Just for Laughs: At my age, cynicism has tempered my sophomore sense of humor to the point where I can at least swallow before laughing at something juvenile. So I rarely come across a situation that triggers a spit socket. Today that has changed and I still find coffee stains on my desk that I have to wipe up before they stain.
To understand what I mean, watch at least the first 10 seconds of the masthead video. But I suspect you’ll want to watch the whole thing after these first 10, and you should, especially before reading on because I’m about to drop some spoilers that will spoil the gags.
YouTuber eli_handle_b․wav (Eli) spends his free time “green-projecting” TV and movie characters in iconic video games using Adobe After Effects video editing software. The latter puts “the best boss in the world” Michael Scott from The Office aboard Mass Effect’s SSV Normandy to great comic effect. It is by far his best work to date.
The opening that caused my spitting hold was the classic Michael Scott and was funnier than the original scene borrowed from The Office. And the laughs didn’t stop there.
Michael freaks out and tells everyone to “stay calm” as he freaks out completely when the Normandy is shot down, very well done. I loved how he pushes Ashley into the flames so he can get to the exit door. Then the cut of CCTV footage of him running down one of the ship’s service corridors sells the scene.
The video is the best Eli has posted so far. Most of the others look like trailers, while this one, with its very clever The Office/Mass Effect musical mashup and somewhat cohesive scenes, feels more like a mini-episode of a show I would watch regularly impatiently.
Additionally, some effects are more refined and mature than his previous encounters. For example, note the scene where Michael uses the puppet to punch Joker in the face while he pilots the ship. Joker’s blinks are in sync with each punch, which sells the idea that Joker is just trying to ignore Michael’s childishness. Plus, the slight camera wobble throughout the video gives it that documentary vibe that The Office used.
If you want more, you can try Eli’s Austin Powers/Mass Effect Part 1 (above) or Part 2, which aren’t bad. There are a variety of others to browse as well.