
Remember those annoying Microsoft commercials on the television that had random people saying that “Window 7 was my idea”? I do love Window 7 (but everything is better than Window Vista), but those commercials rubbed me the wrong way. I don’t know why, but it just did. Well, thanks to “sneakyzebra”, we get to see a parody of those commercials that asks the important question of “who’s idea was the Death Star”? Well, so far, Stormtrooper TK-421, Darth Vader, and Chewbacca are all taking credit. I’m not sure why Chewie would be included in that mix, but whatever. It’s just really funny to see a Wookiee speak.
Hit the jump and check out the parody commericals for “The Death Star was my idea”
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I have always been intrigued by “Día de los Muertos” (Day of the Dead) and sugar skulls ever since I was little and always that they were some of the most elegant and stunning styles of art in world. I guess that might be the reason that my jaw dropped to the floor when I ran into John Karpinsky’s (AKA Captain Magnificent) beautiful merger of sugar skulls and ‘Star Wars’.
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican holiday celebrating the dead. Sugar skulls are often created in the image of the dead, inviting them to enjoy a celebration and feast.
Star Wars was a large part of my childhood, which sadly passed long ago. This is my tribute to characters of my youth, an invitation to the celebration of that cultural phenomenon that shaped my life so long ago.
John’s gorgeous line art and use of vibrant colors makes these illustrations so mesmerizing. I don’t know why, but I have a sudden urge to get the “Muertos Tormenta” (Dead Stormtrooper) tattooed onto my arm. Maybe after a couple shots of tequila. If you love these illustrations as much as I do, John has these available as prints via Etsy. John is currently working on a new collection of Star Wars art that he will release on May 4th (”May the 4th Be with You” Holiday).
Hit the jump and get a closer look at John Karpinsky’s amazing Star Wars Día de los Muertos collection
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I really felt bad bad bad bad bad that I might be sending you into the weekend without a gift. Well, thanks to ToplessRobot, I found what I was lookin’ for. Web-celebrity, “Chad Vader” released a cool cool cool cool cool parody of Rebecca Black’s now famous song, “Friday”. I find the video pretty fun fun fun fun fun fun fun considering its always entertaining to see Darth Vader sing about something as random announcing his bike only has only seat or what he wants for breakfast. Considering, I truly dislike the original song (but not the singer), I can’t help but kind of like Vader’s version. My only problem would be that Vader kind of sounds like an auto-tuned Arnold Schwarzenegger more than the actual Sith Lord. I find it pretty nice that I can put this video out on Friday Friday Friday Friday Friday Friday for you to enjoy. Cheers!
Hit the jump and check out Chad Vader’s “Friday”
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Silly Jedi… Do not underestimate the power of the DARKSIDE!
I want a daughter, JUST LIKE HER! Located at the “Tomorrowland Terrace Stage” in Disneyland, the ‘Star Wars’ stage show, “Jedi Training Academy” invites a select few children (usually around 4-12 years old) to wear the signature Jedi robe and join a “Jedi Master” on stage. During the show, the “Padawans” are taught the sacred Jedi Oath and given a lesson on how to use a lightsaber like a real Jedi Master. As a kicker, Darth Vader and a couple Stormtroopers makes their way onto the stage where the Padawans use their new skills to defeat the Sith Lord. After the “Dark Side” is defeated, the audience cheers and that is the end of the stage show. Well, that’s how it usually goes down. However, things do not go as planned when Sariah Gallego is confronted by Darth Vader. Instead of fighting Vader, cute Sariah kneels in front of the Sith Lord showing her true allegiance to the Dark Side and the Empire. As it happens, the audience erupts and the Jedi Master seems a bit shocked. He suggests that Sariah finds her way to the “Sith Academy” instead. I love how the Stormtrooper does a fist pump when it all goes down. Watching this video caused me tear up a bit and made me proud to be part of the Empire. Hail, Darth Sariah Gallego!
Hit the jump to check out this awesome video
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One of the stars of “Super Bowl Sunday” was Volkswagen’s “Use the Force” commercial starring a little child dressed up as Darth Vader trying to use the “Force” around the house. The commercial was amazing and people have been raving about it for a week now, but while many children wanted to be “Vader Kid” and a lot of us grown-up (including me) hoped to have children like Vader Kid, it was a bit disappointing to have “The Today Show” reveal the child behind the helmet. Yes, it was just a “human interest piece” by NBC and there is no foul for showing the actor, but it seemed to ruin the allure of the commercial. The commercial was whimsical and had great charm and the best part was that Vader Kid could have been anyone. It could have been a “Jack” or it could have been a “Jill”. Unfortunately, thanks to The Today Show, that question was answered and it was very disappointing. Scott Weinberg (of Cinematical) said it best this morning:
VOLKSWAGEN could have used the ambiguity of the Vader kid to close the gender gap. Instead, nope, it was just a little boy.
Scott’s tweet really made me think about what the reveal meant. I can’t blame VW or the Today Show for the reveal, but for female (and male) Star Wars fans, it must have been a little disappointing to find out that it was only a little boy (note: A boy who didn’t know what Star Wars was or who Darth Vader is. He may or may not have looked up Darth Vader’s image online…). I remember showing my wife the commercial as soon as it was released and telling her, “I hope that when we have a daughter one day and she is just like this”. The commercial helped me imagine what it may be like and it put a smile on my face. Unfortunately, now if I go back and watch this commercial again, I can’t imagine “my future daughter” as the one behind the helmet anymore. I only see Max’s little face. With recent issues with bullying and “May The Force Be With Katie” Day, this commercial could have really helped children of any gender feel that they too can be “Darth Vader” and confidently be a Star Wars fan. If I felt that hidden message and connected with the commercial as an adult, I would have to presume that children must have seen and felt that same connection as well. Right? Now, due to the reveal, that connection seems to be directed only to boys and leaves little girls in an awkward spot again. Maybe I am over reacting and making a huge fuss about nothing. Maybe its the booze from Super Bowl Sunday talking… Regardless, I still feel that it was a disservice by “The Today Show” to reveal the child behind the helmet. What do you think?
Also, Matt Lauer… its a freakin’ helmet and not a mask you ass.
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Wow… Car commercials are getting pretty awesome lately. Yesterday, we got a sneak at Chevy’s cross promotion ad with ‘Transformers: Dark of the Moon’ that is suppose to air during Super Bowl XLV. Today, we get a glimpse at a ‘Star Wars’ themed Volkswagen commercial promoting the new 2012 VW Passat (which is a really ugly car…). The commercial follows a little child dressed a Darth Vader attempting to use the “Force” around the house. After failing to do so, he (or she) finally succeeds in front of a Passat in the drive way with the help of Dad’s start up remote. The best part of the commercial has to be the score and Kid-Vader. “Imperial March” is beautifully laid out in the promo spot and the animated acting by the “kid” even with the huge helmet on was brilliant. Especially the part when he starts up the Passat using the “Force”. The acting was 100 times better than found in “The Last Airbender”. Hit the jump to see the commercial and prepare to root for the kid. Its freakin’ awesome.
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Choose your destination. The Dark Side or the Light Side…
Personally, I’m an avid fan of Garmin brand GPS devices, but TomTom offers an option that Garmin doesn’t. TomTom offers a feature where you can download (at a fee) different voices for their GPS systems. Well, TomTom is at it again and hooked up with Lucas Film to create voices for their GPS systems starring various Star Wars characters. First up will be Darth Vader. Followed by C-3PO, Han Solo, and of course, Master Yoda (Turn left, you will.. lmao). For a meer $12.95/€ 9,95, you can enjoy Darth Vader directing you to your favorite watering hole. My only concern I suppose would be whether or not Darth Vader’s slow speaking, mixed with breathing will cause me to miss my exit. I better not complain considering I don’t want to be Force choked like a bitch while trying to drive on the freeway.
Hit the jump to check out a hilarious video of Darth Vader in the recording studio recording his voice for TomTom!
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