Well, i did a short story based on a FLASH MOV i've seen. It was a very lovely piece of work. I was soon inspired to do a short tale on. Hope it dosen't tank to bad. But hope you enjoy
Neon Lights
By: Mr. Faust
I felt blood running up my throat. It tasted like copper and had a strong sharp aroma. My insides were hurting badly. As I open my drawers to fetch my brushes and paint. My breath wheezed heavily. I carried my tools to the canvas, but I soon tripped over, spilling my items on my bedroom floor. As I collected my stuff, I remembered a day, years ago when I was healthy.
(some time ago…)
I sat on the sidewalk on Cobblestone Avenue. Selling my art to make some quick money. It was empty, barren, and devoid of activity. I was afraid that I would not be able to eat again. Soon, I noticed up the street, an array of white mannequins crowding, looking to the north/west.
I was confused to what was happening. So I walked over. Eerily, they just stood there staring, motionless and the look of emptiness covering them.
I was starting to get scared. So I ran away from the horde of mannequins, then soon stumbled upon a bar with a neon sign turned on. I decided to walk inside.
As soon as I walked in, there were more of those MANNEQUINS. There was one being a bartender across the counter, a group of them piled over in the booths, some being positioned over by the pool tables, and another group over by the jukebox.
I Walked over to the bar counter and sat on the stools. They were a bit stiff to sit on. I waited a bit, hoping someone would move to give service. As I sit, I kept waiting for a group of friends to barge in for alcohol. It was a bit dark and quiet now. I decided to bend over the counter and grab a bottle of Vanilla Vodka to take with me. With nothing going on, I decided to leave the bar. Taking a few sips from the bottle, and not leaving any money to pay for the bottle I took.
Outside again, the clouds were dark and grey. Hearing only the wind and far off sounds of probably sirens echoing away. I decided to walk over to the bookstore across from the bar I was standing in front of.
Getting to the entrance, it wasn’t locked like the bar, so I strolled right in. Seeing nothing but books and mannequins being propped in different spots. I moved between them to head to the Mystery/Drama section of the store. It was quiet, and with nothing but lifeless mannequins populating the area, I was pretty much alone.
Stepping on a random book on the floor. I picked it up. The title read “Pompous Drone & A Loner.” Opening the cover, the second page was scribbled all over with words of “BLAPSHOME & FEAR!” Feeling a bit moronic. Taking a few sips from the bottle I swiped from the bar. It tasted bitter, but with a sweet aftertaste of a blank but soothing flavor. From a few sips of the alcoholic beverage. I ended up falling unconscious from intoxication.
(5 hours later)
Waking up a bit groggy and having a killer migraine. I caressed the bottle next to me like a new born and it’s mother.
Stumbling a bit before regaining balance to leave the bookstore. I started walking across the cobble street road, back to the horde of mannequins I had ran away from earlier. As I traveled, the corner of my eye saw my pile of unsold (even un stolen) artwork. I walked over picking up one of my painted canvases. They felt “Uninspired” “Simple” “Meaningless” and I felt a bitterness engulfing my self.
I dropped my canvas, continuing my walk up the street. As I walked over to the sidewalk “as to not disturb the formation of the mannequins.” I turned to them yelling at the top of my lungs “FOOLS, I DID NOT KNOW. TAKE MY ARMS, AND I WILL REACH YOU!” Feeling a bit foolish to what I was blabbering about.
In seconds later, I saw a very bright neon light glow by in a mushroom shaped cloud in the distance. I looked in shock at the sight, the mannequins still look aimlessly.
From then on, I stood there, staring at the glow my self. It was like the bar’s sign being blown by 100,000x the sparks.
The small rumble caused by the explosion toppled the mannequins forward. Falling to the ground on there knees and elbows. Looking like fellow prayers in a Sunday church. I fell over also, then quickly got back up.
As I did, I saw bright leaf shaped objects fly by me. One cut my left shoulder, leaving a deep injury. Blood had stained my sleeve. While I looked at my wound, I soon saw neon debris coming at me. I was soon smothered in the smoke. It was getting hard to breath. Soon, everything faded out on me…
(snapping back to the present)
Just finishing a few strokes on my canvas. I kneeled down on the floor like those mannequins years ago. I covered my mouth with a handkerchief, as I pulled it away from my mouth, blood stained it. “I was coughing up blood” as I manically laughed. I soon felt dizzy and light headed. I dropped to the floor on my side, looking around my bedroom one last time. As I lye dying, I noticed I left the door to the outside open. Remembering foolishly that I left it open to paint my last piece. I remember the image soothingly as my eyes slowly closed to a squint…
My arms spread across the floor…
The brush in my hand…
I laid in piece, knowing that I finished my master work…
well, this morning. I was sleeping soundly like a fat big baby in bed. When my dad comes knocking on my bedroom door saying someone was at the front door asking for me. I wondered who it was. Groggoly getting up (not usually looking like shit every morning) i head to the door to see who it was. When i opened the door, it was me friend DREW. I mean "WHAT THE FUCK, WHY GO TO MY HOUSE AT 8:30am!!!!!?????" Telling me that he wants to hang out. Gawd, i was hella pissed off. SO i told him i'd be back in a minute (giving me 5minutes to get ready). Then i was soon out. Walking along, i was still in a sleepy daze and i keep thinking "sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep, sleep, and YOU KNOW WHAT? MOAWR SLEEEEEEP!!!!!" SO we head to Taco Bell while he wakes up another friend with a call. Then are good old friend SCOTT was already there as he was inside. Getting inside we meet up with him. After some small talk. We walked down to Wells Fargo for Drew to get some money. Then we headed down to Burger King to get breakfast. When we were only a few steps away. Scott just remembered something "why didn't i take my car?" I was wondering that too. It was still over at Taco Bell! But anyway, we just headed to Burger King. Only ordered a cheeseburger (had a coupon), Scott ordered, and Drew ordered. Sat at a booth in the back. Eat are food and soon started talking again. We talked about what was happening with us for the past month. Scott was hanging out with his brother, Drew was wobbling wherever, and i.... well... my current MySpace title says it all. Told them about me theater experience watching "THE HAPPENING" (click here to see post).
After we all finished eating at Burger King. We headed back to Taco Bell to get into Scott's car. When we got there, he gave Drew some papers to fill out (will be Gaurding another auto show next month). After waiting for a bit. We all decided to head to Josh's house. Bler, blah, blers en blah! We got to his house. His younger brother Matt let us in...
"Which leads to remind me that Drew told a very lovely story of shoving things up Matt's ass and Matt actually liking it"
Moving along... We got inside, Josh was still sleeping (hee hee, who the thunk?). Woke him up with Drew sitting on and bouncing on him. Playing Halo3 for about a good hour (two controlers, and the 3rd controler being a Guitar Hero guitar). We went out again but heading to our old Middle School. As we toured around the premise (luckly one of the gates were open) All of us strolled around in awe for how long ago we strolled those halls long ago.
Moving away from the main campus. We all went up hill to the Tennise Courts. Soon remembering that there was a Portable being placed on the DIRTY courts (which we use to find condomns lying around the ground). There seemed to be a lot of stuff around (and a security camera to boot). Though i did find some interesting items at the side of the Portable.
God, i wanted to play human chess so badly! Sadly the gates to the court were chained. Anyway's, we left and headed out to a playground over by a youth center, city hall and police station. Going there we ended up running around and playing on most of the play sets lodged in the sand. (actually, i made a video with the footage we got)
Soon after making total idiots of ourselves. All of us packed in once agin into Scott's car and headed to the next town to drop Josh over at his job. After doing that, we headed back to Taco Bell to be dropped off. Scott was going back home to hang with his bro and drop papers off to Josh (another Josh who works at another place). Then i went me seperate ways from Drew and headed home. Getting home, i rested a bit and had lunch. Then my sister came by to watch some TV. She took me around to drop stuff at the library and buy fireworks. Now i'm just getting ready for... TOMMORROW!!! (also my latest short story to be posted )
(my haul so far)
"will be getting some more for my artillery. most of it is stuff i've collected over the years and so far i have a good supply of Sparklers"
"I have never been let down as a filipino movie goer"
PLOT
The 9th entry of the vintage Filipino Horror series.
CHRISTMAS TREE After recovering from their father’s tragic death, Stephen (Nash Aguas), together with sisters Hazel (Lovi Poe) and Eunice (Sophia Marie Baars) joins their mother Myrna (Gina Alajar) to spend a wonderful Christmas vacation with their dear Lola Susana (Boots Anson Roa) and Uncle Jong (John Prats).
As the whole family joyfully celebrates the upcoming holiday season, little did they know that the eerie looking Christmas tree in their living room was also watching them with its blood hungry eyes waiting for the right timing to turn each family member into its Grand Christmas feast.
BANGUNGOT Young and beautiful Marionne (Roxanne Guinoo) is helplessly in love with the ultra serious Jerome (Dennis Trillo). Unfortunately, Marionne finds out that Jerome is about to get married to Florence (Pauleen Luna). Sensing that time is running out for Marionne, One night she decides confront Jerome on her true feelings, but as soon as she’s about to confess, a ghostly phantom figure wearing a red cloak begins to haunt them. As the horrendous haunting ensues Marionne and Jerome find themselves trapped in a twilight zone nightmare and soon Marionne will discover that shocking truth she has a personal connection with the red cloaked phantom that haunts them.
ENGKANTO A teenage gothic band is bound for a gig in a remote province. Unfortunately, Hans (Jojo Alejar) the band’s manager seems to have left the map to their destination and find themselves lost in a thick eerie forest. Vince (Mart Escudero) the coolie band leader and vocalist begins to whine on Hans’ incompetence and decides to kill his boredom by bullying the good guy band roadie Richard (Matt Evans). Seeing this, Dang (Melissa Ricks) Vince’s soon to be ex-girlfriend scolds Vince’s awful treatment to Richard and gives him a piercing cold look. Meanwhile band couples Tonee (Jewel Mische) and Ian (Felix Roco) are busy playing the “ I love you and hate you” relationship charade.
But things start going amiss when the band finds themselves lost in the forest and takes refuge to an abandoned resort. Unknown to them they have trespassed into the territory, of the sexy and alluring Engkanto (Katrina Halili) and has already bound them into an inescapable deathly spell. But the truth is the Engkanto actually wants one of the band boys, She also kidnapped a boy named Paeng (Sam Concepcion).
REVIEW
Having my anticipation from the last film being crushed with this entry, i began to wonder if there's any tracks left on this horse to go on. This is supposedly the most "HIGH-BUDGET" Shake Rattle & Roll film to date. Obviously i can see it in trailers, though i have to admit the production values do look quite sophisticated compared to it's earlier outings. But sadly, that part may have ruined the story workings of the film. The 1st film was done by the director of last entry's solid tale "YaYa". Though sadly, his childhood nightmarish tales don't work out this time. A killer Christmas Tree? The thing was a bit laughable when the CG costumed monster started running around. I can see how the 2nd story might be strong. But it think it was overly done with the bright night shots that were used. It had potential, but it wasn't executed perfectly. The sad tale would have to be the said "BEST" of the trilogy. Though it would've been considered the WORST in other times. Sadly, this is the BIGGEST let down in the series to date. Hopefully, the 10th outing brings back some dignity to the series, or it should steadly crawl back into the depths of history.
Story/Plot: Very poor execution. All the tales were too weak.
Acting: Not all that impressive. To much push on english talk distorted too much of the dialogue.
Directing: Pretty good, though it doesn't save the film by a bit.
Effects: The tree still kills me. Even with a high budget, everything wasn't set off decently.
Overall: * out of *****
"certainly the weakest entry to date in the series. hopefully the 10th entry helps. otherwise, we at least have the older films to look back on"
"better than the last film (though probably the best for the new series)"
PLOT
Traditional Filipino series that includes 3 tales of terror. This entry is part of the new series. It follows the Horror/Comedy format heavily compared to it's elder films.
13th Floor A group of party organizers find themselves called to arrange a children's party at the 13th floor of a new condominium. Not withstanding superstition, they go and give it their best, but realize they got more than they bargained for when the party begins to take a different turn.
Yaya Benjo is a mischievous and naughty kid who loves to tell tall tales. He also loves to play pranks on his nannies, consequently sending them packing. With the birth of his baby sister, they had no choice but to get a new nanny. When Benjo discovers that the new nanny is an Aswang (vampire), no one would believe him given his history of making up stories. It is now left to him to take care of his family and himself.
LRT Passengers on a train are on their way home after a long day, when their train suddenly stops and they find themselves stranded in the train station. Soon after, a horrifying creature hellbent on eating them gives them chase. And they are left with nowhere to run. In the end, it turns out that the creature was a manmade biological experiment that required consuming human hearts and it was deliberately unleashed to feed on the stranded passengers, who in turn were set up by the authorities.
REVIEW
The best of the new series so far. Features 2 worthy tales out of 3. The first feeling like a Haunted House movie done on the set of "UGLY BETTY." There are no scares in this one, in actuality, it could be easily shown to kids 4+. Lot's of cheesy humor, cheesy acting, and cliche slapstick screeches. It's more of a fun story to gather the family around to. The 2nd film is the BEST of the trilogy, giving this film's reputation of being the BEST of the new series. A bit more horrifying than the 1st tale. More like a nightmarish fairytale of a nanny gone Brutal. It has a fair share of it's moments to entertain the audience. The 3rd film is where it might earn it's R ration (funny, it's like the first tale is "PG", the second is "PG-13"). This one has it's americanized feel. With a monster (and plot) not too far to being a "somewhat" rip-off of M.Night's "The Village". It's buzzworthy compared to it's predeccesor. The film is a bit mismatched in it's tales. Not knowing where or what the film is about. The diversity of the tales gives this entry an entertainment value film, than a serious horror. Personally, i count this as my favorite out of the new films by far.
Plot/Story: All 3 tales are all too mismatched to compare. Though separately, the 1st tale is Soso to weak, the 3rd tale being a carbon copy of most monster flicks, and the 2nd film bringing a campy yet horrifying feel.
Acting: Cheesy at first, superb at second, then mediocre at least. Up en Down performances around mainly.
Directing: The first film being to bright to be horror. The second & third film being nicely and equally balanced.
Effects: CG ruins it again (like the last film). But all to well lighting, some good lifts, but the 3rd film probably provides the best magic.
Overall: *** out of *****
"if i'd recommended any of the newer Shake Rattle & Roll films for anyone. i'd suggest this entry. having somewhat a good mix of popcorn flick entertainment"
"technically # 7 and the first film of the NEW series"
PLOT
Consisting of '3 tales of terror'. The series is the compatible to "3 Extremes" & "Creepshow". This time around, it is the 7th film in the series. This sequel comes in 8 years after it's last film. Making this film the 1st Shake Rattle & Roll of the new millennium.
Poso, written by Joven Tan, is about a fake occultist (Ai Ai delas Alas) who retires from the business of communicating with the dead when her last job goes terribly wrong. But when a wealthy client (Miss Gloria Romero) promises Ai Ai a huge fee to contact Gloria’s dead grandson (Marco Alcaraz), the comedy queen can’t refuse. Together with her assistants-in-crime (Rainier Castillo, Janine Desiderio, and Biboy Ramirez), they take on this last job, only to realize that they may not live to see another day. Yasmien Kurdi also stars as Gloria Romero’s nurse-slave.
Aquarium, written by Aloy Adlawan, is the second of the three stories. A family which has just moved into a new condo unit is terrorized by a creature lurking in an aquarium left behind by the previous tenants. “Bubble Gang’s” Ogie Alcasid & Ara Mina play the husband & wife whose cozy condo is turned into a domicile of doom by the creature. Child actor Paul Salas plays their son, who unleashes the evil in the fish tank. Sexy comedienne Wilma Doesn't plays the perky domestic helper, while Reggie Curley is the handsome plumber who becomes one of the aquarium’s first victims.
The final segment, Lihim Ng San Joaquin, is SRR 2K5’s showstopper. The residents of a sleepy rural town are alarmed when an attractive woman (Elizabeth Oropesa) turns up one day, attracting all the town’s hot-blooded males. When the men are brutally murdered one by one, the townspeople begin to suspect their new neighbor of being the granddaughter of a famous manananggal from the 1940s. “Lihim…” stars comeback stars Mark Anthony Fernandez and Tanya Garcia as a newlywed couple whose bliss is quickly transformed into bloodcurdling horror.
Review
This is the only movie in the new series so far to have some of the atmosphere from the older series. In ways, the Comedy over shadows the Hororific theme of the film. The 1st tale being a bit more laughable, but with a good build up to the end. Though the use of CGI ruins some parts of the tale. The 2nd tale is the weakest arc of the film. With laughable effects, a campy nanny, and a weak story. It would be hard to keep watching during this specific story. The 3rd film is probably the strongest out of the whole film. It's able to keep in the dark atmosphere and horror from the old series. Yet it's hurt again with shoddy filming of the supposed "ASWANGS" (they looked like they were just dragged out of a muddy mosh-pit, they didn't even have fangs. just long computer generated tongues, and a few sharp nails). Though i still count it as the better of the 3 films. It's official, even this underground series, known only in it's native country, falls to the wave of extreme remakes/sequels/prequels epidemics.
Plot/Story: Sadly, the first 2 segments are pretty weak. The 3rd film is the only good tale from the trilogy. (in terms of fear. if by comedy, then the tables would turn)
Acting: Just about mediocre from everyone. Even from the supposed "PSYCHIC" in the first one (she is also known as a famous comedian).
Effects: CG ruins most of the scenes. The monster for the 2nd films reminds me of an old Goosebumps episode.
Directing: Probably the only few PROS of the film. It is shot more clrearly than the older films (though, that's to expect with all the new equipment available now. even at a low budget).
Overall: **% out of *****
"okay one tale is Soso, another is just overly cheesy, and one is probably decent. it's not a bad film. but it doesn't quite capture the old series essence all to well"
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