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Flap_jackson (Level 32)
Last month, I thought the world needed more Silversun Pickups. Now that I've heard their new album, I realize I was wrong in this thought.
followed by
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Here we go again. These things launch marketing campaigns, cost 3 million dollars per 30 seconds of run time, and actual thought & creativity gets put into these things. Let's pay our respects to the entries into one of America's favorite national hallmarks: The Super Bowl Commercial
Yep, still gets me everytime. The best ad of last year, this stood out because it was so unlike what Super Bowl ads usually are. Where the beer ads are about how awesome beer is and nut shots, this told a story, got you emotional, and sold you on the product. Simply put, it's not only a great ad, but it's also a great piece of filmmaking.
Oh, 1984 is considered one of the trademark moments in your company's history? That ad is considered one of the best ads of all time? Well not only are we going to put out a product that looks EXACTLY like yours, but we're going to make people think that this ad is for your product when it's really for ours! Jokes on you Apple! Or is it?
How do you follow up with the ad that cemented the almighty return of Betty White and reminded us that Abe Vigoda is still alive? With Richard Lewis from a sometimes role on Curb Your Enthusiasm and Roseanne Barr being hit by a log! Alright, so watching Roseanne get hit by a log was pretty great, but not as good as Abe Vigoda complaining about his back.
And people thought Rex Ryan's foot fetish was weird...
Sure, Timothy Hutton & Cuba Gooding Jr. were both involved in a controversial series of ads that make them look like heartless A-holes, but they don't really have a career anymore. But Adrien Brody is not only an Oscar winning actor, but he headlined at least two major movies last year! So why exactly is he singing about alcohol and looking handsome in a smoky bar full of ogling women? Oh, that's why...
That's right people, most of these ads weren't one-time affairs, no, the companies that made them intend to launch marketing campaigns off of them, which means you're going to see these things played non-stop for the next 6 months. But I'm already tired of seeing this particular one. It was an OK concept the first time, and now it just makes no bit of annoying sense.
Granted, I'm a bit biased since I do hate Justin Bieber with a passion, but why exactly is everybody dressed up like Tron? In fact, I could ask "why" about much of this ad and never find an answer, including the question: Why does this exist? Also, Bieber looks like a girl. Haven't seen that joke before!
Fact: Monkeys and puppies are overrated. Beavers are where it's at in commercials. Case in point. Bridgestone tires save this Beaver, the Beaver then saves the owner. What did those dogs do? Knock you to the ground? Do a bunch of tricks? What about those monkeys? Did they block you in your parking space? Yeah, Monkeys are A-Holes, Beavers are Awesome.
Sure, the music doesn't exactly fit with what's going on screen, but this gave me a nice sense of nostalgia, and it actually makes me very exited for this movie where I wasn't before. Therefore, it served its purpose.
It's no Terry Tate, and Mean Joe Green has been parodied to death, but hey, House threw his cane at that kid. I smiled at a few commercials, but this is the only time of the night when I laughed when I was actually supposed to laugh.
Alright, so the kid is cute. Alright, VERY CUTE. Really, this 6-year old's expressions say it all and with the help of some great filmmaking, it tells a great story. I mean, what young boy, or even older boy, or even man hasn't tried to do this same thing? And then his reaction when the car starts is priceless. Add to that a great use of the John Williams score and the fact that the suit fits just perfectly, and this ad makes me want to go to the dark side of the force due to the fact that it's cuter. But seriously, this ad is ADORABLE.
It's mostly the same reasons why Google won last year. This stood out from the rest, and made you feel something. It made you patriotic. It made you feel hope. It made you feel strong. It made you feel tough. It's basically the perfect ad for the economic times that we're living in despite this being an ad for a luxury car. I mean, the direction is great, the narration (provided by an ordinary citizen of Detroit) is appropriate, it's the perfect lengh at 2 minutes (and yes, this cost 12 million to air), and then there's Eminem. The dude represents the city, he looks good driving the car, but I think the "Lose Yourself" guitar riff really cements it all into place. It gives it its mood. It gets stuck in your head. And it really keeps the whole thing together.
"This is the Motor City, and this is what we do."
Best Ad From Last Super Bowl:
Yep, still gets me everytime. The best ad of last year, this stood out because it was so unlike what Super Bowl ads usually are. Where the beer ads are about how awesome beer is and nut shots, this told a story, got you emotional, and sold you on the product. Simply put, it's not only a great ad, but it's also a great piece of filmmaking.
The Worst:
Biggest Apple Slam:
Oh, 1984 is considered one of the trademark moments in your company's history? That ad is considered one of the best ads of all time? Well not only are we going to put out a product that looks EXACTLY like yours, but we're going to make people think that this ad is for your product when it's really for ours! Jokes on you Apple! Or is it?
Worst Follow-Up:
How do you follow up with the ad that cemented the almighty return of Betty White and reminded us that Abe Vigoda is still alive? With Richard Lewis from a sometimes role on Curb Your Enthusiasm and Roseanne Barr being hit by a log! Alright, so watching Roseanne get hit by a log was pretty great, but not as good as Abe Vigoda complaining about his back.
Creepiest Ad:
And people thought Rex Ryan's foot fetish was weird...
Worst Use of A Good Actor:
Sure, Timothy Hutton & Cuba Gooding Jr. were both involved in a controversial series of ads that make them look like heartless A-holes, but they don't really have a career anymore. But Adrien Brody is not only an Oscar winning actor, but he headlined at least two major movies last year! So why exactly is he singing about alcohol and looking handsome in a smoky bar full of ogling women? Oh, that's why...
Ad I'm Already Tired of Seeing:
That's right people, most of these ads weren't one-time affairs, no, the companies that made them intend to launch marketing campaigns off of them, which means you're going to see these things played non-stop for the next 6 months. But I'm already tired of seeing this particular one. It was an OK concept the first time, and now it just makes no bit of annoying sense.
Most Useless Ad:
Granted, I'm a bit biased since I do hate Justin Bieber with a passion, but why exactly is everybody dressed up like Tron? In fact, I could ask "why" about much of this ad and never find an answer, including the question: Why does this exist? Also, Bieber looks like a girl. Haven't seen that joke before!
The Best
Best Use of a Beaver Award:
Fact: Monkeys and puppies are overrated. Beavers are where it's at in commercials. Case in point. Bridgestone tires save this Beaver, the Beaver then saves the owner. What did those dogs do? Knock you to the ground? Do a bunch of tricks? What about those monkeys? Did they block you in your parking space? Yeah, Monkeys are A-Holes, Beavers are Awesome.
Best Movie Trailer:
Sure, the music doesn't exactly fit with what's going on screen, but this gave me a nice sense of nostalgia, and it actually makes me very exited for this movie where I wasn't before. Therefore, it served its purpose.
Funniest Ad:
It's no Terry Tate, and Mean Joe Green has been parodied to death, but hey, House threw his cane at that kid. I smiled at a few commercials, but this is the only time of the night when I laughed when I was actually supposed to laugh.
Cutest Ad:
Alright, so the kid is cute. Alright, VERY CUTE. Really, this 6-year old's expressions say it all and with the help of some great filmmaking, it tells a great story. I mean, what young boy, or even older boy, or even man hasn't tried to do this same thing? And then his reaction when the car starts is priceless. Add to that a great use of the John Williams score and the fact that the suit fits just perfectly, and this ad makes me want to go to the dark side of the force due to the fact that it's cuter. But seriously, this ad is ADORABLE.
Best Ad:
It's mostly the same reasons why Google won last year. This stood out from the rest, and made you feel something. It made you patriotic. It made you feel hope. It made you feel strong. It made you feel tough. It's basically the perfect ad for the economic times that we're living in despite this being an ad for a luxury car. I mean, the direction is great, the narration (provided by an ordinary citizen of Detroit) is appropriate, it's the perfect lengh at 2 minutes (and yes, this cost 12 million to air), and then there's Eminem. The dude represents the city, he looks good driving the car, but I think the "Lose Yourself" guitar riff really cements it all into place. It gives it its mood. It gets stuck in your head. And it really keeps the whole thing together.
"This is the Motor City, and this is what we do."
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