The viral video of Leeroy Jenkins prematurely starting a raid has made its rounds for a couple of years already, even getting some screen time on The Daily Show. This week, a live action reimagining of the events on YouTube caught our eye, giving a different spin to the original viral video that still keeps some of the charm of the original.
The video starts off with a group of individuals discussing and preparing for something over the radio. As the group make their preparations, viewers eventually realize that it is a bank heist. The whole time we’re watching, one question dominates our minds: who is this video’s Leeroy Jenkins?
Then, he appears. A clumsy robber disguised as a hot dog vendor. Eventually, he drops his walkie talkie into his cart’s tray of water, prompting much fumbling about until he finally picks it back up, and hears remnants of messages scattered by static and only making out the word “Go.” Without hesitation, he dons a mask and runs into the bank, though two guards are still outside, screaming “Leerooooooyyy Jeeeeeennnnkiiiiinnnssss!” The bank’s alarms sound off and the group is stunned; they call off the heist and a member simply says, “Goddamn it, Leeroy!”
Overall, the video definitely takes a more serious spin on the Leeroy Jenkins story, but its references to the original are unmistakable. Despite that, it’s definitely a lot less memorable than the original. Initially, it gets a good chuckle because of all the references and build up to the inevitable premature raid. In the end, however, it lacks the same degree of panic seen in the World of Warcraft video and feels like the video itself perhaps ended prematurely as well. As it stands, it’s as though the director wasn’t quite sure if he wanted to go in a more serious or comedic direction, which is a shame. The video’s a great concept and worth a watch for anyone familiar with the Leeroy Jenkins meme, but it also shows some missed potential.
Robert Goldman June 2, 2012
Eh, I was expecting a bit more. Original > this