Like South Korean fan death, and the real Perd Hapley, prepare for an educational and informative five ....

I cannot wait for you to watch (and read!) this weeks ‘Five Youtube Experiences to Brighten Your Week’. There were so many clips I could have included, I’ve managed to sneakily save a couple for the next edition, as well as sandwiching (get it?) one into this introduction!

I’ve lined up a hilarious and educational feast of clips this week, featuring horrors in the woods; a parody of a ridiculously inane advert; a large tow truck; some myth-busting; and last but not least, a superb short film.

Enjoy!

5. Aliens in the Woods!

I don’t quite know how to describe this clip, beyond short and sweet. Also, I’m painfully aware of spoiling the fun for you if I continue, so be warned! Apparently, this clip was intended to be a scene from a movie; with the protagonist running from the advances of some ethereal being. But as we soon find out, the instigator of the terrible screaming is in fact a cow. An innocent, curious cow. Of course, this where the clip derives 90% of its humour, don’t get me wrong the screaming brought forth a smile, but the sheer spontaneity of the cow is funny enough to win an award.

4. Debunking 10 Common Myths

This Youtube clip wonderfully explains why 10 incredibly popular myths are exactly that, myths. Combining original artwork, universally relatable images and a large smattering of humour, this clip succeeds where so many fail: it educates and entertains. And for that very reason I have included it in this week’s list.  The stand-out myth for me has to be the South Korean fear of electric fans; whereby fan manufacturers have been forced to equip their products with a timer. ‘But why?!’ I hear you cry, well you’ll have to watch to find out…

3. Advert Parody: Asus Eee-Pad

This clip is brilliant. Most of the time I don’t pay attention to adverts, to the subliminal messages which make even the most mundane things appealing, but this clip makes such ignorance impossible. By flipping every message into an unmissable topic of derision, this clip reveals just how simple and petty adverts are. Perhaps this advert, more than most, is begging to be mocked; by positioning the ‘Asus Eee Pad’ as a means of making friends, cementing relationships and generally being cool you can’t help but wonder how naïve those at the company are.

The cruelly cynical script is superb, it’s hilarious and doesn’t miss an opportunity to make a scathing remark – from now on you’ll watch every advertisement with a wry smile.

2. Tow Truck



I knew what was coming when I watched this, but I still didn’t see it coming; it’s unbelievable, and so astoundingly hilarious.

When this clip began I instantly thought of Perd Hapley from Parks and Recreation, and if you have any idea who that is you will soon be laughing. If not, you will soon be laughing.

1. Signs



There have been numerous short films included in this feature in the past, and this week it features yet another. This Youtube clip engrossed me more than any short film I’ve watched since Validation - number two in my ‘Top Ten of 2011’.

The acting is spot-on, the story line is heart-warming and the score is superb. As for the script, well, there isn’t one; besides the rare words spoken by our protagonist’s co-workers, this short film uses music to drive the story and relay the emotions of its two central characters. I found myself talking at the screen, frustrated by the social anxiety of the protagonist, and realized that I was completely immersed in the drama. It’s a remarkable achievement, considering the piece is a mere 12 minutes long. I urge you to watch.

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