Whether you’re excited about Star Wars: Episode VII or not, nearly all would agree that the upcoming director — whomever that might be — has some very high expectations to meet. Who do you picture the perfect director to lead the next generation of Star Wars fans? Is it Spielberg? Tarantino? Conan O’Brien picked Wes Anderson for the job during his show on Wednesday night — the latest in a series of hypothetical directors auditioning for the new Star Wars. Anderson is known for films such as The Life Aquatic, Rushmore and The Royal Tenenbaums, and has a very distinct aesthetic style. A Life Galactic — which is shown above, and obviously a parody — has many elements of Anderson’s previous films: Helvetica font, quirky decor and anticlimactic arguments. Sounds perfect for a scene as controversial as “Han Shot First,” right? BONUS: 10 Out of This World Star Wars-Disney Mashups Star Wars / Disney Memes Cool story, bro. Via @PeteRKn65 Old School Via @benzenben Nice Hat Via @JuanP6 Even More Frightening Via @OZavila It’s A Parent Trap! Via @awnelson17 Winnie The Ewok Via @f_francavilla Uh Oh Via @TechnicallyRon Still Iconic Via @youngdesign When You Wish Upon A Deathstar Via @AlexJamesFitz Snow White, Seven Dwarfs and a Jedi Master Via @anniecolbert Read more: http://mashable.com/2012/11/09/wes-anderson-star-wars/
Warning: The following clip contains a spoiler alert for those who haven’t seen the last episode of season 6. Showtime has released a clip of the first two minutes of the seventh season of Dexter, a chilling scene that picks up right where last season’s cliffhanger left off. Season 7 begins with Debra catching Dexter embracing his “dark passenger” and trying to explain what happened in the highly-discussed season finale. Although it clears up a few questions — how will Deb react to seeing Dexter in that situation and how Dexter will try to clarify things — it’s hardly a spoiler. In fact, the clip ends with yet another massive cliffhanger. The season premieres on Sunday, September 20 on Showtime at 9:00 p.m. ET. What do you think of the two-minute preview? Will Dexter be able to talk his way out of this one? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. BONUS: 5 Modern TV Shows Recut as Classic Sitcoms 5 Modern TV Shows Recut as Classic Sitcoms 1. The Walking Dead Alternate Intro A zombie apocalypse is a great vehicle for comedy, right? 2. What if Dexter Had Been a Sitcom? It’s all smiles, laughter and bad sax in this re-imagined version of Dexter. 3. Lost: The Sitcom! Season 1 Intro It sure looks like the Lost gang are a fun bunch. Is that a holiday resort? 4. Breaking Bad is now on ABC In which Walt and Skyler are just your average American couple having a few marital issues… 5. The Office Recut as a Classic Sitcom With all the classic elements of a sitcom, The Office looks like it could be a comedy hit! BONUS: The Wire With a Laugh Track Finally, there’s no title sequence, but this scene from The Wire gets a laugh track. It’s amazing how the addition of some canned chortles can totally change the mood of a clip. Read more: http://mashable.com/2012/07/13/dexter-season-7/
Airtime — Sean Parker‘s new startup that lets users video chat with friends and strangers who share their interests — released a slick new video Tuesday that shows off the power of the service. Describing Airtime as “the Best Internet You’ve Ever Had,” the slickly produced ad shows off the service in a way that is both entertaining and easy to understand. Of course, it wouldn’t be Airtime without celebrities. The spot features cameos by Kurt Russell, MC Hammer, Gary Vaynerchuk and Ronnie Lott. I’ve had my own brush with celebrity using Airtime. The first time I tried the service, it connected me with none other than co-founder Sean Parker. The spot was produced by Portal A, the company behind the Ed Lee 2 Legit 2 Quit video. (Disclosure: Portal A also works with Mashable on original video content.) The star of the video — Ian Pfaff — is described as Portal A’s “creative jack-of-all-trades.” He works full-time at Portal acting, editing and producing music. Read more: http://mashable.com/2012/07/17/mc-hammer-airtime/
Image: Peanuts Worldwide It’s been 64 years since Charlie Brown first stumbled into our hearts and morning paper. The first Peanuts comic, shown above, appeared in nine newspapers on Oct. 2, 1950. By the time the comic ended in 2000, creator Charles Schulz had published 17,897 strips — which continue in reruns to this day. For more than six decades, children and adults alike have grown to love the Peanuts gang and “the great American un-success story” that is Charlie Brown. From his comics to cartoons, to films that have become a family staple, Schulz’s characters taught us valuable lessons about love, friendship, acceptance and the harsh realities of growing up. To celebrate the anniversary, we’ve gathered our favorite memorable Peanuts moments. Share your fondest memories in the comments below. Celebrating Charles Schulz’s Famous Comics ‘Peanuts’ Comic Strips Via Charles Schulz Via Charles Schulz Via Charles Schulz Via Charles Schulz Via Charles Schulz Via Charles Schulz Via Charles Schulz Via Charles Schulz Via Charles Schulz Via Charles Schulz Read more: http://mashable.com/2012/10/02/peanuts-anniversary/
Steve Martin has come a long way as a comedian. Before becoming a big screen star known all around the world, he started small (as most comedians do) and was known for smaller parts. Luckily for us, his first TV special, Steve Martin: A Wild and Crazy Guy, is hilarious. Martin promises his lover that he will wear something from her as good luck. Unfortunately for him, it’s not just a “pin or something,” as he expected. Watch the video above to see this classic and hilarious turtle-wrangling version of Steve Martin in one of his first comedy videos. Thanks to Official Comedy for sharing the throwback. This Week’s Hot Viral Videos ‘Simon’s Cat’ Partakes in the Animal Olympics A new “Simon’s Cat” video hit the web Saturday, and this one gets into the competitive spirit of the Olympics … with a snail race. Will Ferrell Lashes Out at Kristen ‘Trampire’ Stewart Someone give Will Ferrell a box of tissues and pint of Ben & Jerry’s because the funnyman needs help healing his broken heart. Ferrell sat down with Conan O’Brien and let his emotions spill out as he discussed the recent breakup of Twilight stars Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson (or “Patterson,” as Ferrell referred to him). A Real Dad Won’t Save You if You’re ‘Taken’ The 2008 thriller Taken, about an American girl kidnapped by human traffickers in Paris, raised anxiety levels for many worrywort parents. The film isn’t based on a true story, but that didn’t stop moms and dads from wondering what they would do in a similar situation. 90-Year-Old Pole Vaulter Will Make You Feel Lazy Meet Dr. William Bell, a 90-year-old fitness nut who holds a pole vault world record for his age group. Pfft, as if a bunch of buff 20-something Olympic swimmers prancing their six-packs around the pool didn’t already make us all feel like a bunch of unaccomplished cubicle potatoes this week. Envy aside, Dr. Bell could provide a helpful dose of pick-me-up to any of us feeling a bit lapsed in the physical fitness department Choo-Choo-Choose to Watch Excited Train Guy Maybe it’s the rumble of the engine or the sound of the horn, but something has this train enthusiast yelling with excitement. The railfan — yes, that’s a real thing — squeals behind the camera as a rare 1953 EA Heritage Train engine rolls through a New York station. As one YouTuber put it, “Double Trainbow!” Read more: http://mashable.com/2012/10/08/young-steve-martin-was-a-turtle-riding-drag-queen-video/
Spike Lee is hopping on the Kickstarter bandwagon to finance his next film. Following the likes of Scrubs star Zach Braff and the creators of Veronica Mars, the acclaimed director is developing an untitled project that will look at humans addicted to blood. Lee calls it “funny, sexy and bloody (and it’s not ‘Blacula’).” “It’s a very different climate now, and the only way to ensure, as an independent filmmaker, that your vision gets on screen, is when you bring the money to the table,” he says in the video, above. On his Kickstarter page, Lee addresses the “faithful” with a long, persuasive letter that describes his love for filmmaking, as well as the troubles that come along with it. “The catch is Filmmaking is an Artform that costs M-O-N-E-Y,” he writes, throwing standard writing conventions out the window. “That is why I’m appealing to the Kindness in your Hearts, to the Faithful who have given me the much needed Love and Support over my 3 decades of Spike Lee Joints.” Present-day Hollywood does not support independent filmmakers, Lee says, adding that the studio-system model discourages creative liberty: I’m not hating, just stating the facts. Super Heroes, Comic Books, 3D Special EFX, Blowing up the Planet Nine Times and Fly through the Air while Transforming is not my Thang. To me it’s not just that these Films are being made but it seems like these are the only films getting made. To The Studios it seems like every Film must be a Home run on a Global scale, a Tent Pole Enterprise, able to spin off Sequel after Sequel after Sequel after Sequel after Sequel after Sequel. I have a different vision of what Cinema can be, a different vision of what some under-served Audiences might want to see. Lee vows — “on my Mother’s Grave and Right Hand to the Almighty” — that every donated dollar will go towards funding the film and not into his pocket. He’s also promising some pretty enticing rewards as incentives to support the project, including autographed items and thank-you tweets. At the time of writing, Lee’s campaign just surpassed the $100,000 mark; he has 28 days left to raise his entire goal of $1.25 million or receive nothing. The filmmaker, renowned for such iconic flicks as Malcolm X and Do the Right Thing, is also getting ready to debut his latest project, Oldboy, a remake of the 2003 Korean thriller of the same name. Will you support Lee? Tell us in the comments, below. Image: Al Bello/Getty Images Read more: http://mashable.com/2013/07/23/spike-lee-kickstarter/
The worst part about working is always the commute. Sitting in traffic is horrible, and taking public transit is always enough to give you a headache. But to get to their job, these workers only have to travel 1,500 feet…off the ground. Someone has to fix all of those huge TV towers, right? Watch as one brave worker climbs to the top of one of these structures, dragging his 30-pound bag of tools along with him all the way. Full disclosure: I work from home and I’m still feeling pretty ho-hum about the commute from my bed to my desk. As a lazy person who also has a pretty significant fear of heights, this video is a nightmare on so many levels. Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/tower-climbing/
Ladies and gentlemen, if we could please have your attention, Cher has something important she’d like to share: She’s still got it. HMMMM…. Seems There’s MORE BUZZ,about the way I Looked,Than the way I Performed !!YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSIVE STILL GOT IT !!!!!! — Cher (@cher) June 19, 2013 The 67-year-old pop icon last night showed viewers and attendees of The Voice that age is but a number, flaunting her first appearance on the live stage in a decade. For the NBC show’s season four finale, Cher and an ensemble of back-up dancers performed “Woman’s World,” the first single from the star’s upcoming studio album, Closer to the Truth. In the clip (above), released Tuesday, Cher hits the stage with a faux-hawk and some badass punk garb, strutting and fist-pumping to the beat of the uplifting number, co-produced by DJ Paul Oakenfold and JD Walker. The performance was her first since NBC’s 2003 TV special, Cher: The Farewell Tour. The Voice finale also included performances from Christina Aguilera and Pitbull; Florida Georgia Line and Nelly (above); Bruno Mars; and past contestants to round out the evening. But the belle of the ball was Danielle Bradbery, who took the season four crown and closed the show with Sara Evans’ “Born to Fly” (finals rendition below). The 16-year-old went up against The Swon Brothers and Michelle Chamuel, who also vied for the title. Bradbery’s win notched a three-peat for her coach, Blake Shelton, who won in season two with Jermaine Paul and season three with Cassadee Pope. Did you catch last night’s show? Let us know what you thought about the season-ending extravaganza in the comments below. Image courtesy of YouTube, NBCTheVoice window._msla=window.loadScriptAsync||function(src,id){if(document.getElementById(id))return;var js=document.createElement(‘script’);js.id=id;js.src=src;document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0].parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}; _msla(“//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js”,”twitter_jssdk”); Read more: http://mashable.com/2013/06/19/cher-live-womans-world/
Simon Cowell all choked up? Hard to believe, but the famously hard-hearted judge got misty-eyed after watching The X Factor contestant Jillian Jensen audition on the talent show. The 20-year-old Massachusetts native sang Jessie J’s “Who You Are” during a round of auditions, which aired during Wednesday night’s season premiere. “That was incredible,” Cowell says, while holding back tears. (Go to the 8:05 mark in the YouTube video above to see his reaction). Record executive L.A. Reid, pop star Britney Spears and singer Demi Lovato, who also sit on the judges’ panel, echoed his praise. Twitter users responded to Cowell’s uncharacteristic emotional display with disbelief. DID SIMON COWELL JUST SHED A TEAR OR AM I DREAMING IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS MY WHOLE ENTIRE LIFE — Brrrrrrendan ♔ (@Brendan_Ryan1D) September 13, 2012 Still in shock that Simon Cowell cried lol. #XFactor — Tom M ♫ (@GuitarGuy22) September 13, 2012 Even Lovato poked fun at her fellow judge: “Awwww, you have a heart!”- @ddlovato to @simoncowell. #TearFactor — THE X FACTOR (USA) (@TheXFactorUSA) September 13, 2012 Twitter also exploded with congratulations for contestant Jensen. IF SIMON COWELL IS CRYING YOU KNOW ITS SOMETHING BIG OK — logan ~ (@wutnarry) September 13, 2012 Jillian you made Simon Cowell cry. You’ve officially conquered the world. — Kayla(@Kay_Lahhh) September 13, 2012 In response, the singer tweeted her thanks. I cant even express how touched I am right now,seriously I love you all so much, thank u 4 supporting me. u can do ANYTHING u set ur mind 2! — Jillian Jensen (@ItsJillJensen) September 13, 2012 What do you think of Cowell’s reaction and Jensen’s audition? Tell us in the comments below. window._msla=window.loadScriptAsync||function(src,id){if(document.getElementById(id))return;var js=document.createElement(‘script’);js.id=id;js.src=src;document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0].parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}; _msla(“//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js”,”twitter_jssdk”); Read more: http://mashable.com/2012/09/13/simon-cowell-x-factor/
Benny and Rafi Fine of the Fine Bros.Image: YouTube YouTube creators the Fine Bros. aren’t sweating the 66th Primetime Emmys, despite that they’re on the nomination ballots, which are due back Friday. Too busy cranking out three videos a week to think about much else. But if the makers of popular shows like Kids React sneak in, they’ll make history. SEE ALSO: The Path From YouTube to Movie Star Just Got Wider That’s because no native YouTube creator has ever garnered an Emmy nod — and by “native” creator I’m talking purely YouTube-first series, not associated with pre-existing brands or TV shows. Digital nominations have sprang from the TV ecosystem, but one’s come straight from the YouTube mob. They’ve been eligible for a few years now. Been throwing their hats in the ring, too — it’s not a terribly high bar. And just in case you think no punk with a GoPro is ever winning an Emmy, remember that cable TV wasn’t invited until 1988, and it took six years for that uncivilized rabble to bring one home. You’ll never guess which network broke the barrier. (Hint: its name includes the letters H, B and O.) Streamed shows first became eligible for certain categories in 2008, and it took only five years for Netflix to finally crack TV’s 64-year hold with three wins for House of Cards last year (directing, casting and cinematography). A smattering of web series have gotten nominations going back to 2011, but all were riding some other brand’s coattails, and none have won. Last year, for instance, Machinima’s web series Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn competed for Best Main Title Design; all of its rivals also had name recognition, including The Newsroom, Elementary, Vikings, American Horror Story: Asylum and Da Vinci’s Demons. Other past web-only series short-form nominees with pedigree have included Jay Leno’s Garage (2011); Bravo’s Top Chef: Last Chance Kitchen (2012); and The Office: The Farewells (2013). Surely, the YouTube-native nominee is coming. It will happen, and when it does, it will touch off a cascade. Could this be the year? Mmmmaybe. The category to watch is Outstanding Short-Format Live-Action Entertainment Program, whose 28 contenders include four native YouTube creators: Arscheerio Paul, Epic Rap Battles of History, Glove and Boots and Guy Dubai: International Gay Spy. The other is Outstanding Short-Format Nonfiction Program, which has just one: The Fine Bros. Benny Fine — one half of the Fine Bros. — isn’t exactly planning to be up at 5:30 a.m. when the nominees are announced July 10. Not when he’s competing against established brands like NBC’s Beyond The Blacklist, Food Network’s Chopped After Hours and ABC’s Nashville: On the Record. But he’s upbeat about submitting, as he should be. “The advantage to a thing like this is showing what new media is becoming,” Fine told Mashable. “Things are just starting to shift. We used to be just two guys, but we’re a production company now (with some 15 employees) … and a nomination would bring us […]
