Shorts

Just last night, I was already in the jeepney waiting for take-off until I realized that I had no coins. The least I have is a hundred-peso bill so I decided to go back to SM Dasma (yup, there again) where I just came from. I could not pay this kind of amount to a jeepney driver unless I expect to get accusing stares from other passengers. Or worse, have my money returned (and feel guilty for not paying). So off I went back.

I have to make a purchase to have some coins for a change. First stop: National Book Store. The only book worth my money at this moment is "Not Even A Hint". It costs PhP 200 flat. If I buy this one, I'd get no coins at all. I considered buying a burger or a shirt or a CD. What the heck. After feeling a hint of weariness, I stopped and decided to just surf the internet at Netopia. For sure, I'll get some coins afterwards. Some months ago, they gave me PhP 100 worth of 25-centavo coins as a change.

Once online, I went to my second favorite bookstore: Amazon (Powerbooks being the first; Borders being the third). My intention was to look for some books about conspiracies but this Amazon Theatre thing caught my attention. The internet at my room is on dial-up (one I'm using right about now) so I could not possibly watch films without preparing to wait overnight for the download. Netopia, I think, is using PLDT MyDSL which is fairly fast (I just wrote a free ad for them. Sucks, huh.).

Amazon Theatre showcases five supposedly interesting and engaging short films. Every week they're launching one. The third and latest flick, Do Geese See God?, was the first one I watched. Some weeks ago, I downloaded a copy of the very first film, Portrait, but I was never really able to watch it until last night. Wow, I've finished watching three good movies in one sitting and in less than 30 minutes.

The best among the three, in my opinion, is Do Geese See God? partly because of its interactive feature. You'd gonna have to "stop and smell the roses" to be able to watch it properly. Try watching it to realize what I'm talking about. Portrait has a predictable storyline but very well-made. Don't be misled. Minnie Driver is not the main star of this film.

The thing with short films is that sometimes, I don't get the point that the scenes are trying to convey. Sometimes, however, the shorty does not really intend to deliver any message but the audience are able to make up their own personal interprertations. That was how it is with Agent Orange, a film directed by Tony Scott. Hey, I've just learned that he's the brother of Ridley Scott, another Hollywood director.

Hollywood blockbusters suck but these Hollywood shorties deserve a second look. I think I'd download them all. And Tooth Fairy, the fourth film, would be released on the 30th. Can't wait. The title sounds familiar. Blair Witch, I guess.



Now showing in Amazon Theatre.