How the hell did the character get so viral? I’ve tried watching the skits several times to see if maybe I’m missing something, but for the life of me, I can’t seem to see it. Is everyone just biased because it’s Tom Hanks? Or is it actually hilarious, and I’m just struggling to understand the humor? Fall/Spooky season is my absolute favorite time of year, but am I just a buzz kill?

  • WeaselOne@lemmy.world
    31·
    2 months ago

    It feels so real in how disappointing the experience becomes for the straight characters. That would be my reaction if I went into that thing to be frightened, and I get David S. Pumpkins instead. By the way, you’re not alone as I read years ago that Tom Hanks doesn’t get it either.

    • booly@sh.itjust.works
      15·
      2 months ago

      It feels so real in how disappointing the experience becomes for the straight characters.

      This hits the nail on the head. It’s funny because of the point of view of the actual participants.

      The funny thing about this thread is that there are so many comments essentially agreeing with the central premise of the sketch, that it’s relatable and disorienting when you stumble onto some kind of established fandom and can’t seem to keep up with why it’s popular or what is or isn’t “part of it.” The popularity is confusing in itself, and the need to dissect the lore (as OP is doing, perhaps even unintentionally following the sketch itself) distracts from the original purpose of going there to be entertained.

      In other words, the sketch is funny and relatable exactly for the same reasons why much of the audience doesn’t find it funny and relatable.