It's A Wonderful LAMB: Tractor Facts

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, sometime contributor Nick started up this feature where he took a second look at an "old" LAMB that he was a fan of. It was a fine idea, and one that I always wanted to pick up should he ever be unable to. Well, it's high time another site gets some love. I know my position as editor/shepherd of the LAMB puts me in an odd spot in terms of calling someone out (for what would the other 250+ LAMBs think?), but my answer to that is this: join me! If you think there's a LAMB out there that deserves special mention, one that you read regularly but you don't understand why more people don't, become a contributor and put up one of these yourself! For now, it's my turn.

Blog Name: Tractor Facts
Posting Name: Fox
Country of Origin: USA
LAMB Number: 66

Other: There are few bloggers I can think of that are more diverse than Fox and his, um, wonderful Tractor Facts site. A look at some of his recent posts shows everything from DVD reviews of I've Love You So Long and 1950's Magnificent Obsession to a photo-analysis of Don Johnson's death in Guilty As Sin to theatrical reviews of He's Just Not That Into You and Wendy & Lucy to an editorial about 3-D porn. Simply put, there seems to be no genre he's not intimately familiar with, no question too important and/or inane to ask, and no picture or marketing piece (posters, etc.) he's not willing to dissect all for our reading pleasure.

And all that really interests me and intimidates me at the same time. There are scads of people out there smarter than me (about film and life in general) - but rare is the person that can school you in the socio-political realm just as easily as they can in the pop culture one. And some times, he combines all of that knowledge with a grain of salt and compares the Pope to Robert Blake circa Lost Highway.

Be warned, though: he's got a strong rebellious streak. I'm pretty sure I've called him as much in the past, but Fox can be quite the contrarian. The Dark Knight? Slumdog? Man on Wire? It's a good bet that it a film is almost universally loved by critics, our man at Tractor Facts is no fan...though he's more than happy to give you a detailed explaination of just why that is, and don't be surprised if you find yourself agreeing with those opinions, or at least questioning your own.

LAMB Chops (4/6 - 4/12)

Mmmm...tasty. Click on the banner to go to the Chop:

MovieZeal gives their review of 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days. Submitted by MovieZeal:

"The film’s blistering power is owed almost entirely to the fact that it avoids politicizing one of the most hot-button issues in the world today."

Fataculture rants against the MPAA (every fanboy's favorite whipping post). Submitted by MovieZeal:

"In addition, all you anti-smoking lobbyists; people who do not want to smoke, do not and those who do, do. Not as if any of you are making the tiniest spec of difference. So stop wasting your time and get your nicotine-stain free hands off my goddamn cinema."

Coosa Creek Mambo wonders what's happened to all the good Asian cinema. Submitted by MovieZeal:

"Maybe it’s time to admit that free-market capitalism doesn’t work for art any more than it works for health care or air travel or any number of other things . . . what about subsidizing art theaters like communities do art galleries?"

Random Ramblings of a Demented Doorknob takes an in-depth look at Spirited Away. Submitted by R2D2:

"Believe it or not, Anime as we know it began because of Walt Disney. Japanese animators were impressed with the style of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, so they decided to try and mimic the style."

The Center Seat is pissed off and wants you to know about it. Submitted by The Center Seat:

"The only thing I can think of is to raise awareness. So I guess that's what I'm trying to do. Watch the doc if you get HBO... if you don't, research the problem"

Finally, Tractor Facts was unimpressed by Borderland. Submitted by Tractor Facts:

"Unlike the recent set-in-Mexico gore film, The Ruins, you won't take nary a cheap gooey thrill from Borderland. Its not just punishing in its trauma scenes, but in the exposition that sleeps in between the blood lust."

Thanks to all who submitted their Chops, and especially to MovieZeal for submitting some from other sites. Submissions for next week's Chops (April 13-19) are now being accepted and will be through Tuesday, April 22. The details:

* My email: blogcabins@yahoo.com
* Please send with a subject of "LAMB Chops Submission"
* In the email, provide your site name, the post title, and URL (post URL is preferred, if possible).

LAMB #66 - Tractor Facts

URL: http://fox-tractorfacts.blogspot.com/

Site Name: Tractor Facts

What is the main focus of your site (reviews, editorials, news, lists, etc.)?
Film, pop culture, and news items... then reviewing, commenting, mocking, and/or lusting after any and all of those.

What are your blogging goals, personally and/or professionally? In other words, what, if anything, are you trying to get out your blog?
It began as primarily an outlet for me to get out my frustrations. But now I hope for it to grow into more of a forum. In general, I enjoy being able to give my opinion, click POST, and then wonder if anyone out there really even cares what I say.

Do you prefer an interactive 'community' for your blog or are you the teacher and your readers are the students?
Interactive. I'm fully aware that sometimes I'm talking to myself, and that's fine too.

How long have you been movie blogging for, and how frequent do you post updates to your site?
Since October 2006; I post daily.

Name up to three of your favorite movies (and no more).
Stairway to Heaven (A Matter of Life and Death); Pat Garret and Billy the Kid; Distant Voices, Still Lives.

How did you hear about the LAMB?
I saw your banner on Lazy Eye Theatre and Final Girl.

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