Check out “The Hire” at BMWFilms.com. Now, whevever anybody mentions “made for internet movies,” I’m automatically skeptical. In my experience, made for internet films are poorly directed, underfunded, lacking in acting talent, and dramatically inferior. Thererfore, when my roommate told me about this website, explaining that it was a series of short films in which the main character drives a BMW, I was less than enthusiastic. I had images of goofy-looking guys joyriding in a used Beemer and trying to pass it off as cinema running through my head. However, I relented and watched one of these shorts on my roommate’s computer. A couple of hours later, I had downloaded all eight available short films and a couple of additional features. They were that good.

First, the executive producer knows a few of the right people within Hollywood. These shorts are directed by some of the top people in the business, such as Ang Lee (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), Guy Ritchie (Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels), and John Woo (Broken Arrow, Windtalkers). In addition, these films have considerable star power, with appearances by Madonna, Don Cheadle, and James Brown, among others. And then there are the cars. Each film features “The Hire,” played by Clive Owen, driving a brand-spanking-new BMW, which inevitably gets shot up, jumped, crunched, and driven to its limits. What more could you ask for?

In summary, if you like cinematics, you’ll love these films for their artistry and storytelling. If you like BMW’s, you’ll love these films for their portrayal of the attributes that make Beemers great. And if you just like entertainment, sit back and enjoy the show. It’ll be a sweet ride. BMW sweet.