The Friday Fix is picture perfect: Star Trek Into Darkness goes global, The Met Ball goes punk, The Sketchbook Project hits the road, Oscillation shakes things up, Buzzfeed and Starbucks get quite a reaction, ASTR are smooth ‘Operators’ and The Lonely Island party like rock stars on Between Two Ferns. Take your best shot…
May marks the official kickoff to summer blockbuster season, and the culmination of one of the most exciting campaigns we’ve ever had the pleasure to work on. Star Trek Into Darkness has continued to roll out the red carpet (in this case, the white carpet) for the globe-trotting international release tour, beaming into Australia, Russia, Germany and Mexico, culminating with the global premiere in London. The star-studded, multinational cast and visionary director J.J. Abrams suited up and reported for duty.
Into Darkness opens in 7 major territories today (including the UK), with another 25 the following weekend (including the US). The franchise continues the tradition of breaking new ground and boldly going where it’s never gone before, as for the first time Star Trek makes its way to the big screen in China. 2D, 3D and IMAX formats let audiences decide how much they want to supersize their epic experience. Following his successful reboot of Star Trek in 2009 and forthcoming Star Wars Episode VII that has the entire galaxy buzzing, all eyes are on Abrams.
Early tracking indicates that the second installment of Abrams’ series is headed for a $90+ million domestic opening weekend - the highest in franchise history. Take it from us… Star Trek Into Darkness is unmissable.
Speaking of shattering, the man behind the darkness is none other than Benedict Cumberbatch, the titular star of BBC’s Sherlock and voice talent in the forthcoming Hobbit sequel The Desolation of Smaug. A newcomer to the Enterprise ensemble, his role as the menacing psychological terrorist John Harrison is striking a chord with critics and sparking heated “conspiracy theories” amongst speculative fans. The concept of a crew torn apart by this maniacal mastermind is illustrated beautifully in this animated 9-frame “Cinemosaic”:
And speaking of speaking, audiences everywhere can’t get enough of his villainous voice, from his ominous trailer narrations to his chilling Starfleet Disruptions. British talk show host Graham Norton decided to playfully take advantage of Cumberbatch’s attention-grabbing voice, showing the actor’s lighter side:
Anticipation for the film is so high that stateside fans can hardly wait until Friday to see it. Fortunately, they won’t have to – Into Darkness has been (graciously) moved one day early in the U.S. Find your nearest IMAX theatre and book your tickets here.
From visual effects master J.J. Abrams, we turn our attention to School of Visual Arts student Daniel Sierra, who has created a masterpiece of a thesis project: Oscillate. The hypnotically stunning piece represents his desire to “create a mesmerizing audio-visual experience in which sight and sound work in unison.” A+ work!
Here’s some more art in motion: the Brooklyn-based Sketchbook Project is a mobile library exhibition, transporting over 4,000 artist notebooks across North America. They gear up for their biggest tour yet, stopping throughout the US and Canada to share art and inspiration. Visit their site to find out when they’ll be in your neighborhood and how you can contribute a sketchbook of your own.
The art of self expression is at the heart of this year’s Met Ball theme Punk: Chaos to Couture. Celebrities and fashionistas ensured that Monday night was full of bold statements – from Anne Hathaway‘s ‘for one night only’ platinum blonde do, to Cara Delevingne‘s studded Burberry - even a white-haired Nicole Richie in custom Topshop.
Yet the night’s real show stopper wasn’t a dress – it was the chandelier. Made from 25,000 razor blades, it hung in the museum’s atrium like a sharply shimmering silver beacon and stopped everyone in their tracks. Bold statements and a rebellious attitude form the backbone of the Punk movement, and the Met‘s exhibition (open until August 14th) explores the impact that it’s had on fashion.
Internet videos are designed to be short and sweet, trying anything and everything to make you laugh, smile or freak out. Yet commenting, emoticon sharing and simply writing “LOL” fail to capture the human quality behind the responses they elicit. That’s why the pop culture purveyors at Buzzfeed have partnered with Starbucks to introduce the “Reaction Cam” feature on their blog, allowing users to record and upload a 3-second GIF and give comments a more human touch. Try it for yourself – it will have you saying “OMG!”
Here’s a song that’s bound to get a reaction: New York-based duo ASTR presents their smooth and satisfying indie pop tune, “Operate.” Don’t be surprised if you give it a listen and find yourself humming it all throughout the weekend.
It’s been too long since we’ve found ourselves Between Two Ferns, watching our ever-gracious host Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover trilogy) talking to – and offending – some of our favorite celebrities in his low-budget, cult classic web series. After a lengthy hiatus he returns with flying colors, chatting with Oscar-nominated actor James Franco (Oz The Great and Powerful). The interview takes an unexpected and outrageous turn when the musical comedy trio The Lonely Island crashes the Spring Break party, debuting another instant classic. This video is Not Safe For Work, but it is safe for play:
Sharing is caring: pass along the Friday Fix, and be sure to keep up with FIVE33 for all of pop culture’s greatest hits.
This Friday Fix will get your heart racing: Benedict Cumberbatch shakes the soul of Star Trek, Call of Duty unmasks new ‘Ghost’ teaser, Russian rockers give action some perspective, Beyoncé and H&M launch splashin’ new fashion, Daft Punk’s ‘Get Lucky’ enjoys a killer cover and fluid takes flight on Instagram. Let the adrenaline rush begin!
Star Trek Into Darkness is pulling out all the stops in the climactic countdown to release. An extensive international rollout including premieres in Sydney, Moscow, Berlin, Paris and London has truly made this film a global event. Yet amidst the star-studded glitz and glamor, the ominous agent of terror John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch) is ever-watchful. Hungry for vengeance, his latest psychological vendetta takes aim at The Soul of the Enterprise: Lt. Uhura. Her emotional vulnerability with Spock may become a serious liability, putting her entire crew in jeopardy. They say “love is a battlefield,” but it’s never looked this dangerous:
On the subject of mysterious identities, Call of Duty shows us the true power of masks with the new teaser for their forthcoming title “Ghosts,” honoring weapon-wielding warriors from every corner of the globe. Though we’re sure there are many secrets in store for the juggernaut franchise, we’re hoping much more will be revealed at the live demo and next generation XBOX reveal on May 21st.
If your pulse isn’t up by now, it will be soon. The latest production from Russian rock band Biting Elbows is more action film than music video. Kinetic pacing, inventive first-person filming techniques (using the GoPro) and gratuitous violence are all in a day’s work as the video quickly becomes a bonafide viral sensation. Believe it or not, their video for the single “Bad Motherf***er” is very much NSFW. Please enjoy responsibly:
Instagram is beloved for making every user feel like a true artist – but let’s not forget about professional photographers out there taking advantage of the social media platform. Belgium-based shutterbug Manon Wethly caught our eye this week with a style all her own. We haven’t been this caught up in a photo feed since Murad Osmann’s girlfriend dragged him around the world. While most Instagrammers are content to post the mouth-watering meals, Wethly isn’t afraid to play with her food – or rather, her drink.
While her hip hop husband Jay-Z debuts his contribution to The Great Gatsby soundtrack 100$ Bill this week, Beyoncé struts her beach-ready body for her new Mrs. Carter collection at H&M. The summer line includes sun dresses, bikinis and other seasonal styles (voluptuous curves and dance moves not included). In addition to looking good, you’ll feel great knowing that 25% of the proceeds go to sustainable water projects. We’ll drink to that!
Finally, multi-talented British musician George Barnett becomes a one-man Daft Punk - in fact, his cover for the smash single ‘Get Lucky‘ (off the forthcoming album Random Access Memories) has many claiming it’s even better than the original. You’ll just have to press play and decide for yourself:
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April 26, 2013 at 7:11 pm · Filed under FIVE33 News
The Friday Fix will rock your worlds: Benedict Cumberbatch takes Star Trek Into Darkness, Pacific Rim sounds the call to arms, Google Earth soars into Oblivion, Tokyo City Symphony puts the skyline at your fingertips and Evian activates our inner child. Drink it in…
With Star Trek Into Darkness right around the corner, Benedict Cumberbatch keeps the goosebumps coming with John Harrison’s second ominous ‘Disruption’ of the Starfleet Crew, this time targeting the Mind of the Enterprise: Spock. The psychological terrorist pits head against his heart, delivered with the haunting cadence only Cumberbatch (the breakout star of BBC’s Sherlock) can deliver. First Kirk, now Spock… who will be next?
You haven’t seen the crew of the Enterprise until you’ve seen them through John Harrison’s eyes:
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of one of Japan’s largest property developments, creative director Tsubasa Oyagi has created an incredible interactive experience: The Tokyo City Symphony. Users compose an 8-second soundtrack (perfect for Vine) and orchestrate their own light show, which is lightmapped onto a 1/1000 model of Tokyo’s iconic cityscape. Each customized creation is added to the ever-growing compilation, creating a spectacular “symphony” heard around the world. Why not create and share your 8 second masterpiece?
Speaking of Tokyo… run for your life! A new tokusatsu-inspired short film from Studio Ghibli (Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away) entitled “Giant God Warrior Appears in Tokyo” delivers daikaiju destruction on an explosively epic scale. The menacing creature was designed by the legendary director Hayao Miyazaki, and truly lives up to its name.
Only one thing could stop a creature of such magnitude: a Jaeger. Perfect timing, as the Pacific Rim payoff poster has just hit the web like only 8,000 tons of steel can. Check out the man-made monster “Gipsy Danger.”
The massive mech is only the tip of the iceberg: the Pacific-wide hero organization The Pan Pacific Defense Corps is now accepting recruits! Think you have what it takes? Applicants who take the brain-teasing Psyche Test are rewarded with customized ID cards and other shareable goodies. Find out where you fit into the fight here.
On the subject of expansive worldbuilding, you can now enter Oblivion from the comfort of your computer. The new Google Earth-powered app lets you explore the uninhabited terrain of future Earth, from demolished landmarks reclaimed by nature to the picturesque panoramic Sky Tower. Click here to begin your journey into Oblivion.
We end on something guaranteed to put a pep in your step… or at least make you smile. Everyone loves feeling young – that’s why Evian water pushed that simple concept to the extreme in their latest advert “Baby & Me.” This little taste of heaven is like taking a sip from the Fountain of Youth:
Go ahead, act like a kid this weekend… just be sure to stay hydrated after all that dancing! Be sure to friend, follow and share the Friday Fix fortune.
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Early tracking indicates that the second installment of Abrams’ series is headed for a $90+ million domestic opening weekend - the highest in franchise history. Take it from us… Star Trek Into Darkness is unmissable.
