Ad Stills

The Spot:  Brand + Review

Spots are listed in alphabetical order according to brand

BUDWEISER: Language Class – This ad was clever and used humor to celebrate our cultural and ethnic differences, as well as our commonalities.  This is an entertaining spot that champions diversity in a not so subtle and affirming way.

BUDWEISER: Spot Wink  I got a kick out of this ad.  A lonely dog gets shooed away from a tempting store front window.  Then he encounters an intimidating dog in a back alley.  Fleeing trouble, he runs a distance before settling down and getting soaked as a car plows through a muddy puddle.  Just when it can't get any worse, our four-legged friend hitches a wagon ride with the Budweiser Dalmatian.  A sweet story told with heart and charm.

COCA COLA: Happiness Factory  Talk about putting a smile on one’s face, this ad does that and more.  It not only made me smile, but it sparked my inner child's imagination.  What if all the “activities” shown in this spot actually occurred every time someone vends a Coke bottle?  How amazing would that be?  This spot represents one of the highlights of ad viewing time during Super Bowl XLI.

COCA COLA: Video Game – Coke, you gave us a little love with this ad, and just as the accompanying song says, “it’s all coming back to you.”  Thanks for highlighting the point that “we’re remembered for the things we say and do.”  At a time when too many people are investing too much time playing video games that promote anti-social behavior, it’s refreshing to see the genre elevated to a more positive level.  The message of this ad ranks right up there with the old Coke Classic - the one where everyone sings, “I Love to Teach the World to Sing in Perfect Harmony.”

COCA COLA: Time Line  Coke did a masterful job of celebrating Black History Month and making the link between notable achievements by African Americans in the past and the groundbreaking event that was SuperBowl LXI.  This spot is simple, direct and powerful.  Well done.

FORD: New F-Series Super Duty – Ford co-sponsored the Super Bowl Kick Off Show and ran two spots that teased the audience with hints of a major new announcement.  I personally don't think the Super Bowl is the place to tease a national audience, but it's Ford's money to spend.  By the time the full spot aired, I was somewhat indifferent towards it. 

The spot doesn't open with captivating music, just the soft clang of metal parts touching.  Then the announcer begins talking about the new F-Series as he walks into view.  Just then, the ad kicks in.  You realize the announcer is walking through various floating parts of the truck as they are slowly coming together.  Amazingly, the announcer even touches a part with his fist to assure the viewer that he's in the mist of all the parts.  The visuals reinforce the verbal presentation, although I think the right musical score would have been enhanced this brilliant spot even more.  Nonetheless, it is captivating and delivers its message clearly and succinctly.  Excellent job!

FRITO LAY: Enjoy the Game  Talk about a sweet ad.  This spot shows black folk – young, old, men and women - just ordinary folk engaged in a variety of activities as they watch the game and cheer on their favorite teams, either the Indianapolis Colts or the Chicago Bears.  The ad's soft images, and slow and gentle pace are in striking contrast to the brash hysterics of other Super Bowl ads.  At the end, the ad reminds us that everyone wins with Super Bowl LXI because history was made as two African American coaches led their championship teams to and through the ultimate event. 

GM Cadillac: Punk Rock  Talk about brilliant ad-making, this spot repositions a legendary brand with style and excellent visuals.  The spot showcases a series of Cadillacs, beginning with a 1902 model.  The ad moves the viewer around, over and inside various models as the car drives down an open desert highway.  The combination of the movement of the car and the ever-changing perspectives as the car dissolves from one model to the next - all of which is choreographed to a fun, high-driving punk rock song - is simply breathtaking!  As the ad nears its end, the words Life, Liberty and the Pursuit appear to remind the viewer that this is America personified.  It's hip, distinct, totally American, and it's Cadillac.  A youthful salute to a proud American tradition.  Awesome.

GM Cadillac - Tiki Barber - This is an excellent ad that's specific to the moment, Super Bowl LXI.  It features one of football's brightest stars, Tiki Barber, an All Pro Running Back, who just retired from the sport at the end of the 2006 season.  Barber is smart, handsome and articulate, and he delivers an important message about seizing opportunities.  It's a message he can deliver.  Barber is the all time rushing leader for the NY Giants, and he's about to become a news and sports broadcaster.  In addition to the message, the ad shows the product extremely well and makes it especially appealing to those who want to drive an Escalade in an urban setting, particularly the Big Apple.  With its soft music and gentle dissolves, this ad helps to reposition the Escalades beyond the hip hop crowd.  It is extremely well done.

REVLON: Colorist  This is a great ad.  It mixes black and white home-style video with color footage to tell an interesting story about a product that has targeted appeal. As a middle aged, bald, black man, I have with absolutely no interest in or use for the product, but the spot is so interesting, it captured my attention.  And yes, I find Sheryl Crow a very appealing subject. 

See how I scored other Super Bowl ads:

|  Summary  |  Touchdown |  1st & Goal  |  Completed Pass  |

|  Fumbled  |  Intercepted  |  Penalty  |

or see the spots for yourself at http://www.ifilm.com/superbowl/18373