Archive for the 'Pandas' Category

God bless you, Pandas

Tuesday, May 13th, 2008

In terms of youtubes about sneezing pandas, this one reminds me of the movie US Marshals.

I consider the original to be The Fugutive.

I mean, there was really no reason to make a second Sneezing Panda video. The original is perfect. Over 14 million views? Classic youtube. It’s not like I finished watching the first one and thought, “Hmm…I wonder what happens when the sneezing panda grows up? What if he starts sneezing in front of a bunch of European tourists? I hope someone fucking makes a youtube about THAT.”

Of course, they go ahead and make the second one anyway. And, to be honest, when I first hit play I was expecting the worst. These are never ever any good. However, to my delight, it turned out to be pretty darn good. In fact, I watched it a few times. I think the Sneezing Panda did an amazing job in the starring role. Not only does the camera love his face, but I found his sneezing to be much more refined in this picture. (Though, perhaps a bit overdone.) The only major problem I had with the sequel was the unnecessary addition of those laughing European tourists. Whose idea was that? And why were they audio-only? Honestly, who do they think they are, the people behind the camera of The Escape of Baby Buffalo? HA! I THINK NOT.

Perhaps I’m being a little too harsh harsh on the laughing tourists. But, that’s simply because I’m forced to compare their mediocre work to that of the frightened grownup chewing panda in the original, which I consider to be one of the most iconic, powerhouse performances in the history of .mov files. But, that’s exactly my point: knowing you’ll be compared to that, why even try? Furthermore, if you are going to try, then TRY! Do something, anything, besides laughing at the sneezing panda. Show some range, idiots. Engage me. Whatever, I’m digressing. All I’m saying is I think the second Sneezing Panda video is great, but I found the performance of the supporting cast to be underwhelming and, frankly, a bit arrogant.

All in all, I do believe this is an encouraging start for a surprisingly good summer of youtube sequels. My hope is that someone will make a sequel revolving solely around the musical walrus character in Singing Beluga Whales and Musical Walrus:

(His scene begins at 2:31)