A Shot at the Big Time

Goody for freebies! Last Tuesday, I was treated to the premiere of "Big Time", an independent full-length movie starring my friend, Nor Domingo. I have Liza to thank for making me her date that night and giving me an enjoyable respite from all-consuming work.

That's Nor and Liza beside the banner outside the Cinema 1 of SM Megamall. The photo was taken after the screening when the crowds thinned because the preem was a hit!

The story is about the (not-so) common lives of what could easily have been caricatures of Filipino stereotypes, and their various takes on what it is to hig big time. There were the bungling petty conmen (Nor and this other guy, who usually acts in soft porn movies --- but he is rather good here. No butt baring or anything of that sort); the starlet wannabe; the commanding big time crook; and the black sheep son. They all fit the stereotype but fortunately the actors added a distinctly personal flacor to their characterizations. The con men were so detailed in their modus operandi yet because they just weren't lucky enough, got into these really weird situations. I loved the scene wherein the small time crooks launched a sari-sari store heist. The plan was very elaborate complete with action figures yet when they made inventory of their loot, it amounted to P450 something. That and a garapon-full of Chocnut. Oh and the part where they kidnapped a dog (complete with clown costume and balloons) but ended up accidentally killing the poor puppy. Oh and when they issue these ransom letters with the word "negotiable" on it. Hahahaha! You gotta love it.

The actors were all good. Even the vacuous token pretty girl who wanted to be the "artista" was so engaging, it wasn't hard to root for her. Actually, this movie is amazing in that you actually end up rooting for them to succeed--- whether they be the good character or the bad. I mean, who would think a well-groomed man with a barely concealed fratman twang can be a common thug collecting tong from Tondo towns? And that, you wish he gets his due?

I am a fan and and I hope the people in this movie, on and off cam, hit it BIG TIME!