Top Ten Lists for the year. Pineapple Kiosk is heard several times and 60% of the show guests had the same film at the top of their lists. We also hear from some other Lambs who could not be on the show but sent in their lists. There are some interesting and controversial selections and exclusions. So get a snack and something to drink, because it's time for a deep dive, one last time into 2022

It's time for the Lambpardy 2022 final! Over the course of last year, twenty seven LAMB members battled it out in tournament fashion to determine who knew the most movie trivia, or at least who could answer some occasionally oddly specific categories in the silly trivia game format! Those twenty seven were whittled down to nine, who have now become the final three, and this is the final! Listen now, if your nerves and your fingernails can take it!

This month the contestants are:
Jay Cluitt - Life vs Film, Deep Blue Sea - The Podcast, Con Air - The Podcast
Tim Costa - First Time Watchers
James Wilson - Blogging by Cinema-Light

Host:
Todd Liebenow - Forgotten Filmz

Questions submitted by:
Howard Casner - Pop Art
Chris "Tank" Tanski - Fright Rags
Mark Hofmeyer - Movies, Films & Flix, Deep Blue Sea - The Podcast, Con Air - The Podcast

The world's greatest detective with a weird Southern Accent, returns to solve another case involving rich assholes and low culture. The Lambcast goes slumming this week with a Netflix film that should have been a theatrical release but was only made available to cinemas for a week before it was banished to streaming. The original "Knives Out" had Jay Cluitt as it's biggest fan, and he returns along with Jeanette Ward, and Howard Casner, to discuss whether this sequel is worthy. You will have to listen to find out. 

James Cameron finally delivers on the long promised sequel to his biggest hit ever. Avatar The Way of Water is naturally a visual delight but how does it hold up on all the other fronts. Heather Baxendale-Walsh joins Richard for a dialogue on the film which may be the biggest financial hit of the year, but is certainly a big risk when it comes to making their money back. It's Episode 666, so clutch your crucifix and get ready for a hell of a show.  

It's Lambpardy time again, and this month's show is the last of the semi-finals for the 2022 tournament! The final three first round winners are back to battle it out for the one remaining slot in this year's final, but who will claim it? Listen to find out!

This month the contestants are:
Howard Casner - Pop Art, Rantings and Ravings
Tim Costa - First Time Watchers
Daniel Lackey - From Inner Time, Musically Ignorant

Host:
Jay Cluitt - Life vs Film, Deep Blue Sea - The Podcast, Con Air - The Podcast

Academy Award winning director Sam Mendes gives us a personal story about movies and madness. Is this the companion piece to the Fabelmans that we want, or is it the indulgence that film makers sometimes get when their previous films have been a success? Tune in to find out what three Americans living in the Western U.S. think about a film set forty-two years ago set in an English Coastal town. Olivia Coleman, Michael Ward, Toby Jones and Colin Firth star in "Empire of Light" 

After taking on such Christmas Classics as "L.A. Confidential" and "Batman Returns", a little more conventional choice was the winner of the MOTM Poll for our December edition. "It's a Wonderful Life" may be the quintessential holiday film and MovieRob leads us through a thorough discussion of the plot and dates in the film. Check your timelines because this is either the precursor to "Back to the Future" or the longest Twilight Zone Episode in history.  Hope you don't want to jump off a bridge into a freezing river after listening.