As a frequent and steady contributor to The Large Ass Movie Blog, (The LAMB), I always try to get more people involved with the site.
Every Month, the site runs a poll based on the list of films submitted by LAMB members for the prestigious ability of being named as the Movie of the Month that will be discussed on the LAMBCAST podcast during that given month.
I decided that each month I will watch each of the films chosen and give my rankings of those films in order to decide which film I should vote for and in doing so, maybe help some of you also decide which film to vote for.
The voting is open until Sunday the 24th of Feb, so make sure to get your vote in soon.
This month, there were 8 Contenders suggested so here they are:
- Evil Dead II (1987) – David Brook, Blueprint: Review
- Forbidden Zone (1980) – Troy Anderson, AndersonVision
- Heat (1995) – Sean Homrig, The 1001 Movies Podcast
- Laura (1944) – Howard Casner, Rantings & Ravings
- Marfa Girl (2012) – Joel Burman, The LAMB
- Once Upon A Time in the West (1968) – James Wilson, Blogging By Cinema-Light
- Paddington (2014) – Tony Cogan, Coogs Reviews
- Silverado (1985) – Amanda Kirkham, Hollywood Consumer
Here are my rankings along with brief thoughts on each film (click on the film title if you want to read my full review)
8. Forbidden Zone – Completely bizarre film that makes no sense what so ever. The story rambles along for over an hour and it’s quite difficult to express what it’s all about because it constantly evolves throughout. The story here is pretty non-existent and it feels like they cobbled together so many idea that they forgot to find a way to keep things focused in any way, shape or form. The fact that Villechaize took part in this film says a lot both good and bad but even his presence here can’t make this film any more coherent. I can completely understand how a film like this can gain cult status yet that by no way means that this is even close to being any good. (1/10)
7. Marfa Girl – Horrendous movie that meanders along for nearly two hours. None of the characters are interesting and so much of this film makes so little sense, it could have been distributed on the Spice channel because that’s where films without plots yet have lots of screwing usually appear. The story doesn’t manage to stay focused on any of the characters and skips around between the various character the whole time. The problem is that one expects things to come full swing around at some point, yet it doesn’t succeed and just makes things even more strange and confusing. Completely boring film where even the sex scenes are done poorly and lack anything interesting or substance to them. (2/10)
6. Evil Dead II – Film that doesn’t take itself seriously at all which allows them to have fun making things completely insane. Campbell is fun in the lead but he gets much to over the top too often. The plot itself is quite silly and simplistic, but still manages to do what it is meant to do as a comedy-horror. The special effects are terrible and cheesy and makes things even more unrealistic the whole way through. I liked the chainsaw-hand idea despite its impracticality and the way that they leave things towards the end opens up so many possibilities that could theoretically work. Definitely understand how a film like this could get cult status even though it is far from being the kind of film I could truly enjoy. (5/10)
5. Heat – Great movie that pairs Pacino and DeNiro against one another. The lack of scenes together raises the suspense. Amazing cast. The movie is slightly long and at times is blatantly felt, but still manages to comprehensively give us more developed characters on both sides of the law. (8/10)
4. Laura – Very interesting whodunit that is filled with great twists and turns along the way. Preminger manages to keep things interesting and intriguing the entire time as he constantly raises the stakes of the storyline. He was deservingly nominated for an Oscar for Best Director for this film. Excellent cast led by Andrews with Webb, Price, Anderson and Tierney all helping keep things thrilling the whole way through. (8/10)
3. Once Upon a Time in the West – Great movie that was done exceptionally well. Deliberately slow at certain points, but if you stay patient, it’s completely worthwhile. Three lead actors are all superb! (9/10)
2. Paddington – Such a wonderful story that is fun for all ages. So many hilarious slapstick scenes. Can’t remember the last time I laughed so hard during a movie. (9/10)
1. Silverado – Amazing cast helps make this film so much fun. Kasdan knows how to create diverse characters and situations and somehow bring them all together. At a time when Westerns weren’t necessarily in the minds of everyone, this film showed a bright spot where they could have a story that isn’t too dark, but still adventurous, fun and engaging the whole way through. Unbelievable how many known actors appear in this film. Excellent musical score punctuates it all! (9/10)
So who should I vote for? – This month has some great choices but also some really strange ones. Yes, it would be fun listening to what people may have to say about Marfa Girl or Forbidden Zone, but I think people would enjoy listening to discussions about films that are a bit less controversial where more of the people could be enthusiastic about the film being discussed, so I would go with either Paddington or Silverado for that reason alone. Personally, Silverado is one of my favorite Westerns because Kasden gets so much right, so I’d recommend voting for that film.
To vote, click here
Good luck to one and all!!!
MovieRob 