Whether you liked it or not, Dodge’s Super Bowl ad “So God Made a Farmer” made a big splash. Whether it will help the company sell more Ram pickup trucks is still left to be seen.
This parody ad, though funny, will probably not do much to further popularize FarmVille. That’s probably a good thing.
If there is a God, I can’t imagine that he would have made FarmVille.
[Whatstrending via Fark]
It was only a matter of time, given how much the Internet loves “Dumb Ways To Die” and the hit AMC series The Walking Dead. Behold, the parody that combines the two:
Watch the original here, and don’t forget to check out the hilarious video game parody.
I think we can all agree that “Dumb Ways To Die” is the most delightfully macabre video to hit the Internet in years. The viral ad, created for Melbourne’s Metro system, illustrates some rather idiotic ways in which a person can end their own life. It’s received numerous covers and parodies since then, but now the song has invaded a medium it was made for – video games.
If you play video games, the characters you control have surely died in a variety of ways. Some deaths may be justified, such as in Dark Souls, but others are just because we’re idiots. Did you really just incite the chickens in Zelda to brutally murder you? Perhaps you drove into the water in Grand Theft Auto knowing full well that you can’t swim.
I can personally confirm that many of these scenarios have happened to me. I’m sure they’ve happened to countless gamers around the world as well. As such, the end of the video has the perfect advice – don’t throw your controllers. Seriously, it doesn’t accomplish anything.
[h/t: Kotaku]
Ah-look at this photograph-a. Seriously. Look at it. It’s my lunch, and it’s art.
While Instagram mimics actual photography, Nickelback mimics actual music. Therefore it’s fitting that the two would be combined to create this awesomely bad musical parody of the Nickelback song “Photograph.” Check out “Look at this Instagram” below:
A couple of weeks ago, a quirky little ad campaign for train safety went viral, generating nearly 30 million pageviews to date. Produced for Melbourne, Australia’s Metro Trains, “Dumb Ways to Die” featured cute little creatures finding unique ways to kill themselves. Now, a new video inspired by that one uses similar animation and a similar song to help promote NASA.
This time, it’s a cute little Mars rover and it’s talking about “Cool Thing to Find.”
“Why did we make this video? Well, first off, we here at Cinesaurus really love Dumb Ways to Die. Second, we are huge fans of NASA and everything they are doing here on Earth, in Space and on Mars. We like to do anything we can to help support NASA and think you should too! Write to your Senator, call them, make sure they don’t cut any more of their budget.”
Once again, be prepared to have this tune stuck in your head all day:
[Cinesaurus via Mashable]
Clicks are everything, right? But of course, sometimes they are just too hard to come by. I mean, who has the time to develop and pursue a real viral campaign anymore? Your viral content needs views – or at least the illusion of views. If you’ve got the money, BUYRAL has the time.
In this parody ad from John St., we see that millions of clicks are just a few dollars away. Their dedicated clickers will work all day to make your content viral – and they even start the training from an early age. Check it out:
[h/t The Daily What]
Here’s a new parody Twitter account to follow.
People say a lot of interesting things on Twitter. It’s a public forum where any individual is only a few thumb-clicks away from releasing whatever brain diarrhea they happen to form in a matter of seconds. Inappropriate, unintelligent, misinformed, unfunny, offensive, and yes, racist, could be used to describe any number of tweets that roll through users’ Timelines every day.
This guy is calling people out, letting them know that yes, they are in fact racist.
If you begin a tweet with “I’m not racist, but…,” be prepared to receive a response from the account @YesYoureRacist.
Yes you are. RT @15_francis_adam: #100ThingsAboutMe I’m not racist, but I cannot stand the majority of Mexicans.
Yes you are. RT @madelinemeows: I’m not a racist but black people cannot drive to save their life.
Yes you are. RT @carlyreywal: Would have to be a fucking asian wouldn’t it! Look, I’m not a racist but asians scare me!!! #phobia
Yes you are. RT @thebasedrob: I’m not racist but I hate watching movies when black girls are in the theater.
Yes you are. RT @deadmau5morice: I’m not racist but f*ck women who like black guys
According to CNN, the account is owned and operated by a South Carolina blogger who happens to be a 25-year-old white man.
“It’s ridiculous to think that people don’t think they are racist when they say these things,” he says. “Some people say we are living in a post-racial society. Now we have a black president, somehow that made everything OK. But that is completely not the case.”
Parody accounts are hit or miss. Accounts that call people out for improper or misleading tweets are usually funny unless the operator is a total dick about it. This one’s pretty good. Remember, next time you want to preface a tweet outlining your lack of racism – you may want to think twice.
Now that the Star Wars franchise is in the (hopefully) capable hands of Disney, people are already speculating as to who might helm the next installment, slated for a 2015 release.
This clever parody imagines what might be going on over at Disney HQ right now, as execs scramble to find the right director. Tarantino? Shyamalan? Perry? Bay? At this point, who knows?
In early October, Facebook made a pretty huge, but pretty unsurprising announcement. The company had officially crossed the one billion monthly active user mark. To accompany the news, Facebook unveiled its first-ever TV ad, “Chairs.” The ad compared Facebook to chairs, among other common items. The point was that Facebook, like the everyday items, connect us all. Facebook = connection = chairs. Simple enough, right?
Well, the “Chairs” ad took on a life of its own, spawning multiple parodies (and Clint Eastwood jokes). First, it was toilets that were like Facebook. Then it was herion and masturbation that was like Facebook. Then it was pedophiles.
There’s even an “ARE LIKE FACEBOOK” Tumblr, which features random things being compared to Facebook – with no explanation. You can also go here to create your own “X ARE LIKE FACEBOOK” slogan.
As you can see, it’s kind of gotten away from Facebook a little bit. But Facebook is starting to embrace the joke and is currently working on reclaiming their own ad campaign. In the last couple of days, the official Facebook account has been posting their own “X ARE LIKE FACEBOOK” ads
What we learn is that Facebook is full of strangers, many of which can be scary – but sometimes sexy. Oh, and you shouldn’t use Facebook too much because it’s unhealthy. Or, something like that.
I’m sure we can expect to see many more of these posts in the coming weeks.
Making fun of those white-background Apple product launch videos is one of the internet’s favorite parody styles, and the iPad mini with its disappointing (to some) sets of specs and high price tag is ripe for such ridicule.
No retina display? Outdated processor? Who cares? It’s still revolutionary…right?
“All of these efforts combine to create a product with an exceptional level of finish, and the result is an extraordinary iPad – one that will be used until a faster processor is developed, as well as the technology to put a retina display inside such a tiny device, and a higher megapixel camera.
But who knows when that’ll be? That’s at least 7 months into the future. The iPad mini is the future. It’s the future until May – at least. Probably more like the end of May. Or more than likely June. iPad Mini is now the future until then,” says Jony Five, ‘Senior VP of Design.’
Check out the “banned” promo video below:
These guys aren’t rookie Apple product-lampooners. They provided their sarcastic criticism of Apple’s product launch cycles back in September with their “banned” promo video for the iPhone 5.
Over the years, Breaking Bad‘s Walt and Jesse have weathered a tempestuous relationship – one not unlike that of a teen couple in love. In like. Whatever. They’ve had their ups and downs, their breakups and their hookups. And most importantly, both parties could be accused of being insanely irrational from time to time.
In honor of one of the best relationships in the history of dramatic television, the folks over at Teddie Films has put together this impressive parody of Taylor Swift’s song “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.” Since it’s about meth, the title and lyrics have been changed to reflect this.
Check out “We Are Never Ever Gonna Cook Together”:
[via The Daily What]
As you may have heard, Google had something of a blunder on Thursday, when its earnings report was released several hours early while the market was very open. The big problem was that Google missed estimates, and shares immediately began to sink.
The release had been posted to the SEC site, “pending” a quote by CEO Larry Page.
The company eventually released a statement, saying, “Earlier this morning RR Donnelley, the financial printer, informed us that they had filed our draft 8K earnings statement without authorization. We have ceased trading on NASDAQ while we work to finalize the document. Once it’s finalized we will release our earnings, resume trading on NASDAQ and hold our earnings call as normal at 1:30 PM PT.”
Then, ahead fo the earnings call, which was provided in a webcast on YouTube, YouTube went down for a brief time, though Google was able to get it back up and running.
Anyway, while all of this was going on, someone set up a parody account for Larry Page, under the handle @PendingLarry. Nerdy hilarity then ensued:
…oops.
This is what happens when you submit your report to the SEC via Android.
To be fair, we released our earnings yesterday afternoon on Google Plus.
Somehow, I’ll find a way to blame today’s early release on Apple Maps.
I mean…it’s 4:30pm somewhere in the world, right?
First thing I said after SEC filing went out: “Oh, Schmidt!”
Wanted to get it out there before Kara Swisher “scooped” us. How’s it feel now, Kara?!
Our Google Doodle on today’s event is pending.
More like R.R. DONE-lley, amirite? $RRD
Man, our privacy was WAY violated today.
Thought that Groupon deal for SEC document filing was too good to be true. You really do get what you pay for.
An early release…I…I swear that’s never happened before.
We were trying to figure out how to get cheap air time on CNBC. Guess it worked.
Ha…ha…I see what you did there CNBC… http://t.co/s5asHzfq#no
You guys, that SEC filing was a beta release.
Ha…ha…I see what you did there CNBC… http://t.co/s5asHzfq#no
@PendingLarry not a fan of the doodle? cc: @EliFromBrooklyn
@mcatwellons@EliFromBrooklyn You guys could do better. Try incorporating the fail whale.
An early release…I…I swear that’s never happened before.
@PendingLarry that’s what they all say, don’t they? 😛
@shaambalaji Need to speak with my doctor about this.
Wanted to get it out there before Kara Swisher “scooped” us. How’s it feel now, Kara?!
@PendingLarry I am busy with a scoop on Marissa Mayer — you remember her? — so congrats on sandbagging me!
@karaswisher Protip: She already had her kid.
My pending quote: Google News is dropping its digital format, will go all-print.
Well, that was fun.
We had a strong quarter. Our quarter was made out of Gorilla Glass.
Appreciate that CNBC will take a break from Googleocalypse to interview Donald Trump at 4pm. Rough day for some CNBC producer today.
Taking YouTube offline for a bit, our way of ensuring our earnings call doesn’t accidentally leak.
After today, I’m going to make “Undo Send” in Google Labs a priority.
Today was interesting. Thanks for the giggles. I’m out guys.
Despite the company’s disappointing earnings release, the real Page maintained that he is “delighted” and “excited” about all of Google’s opportunities.
The Apple parody videos just never stop, do they? This one from MondoMedia comes just ahead of Apple’s big iPhone 5 press event, and features a Steve Jobs hologram at the actual event. And he’s not happy.
Just so you know, in the video, Jobs tells Apple CEO Tim Cook he’s going to beat his “skinny ass” with a MacBook.
[via Cult of Android]
With all of the rumors, leaked designs, and general posturing about Apple’s new iPhone, I’m happy to report that it can all come to an end. That’s because the internet has given us the official leaked iPhone 5 promo video.
And you know it’s straight from the folks at Apple because it features a guy in a black shirt sitting in front of a stark white background.
Okay, it’s not actually from Apple. It comes courtesy of Adam Sacks, and it’s a parody video that puts a “truth” about the iPhone on display:
It’s just a digital camera that happens to be a phone.
Now, I could argue that I use my iPhone for texting, Tweeting, Foursquare check-ins, Spotify, and much much more. But it’s hard to argue against the fact that a lot of people simply use their iPhones to snap Instagram photos of their dinners.
So why fight it? Introducing the iPhone 5:
The latest rumor puts the launch of the real iPhone 5 on September 21st, with the worldwide kickoff event scheduled for September 12th. We’ve also heard that pre-orders will start on that same day.
Last week, we showed you an a new iPhone 4S commercial featuring Martin Scorsese using Siri. While much tamer, we couldn’t help but be reminded of a certain uncomfortable scene in Scorsese’s Taxi Driver.
Now, there’s a funnier take on the ad. AppJudgment has uploaded the following parody to YouTube (via 9to5Mac):
This video is even funnier considering that a real Siri ad was recently called out for delivering bogus information.
I will not apologize. I’m a huge fan of Paul Reubens and his creation – Pee-Wee Herman. Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure is still one of the finest comedies ever made, and I watch reruns of Pee-Wee’s Playhouse to this day. That’s just how hilariously zany and lovable the character is. That’s why I’m so excited to see Pee-Wee Herman make such a triumphant return to television last night with the most excellent of Batman parodies.
Reubens was tasked with dubbing over every character in “The Dark Knight Rises” trailer. It’s exactly what you think, but it’s also the most magical 30 seconds I have ever experienced in my life. The best part is obviously when Pee-Wee does Bane’s muffled voice. Check it out:
If this video isn’t the funniest thing you see all day, we obviously don’t have much in common. It really is the most delightful thing I’ve seen all week. Of course, this makes me want a new Batman movie in the style of the 60s TV show with Paul Reubens playing Batman. I don’t think Adam West could even stand up to how zany and amazing that would be.
[h/t: Buzzfeed]
When a song grabs the country by storm a couple of things happen. The biggest being the pure amount of cover videos on youtube that show up. Happened to “Baby Baby Baby” by Justin Beiber, happened to “All The Single Ladies” by Beyonce. Well the newest victim is “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jespen.
Her song is one of the catchiest tunes to come around in a while and has spawned a ton of lip syncing parodies from cheerleaders to baseball players. There are tons of these, almost like doing a cover lip syncing of this song is the new Macareana. These were some of the best I could find. Pay special attention to the Miami Dolphin cheerleader and Staples Center Staff ones for their excellent production value:
Here is the original video that has over 98 million views:
Here is a cover she did with Jimmy Fallon:
Miss America Pageant Contestants Fet. Donald Trump:
Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders:
SMU Women’s Rowing Team:
Harvard Baseball team:
Staples Center Team:
You may recall a couple weeks ago, when Apple started airing two new commercials for the iPhone 4S – Siri, specifically – starring John Malkovich. The two ads showcased Siri’s ability to handle very simple commands, as opposed to the conversational style of interaction most commercials demonstrate.
This is the second time in recent memory that Apple has used celebrities in its ads. Back in April they released a pair of ads showing Zooey Deschanel and Samuel L. Jackson interacting with Siri. As you might expect, each of those ads spawned its own parody – a Twitter account making fun of Deschanel’s silly question, and a video that put Siri into a famous scene from Pulp Fiction.
Unsurprisingly, Malkovich’s two commercials have inspired some parodies of their own. The Twitter account SiriAndJohn portrays Malkovich asking Siri a variety of questions. In keeping with the tone ads, the tweets are usually taciturn. Check out a sample below:
Follow @SiriAndJohn 
SiriAndJohn
@SiriAndJohn Tell me a joke. In the joke, someone must die. For when laughter echoes, we all die. A little.
Follow @SiriAndJohn SiriAndJohn
@SiriAndJohn Non-irritating gold leaf for full-body use.
Follow @SiriAndJohn SiriAndJohn
@SiriAndJohn Cancel sock closet feng shui appointment. Move fitting for Thor helmet to Friday morning.
Follow @SiriAndJohn SiriAndJohn
@SiriAndJohn Set up a meeting with my therapist. Then cancel it. Then set it up again. Remind me to cry softly later as I stand in the shower.
Follow @SiriAndJohn SiriAndJohn
@SiriAndJohn What time is my staring appointment with Christopher Walken?
The Twitter account, of course, isn’t the only parody of Malkovich’s ads out there. In the second of the two ads, Malkovich has Siri tell him a joke. Siri responds with the only joke she knows: “Two iPhones walk into a bar… I forget the rest.” That wasn’t good enough for the folks at Slacktory, though. They thought Siri’s sense of humor needed a little boost, so they made their own version in which Siri tries a couple of (slightly) funnier jokes. When those don’t do the trick, she tells him “The iRistocrats,” an iPhone-centric (and astonishingly clean) version of the most offensive joke in the world: The Aristocrats. Check out the video below (but be aware that there’s some language at the very end of the video that isn’t suitable for work):
I was one of those weird kids that didn’t like Street Fighter II that much when everybody else was playing it on the SNES. I much preferred Rare’s Killer Instinct, but that was probably just due to the far superior announcer. Super Street Fighter II didn’t do much else to make me a fan, but there are a few things that could greatly improve the fighter. One of those things is apparently a portal gun.
The guys at ThePixelKingdom has made me realize how amazing it would be to have a Portal gun in a fighter. Sure, you could argue that a portal gun is basically just cheating when it comes to fighters. I counter that argument by saying that a portal gun would make fighters absolutely hilarious. The mere concept of being able to hit your opponent with their own attacks or send them flying through the air at terminal velocity is absolute genius.
The only unfortunate part about this whole amazing thing is that it’s not a real game. I highly doubt it will stay that way for long though. The temptation of being able to complete that stupid car punching mini-game in less than five seconds is too much to bear.
If you recall, there was a similar mash up of Portal and classic gaming not too long ago called Mari0. Better yet, that mash-up was a real game and it’s been continuously updated to provide more levels and more challenges for those who want 2D platforming portal antics.
ThePixelKingdom asks what games should get the Portal treatment next. At this point, I feel like portal guns are the next Guile’s Theme – it just goes well with everything. I’m partial to seeing a mashup of Castlevania and Portal just to see the look on Dracula’s face.
