Flash From the Past: Online Animation of Yesteryear

Fri, Apr 10, 2009, by R J Evans

Web Talk

Flash animation has come a long way in a short period of time. However, it would be a shame to forgot that which came before. Here are ten “old” flash movies that you may remember. Let’s take a walk down memory lane.

50 Llamas Day

What happens at work when you misread the sign?  One poor chap thinks it’s fifty llama’s day at the work.  A friend of mine once bought ten Alpacas from Pakistan.  Islamabad? I asked politely.  No, came his reply, I just preferred the thought of camels.  Excruciating humor aside (which is what this article is all about, in truth) let us quickly move on to our next trip down memory lane.

American Idle

When something like American Idol appears on our TV screens then there isn’t long before there is a flash animated backlash and this is no exception.  As well as the usual judges arguing amongst themselves you have the appearance of a certain Gary Brolsma.  For those of you who have undergone years of therapy to forget the Brolsma internet meme, this was the man who came to be referred to as simply ‘The Numa Numa Guy”.  You remember now?  If you have truly forgotten or you have never come across Gary (you must be three and if so, you really should go and seek parental guidance) there is a link at the end to see the real deal.  I am so, so sorry.  Really.

Angry Internet User

This is based on a real life recorded telephone message, left by a courteous young man who just wanted to stop receiving spam.  Many, many people have felt like this guy but have rarely had their rant spread all over the internet.  A word of warning, this does contain the odd swear word or two.  Ahem.  And here was I thinking that all Americans were god fearing bible thumpers who wouldn’t ever, ever swear.  What a sheltered life I have led.

The Governator

A celebration of the first year in office of California ‘Governator’ Arnold Schwarzenegger.  In it he tells the world of his plans to inject money in to the economy and single-handedly tack down Osama Bin Laden.  Very much of one period of time, this may bring back a wry smile to your face.  Or not.

The Non Livingstons

It is hard moving towns and having to go to a new school, especially if you are dead.  Here young Johnny (non) Livingston suffers all the trauma of that first day: the pep talk from dad, the search for the class room and, of course, the teacher from hell.  This is an unexpectedly but deliciously dark American flash animation in the tradition of The Addams Family (for the new century).

There Was an Old Lady

A favorite nursery rhyme given the flash animation makeover it deserves.  Most children have an occasionally macabre sense of humor and this rhyme is perfect for those moments.  Whether or not it is physically possible to swallow the variety of fauna she so voraciously attempts to digest (in the hunt for that mistakenly gulped fly) is not the issue.  The outcome is well known.  What is important is the journey that the old girl takes to her demise.

Circuit Skirmish

There are some bad robots out there – very bad indeed.  Fortunately we have our own mechanical hero to take care of them when they go on the rampage.  Not too much on the storyline here, but great if you like shoot ‘em up scenarios.  The lead robot is quite cute too.

Darth Vader’s Childhood

This is why Anakin Skywalker really went over to the dark side.  Funnily enough, for those who have seen episode 4, it will come as no surprise whatsoever.  It is only left to wonder whether or not George Lucas has seen this.

The Great Escape

There is one thing that you should never, ever do if you own a dog.  That is, leave the door open.  Any canine worth his salt will be out of the door before you can turn round.  This particular pooch, however, has more in mind than simply taking a stroll around the neighborhood.  As bedtime beckons, will he get away with his various crimes?

The New Microsoft

The new Microsoft company is unveiled.  Forget about microserfs, Bill Gates has a mole army (debugging Internet Explorer) and this is about the attempts of the organization to enlist one poor guy in to their ranks.  At the end of the day, it seems, that all Microsoft ever wanted was love.  Among other things.

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19 Comments For This Post

  1. Glynis Smy Says:

    Brilliant! I just loved the American Idol one!! Simon rocks!!

  2. Evelyn Moore Says:

    Great stuff – again you are putting me to shame – I need to get up earlier in the morning or something – you seem to be able to create such interesting pieces over and over again!

  3. Christine Ramsay Says:

    I agree with Glynis about Simon. A very impressive article. Some of these really make me smile.

    Christine

  4. Joe Dorish Says:

    Simon’s hair piece looks removable.

  5. Darlene McFarlane Says:

    Wonderful entertainment, RJ, I enjoyed it very much. I am with Glynis as well. I especially liked the American Idol clip and while the show wouldn’t be the same without Paula and Randy, Simon is the personality that most everyone waits to hear from.

    Excellent job.

  6. Juancav Says:

    Well choosen online animation.

  7. Betty Carew Says:

    A very creative article RJ made a very nice humorous read

  8. RJ Chamberlain Says:

    A very cool insight into the past R J. My fav has to be the governator!

    RJ

  9. clay hurtubise Says:

    OMG! Thank God for progress!
    Clay

  10. nutuba Says:

    Wow, comprehensive, informative, interesting, enjoyable, and well done. A+!

  11. Techman007 Says:

    Nice liked it, Refreshing walk backwards.

  12. mannyrich Says:

    what a good article! keep on writing!

  13. Kheng Says:

    Impressive and entertaining list. Thank you.

  14. iamrulan Says:

    I remembered sooooooo many of these…or at least the sentiments of them. LOL. Thanks a bunch, Pal.

  15. CutestPrincess Says:

    Looks inviting! thanks for sharing…

  16. RJ Gardner Says:

    They may be old, but they’re still the goods.

  17. Emma C S Says:

    Heehee I remembered some of these. I guess I must be a net-geek. Great selection. :)

  18. B Nelson Says:

    I have 1 llama, does that count for anything?

  19. Mark Gordon Brown Says:

    Unfortunately RJ some of those “God fearing” ones you mentioned earlier, swear more than others, they just ask for forgivness after.

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