Why did Macintosh all those years ago have to reinvent the Super Bowl as the ultimate arena for advertising? Since then the ads sometimes threaten to overtake the game, with some people probably only watching to "gay out" to the ads. It should be about the game and the last few of them have been great contests. Well not this year, boring game and to match a boring set of commercials.
Here are my thoughts on the ads.
The Best Ad: No question my favorite was the Fed Ex Caveman spot. "Fed Ex doesn't exist yet." followed by the dinosaur splat. For some reason prehistoric man is just funny, as Geico has shown us.
Runners Up: United Airlines "Dragon," a cool animation vignette depicting legendary tales of a business traveler. Not funny or heartwarming, but just right. Also the Ameriquest "Don't judge too quickly" spots continue the campaign of awkward situations that began at last year's Super Bowl.
Best Beer Spot: "Magic Fridge" by Budweiser because it was simple and to the point while still being bizarre. Though it was only slightly better than the "Bud Light vs. the Bear" spot. The supposed cute Clydesdale spots don't register with me. I don't care what happens to the little guy's big dreams.
Coolest Movie Ad: There were at least eight blockbuster films advertised on the game, but hands down the best spot was for V for Vendetta. Opening mid-March, it is based on an Alan Moore graphic novel depicting an fascist England. Surprised there was nothing for Superman Returns.
Biggest Miss: Burger King's "Whopperettes" ended the cool streak that BK has had of late with the King and his gal Brooke Burke. This was overblown, flat and reeked of excess for the sake of excess.
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Article comments
1 - Mike Buckley
What about the Mastercard MacGyver commercial? I thought it was the best one! Even better than the "magic fridge" ad. It was so great to see Richard Dean Anderson back as the quick-thinking MacGuyver. That was my favorite commercial without question!
-Mike Buckley