February 3rd, 2008 10:02 PM
The game is over and, for a change, the big game was more action-packed and exciting than the commercials! Is Eli the better Manning? Was this the greatest upset in Super Bowl history? Will the companies that shelled out all the bucks for tonight’s commercials see a bump in sales? Let the arguments begin…
February 3rd, 2008 9:02 PM
Jumper Cables
Amp’d
Ok. Playing Salt ‘n’ Pepa’s ‘Push It’ is one thing. Playing it while a man straps jumper cables to his chest is something else.
After the Game
Victoria’s Secret
Pretty woman plus football plus lingere; its a pretty basic formula for an ad that will grab attention at the end of a tough game. I wonder, though, if this is the natural progression for post-game activity for most of America.
February 3rd, 2008 9:02 PM
Will Ferrell
Bud Light and ‘Semi-Pro’
Will Ferrell does a double dip, appearing in character as the lead in his new film ‘Semi-Pro’ while pitching Bud Light. One ad pitches two products - great value for an expensive time slot.
February 3rd, 2008 9:02 PM
Thirsty Dog
Gatorade
Thirty second of a dog slurping water, followed by product placement for Gatorade. Simple. And, thankfully, Michael Vick did not make an appearance.
February 3rd, 2008 9:02 PM
Carville and Frist
Coca-Cola
Partisan battlers James Carville and Bill Frist put aside their differences and tour DC while sharing a couple of Cokes. Cute, if you find that pair attractive. It’s nice that somebody can look past the political divide this election year.
February 3rd, 2008 9:02 PM
Chester Pitts
NFL
Talk about a feel-good ad: this one tells the story of an NFL lineman - and oboe player - who was discovered while bagging groceries. This family of ads has been running for the last several weeks, but this one was really good - it elicited an ‘awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww’ from everyone in the room.
Balloon Battle
Coca-Cola
Underdog and Stewie (from’The Family Guy’) battle over a Coke. The catch - they are giant balloons, a la the Thanksgiving Day Parade. After fighting back and forth, Charlie Brown appears from behind a skyscraper and ends up with the bottle. Funny, inventive and unique.
February 3rd, 2008 8:02 PM
Man-Child
ETrade
Financial companies have been bombarding us for the last few years with ads where small children talk about complex financial terms. This has always freaked me out, as I feel uncomfortable talking about triple-tax-free bonds with a three-year-old. This ad brings this trend to a new level, with a talking baby. The best part was when he spit up at the end. I could relate to that.
February 3rd, 2008 8:02 PM
Ted
Ideacast
A half-naked pitchman breaks the fourth wall and goes in search of Ted, his 20-34 year old, male ‘Target Demo.’ Amusing, and it made me interested in looking into what, exactly, the company does. Not bad for a smaller player.
Shaq the Jockey
Vitamin Water
The title says it all. Shaquile O’Neill rides a horse. Simple. Funny. No one danced to outdated top-40 tunes.
Cavemen
Bud Light
You would think that, after the Geico caveman ads, and the subsequent sitcom, we would be pat prehistoric commercials. Guess not.
Richard Simmons Roadkill
Bridgestone
The brave Bridgestone driver maneuvers to miss Alice Cooper, and nearly hits Richard Simmons. I can’t get enough of ads that tweak Richards Simmons’ image.
February 3rd, 2008 7:02 PM
Can’t Take My Eyes off of You
Planters
An, um, unattractive woman lures the opposite sex with the scent of nuts. That about says it all.
Hey Chuck
T-Mobile
Wow - a funny ad with celebrity pitchmen. Charles Barkley puts Dwayne Wade in his ‘fave five,’ and then can leave the Heat star alone.
Justin Timberlake
Pepsi
Lots of hype, but it turned out well. Justin Timberlake shows off his physical comedy skills as he gets beaten to a pulp as a fan drinks Pepsi. Funny.
Mouse Trap
Doritos
A man gently cuts Doritos and places them on a mousetrap, then waits for his prey. While waiting, he dives into a the bag himself - just before being pummelled by a man in a mouse suit. It started slow, but BAM - the funny came at the end. Belly laughs all around in this Super Bowl party.
February 3rd, 2008 7:02 PM
Napoleon
Garmin
Garmin tries to make a dent in the GPS market in this ad where Napoleon motors around Paris before meeting up with his troops. Cute, and they get credit for mixing French soldiers and rock. Now, if only Napoleon had that GPS to help him in Russia…
Heart
CareerBuilder.com
Um….. ew. A heart jumps out of a woman’s chest, walks up to her boss, and quits. Then, we are told to follow our hearts as her heart walks out the door. Pretty gross, but really compelling. Everyone around me at this Super Bowl party couldn’t take their eyes off it.
Thriller
Life Water
Lizzards dance to thriller. I thought Geico had cornered the market on talking lizards - and the Philippines prison system had the monopoly on Thriller.
The Corner Dealer
The Anti-Drug.com
The government makes a bold statement in ponying up the bucks to spread the anti-drug message to the widest possible audience.
GMC Hybrid
GMC
I know, I know - you are trying to be green by rolling out a hybrid truck. Yes, it’s hard work. But, seriously - a commercial based on the myth of Sisyphus? Nietzsche is a bit much during the Super Bowl.
Carlos Mencia
Bud Light
No, this ad doesn’t play on ethnic stereotypes at all. As an Italian, all I can say is fughetaboutit.
