Benito Mussolini was an Italian politician, one of the key figures in the
creation of Fascism. Leading the National Fascist Party he was the prime
minister of Italy under Victor Emmanuel III of Italy, from 1922 until 1943,
when he was overthrown; rescued by German commandos, he then became the leader
of the Italian Social Republic from 1943 until his summary execution by members
of the Italian resistance in 1945.
He is credited in history with
the following quote, "It is better to live one day as a lion,
than 100 years as a sheep." Though not precisely a repetition of any of them, this
somewhat resembles far earlier remarks attributed to others, including Tipu
Sultan, Alexander The Great, and Chabrias.
Why the history lesson in a movie review? No real reason,
other than the title of the film as well as the actions depicted within
triggered some long lost little nugget of useless information my brain had
stored, and I thought it a fitting opportunity to continue it's expansion into
the universe.
That brings us to, Lamb Feed!
The first thing that caught my eye, as well as my attention,
was the absolutely amazing title sequence that is credited to Hayden Blades. A
quick search didn't turn up much about him, but I am positive that with work
like this, it won't be long before people know the name and are scrambling,
begging, and back alley fighting for his talents.
Another gem from the film is the acting of Luke Church, who plays Mitchell Barnes, the relationship troubled young whipper snapper, who is trying as hard as he can to subconsciously tear his own world apart, while screaming about the injustice of it all. Church's ability to play the jaded young egomaniac is either a testament to perfect casting, astonishing acting ability, or both.
In truth, the acting is strong throughout the cast of Lamb
Feed, with no real deal breakers in the mix. Since I already probably bored you
with a history lesson earlier I will refrain from listing every actor (although
I really want to) and just get to the guts of the issues at hand, er, mouth.
You'll see what I mean later.
I can not however, in good conscious, pass up the opportunity to highlight some great writing and directing by a young fellow named Michael S. Rodriguez.
Rodriguez does not bore you with a seven year back story, or
drone on and on over a sunset. Instead, he slaps you awake from the first
couple scenes, and keeps your attention through out the film with innovative
and creative use of direction as well as superb writing.
Take for instance the introduction of the massive Rev Wicker, played by the 6'1" Michael Wainwright, who towers menacingly over our young Mr. Barnes, but does so with a theatrical flair and grace akin to a Carny barking out the promises of a sure fire giant teddy bear for the missus. You immediately think to yourself, "Okay, this is the big guy of the film, I can't wait to see him in action."
Don't be so quick to think you know what Michael S. Rodriguez has up his sleeves though, because you won't truly have any idea, until he decides to show his hand. Only then will you clap excitedly and wiggle happily in your theater chair as you await the next tidbit of goodness.
Could I kiss the ass of this films creators any more? Yes,
yes I do believe I could, but I know what you really want to ask, "Is there
any problems with this film? Because you know, it costs money to go see it, and
I don't want to break open my five year old's piggy bank if it isn't worth
it."
The only real problem I had with the film was in one of the
opening scenes and that was simply a sound issue. There is a scene where Mr.
Barnes is driving down the road and it sounds a lot like an actor sitting in an
immobile car in front of a green screen. A little tweak here and I wouldn't
have anything negative to write about though, so, for that I am thankful at
having something to say that doesn't make me sound like a family member of the
crew or something.
Having said that though, you should definitely go see this
film if you like cutting edge horror films that use their own creative license
to bring new things to the screen! Apologize later for breaking open the piggy bank, it'll be worth it!
