So, we're totally the first blog to mention this, right? No? Fine. Be that way. But we would be remiss if we didn't give a nod to smartwater's approach here. By handing out some entertainment while acknowledging that there really isn't that much to say about smartwater, they made an awkward "Hi, We're A Big Dumb Corporation, Would You Like To Buy Some Water In A Bottle That Will Probably End Up, Ironically, Polluting Other Water?"-moment into something relatable and fun.
In a world of "global leaders" running around "revolutionizing" things, self-deprecating humor stands out like Cary Grant in a room full of Carrot Tops.
Plus: Gratuitous Puppies. They're more impossible to resist than monkey bartenders. Well, almost.
Oh, Superbowl ads. You try so hard. But this year, like just about every other year, you either try to save a bad idea with a huge budget, screw up a good idea with a huge budget, or get us not to notice you have no idea…by hiding behind a huge budget.
Volkswagen "Darth Vader"
We feel a disturbance in the Force. Or maybe we ate too much chili yesterday. Yeah, yeah, we know, adorable kid, cool music, blah, blah frickin' blah. But what the hell are we selling here? That the new Passat has remote start? Um, yay? Does it have those newfangled "seat-belts," too?
Chrysler "Detroit"
Beautiful work…possibly even an idea about "Chrysler-equals-luxury" hiding in here…but at some point, you have to show the car. And the car is a rolling dungheap of generic blah-ness.
But hey, thanks for spending millions of our tax dollars on it.
Bridgestone "Reply All"
Heh. OK. "You Can Drive Fast On Your Bridgestones." We like.
Snickers "Whiny"
Aretha Franklin/Liza Minelli was better, but…pretty good. We like the idea: "You're Not You When You're Hungry/Snickers Fills You Up." Solid.
BMW "Clean Diesel"
All this spot needed was the wagon chugging up the hill, and the BMW passing it. Done. Instead they spend gazillions on CGI and licensing David Bowie. It went from informing us about something cool to making us want to punch the guy in the Beemer.
We will never understand why BMW sucks so hard at advertising. It's just baffling.
Carmax "Kid In A Candy Store"
Nice. Great casting really helps, since the idea needs about two seconds to explain.
Chevy, you did ok, but that tagline is just a sea anchor. We advise you jettison it immediately.
Audi, tons of style trying to obscure the fact that you're counterpunching against Mercedes, but…fun.
The rest of you go hit yourself in the nuts with a pug/can of Pepsi/snack food or whatever.
We did not wake up this morning wanting to buy a limo. But if we had, this fine Lincoln for just $1,500 would certainly be tempting. Particularly when we read the amazing copy in this Craigslist ad we saw on Jalopnik. Highlights below.
"This is a 1985 Lincoln Town Car St. Tropez edition limousine. It was built by American Custom Coach has about a 60" stretch and has a dual bench interior configuration…The interior is an appropriate red velvet and could use some refurbishing as unspeakable things have more-than-likely taken place over the interior's 25 years in the biz…The car was recently given a custom exhaust system that exits from corvette tips right behind the front wheels, giving the beast a bark to match its bite. Based on the exhaust system alone the car gets attention; however, should passersby be hearing impaired the custom paint job does the trick.
The exterior is a four piece ode to Americana. The top is a period (1980's) appropriate zebra stripe that beckons "I'm Here to Party" in a primal yet classy manner. The sides represent the duality of modern life as fire and water in a kind of graffiti-chic way. On the hood you will find a fresh take on the classic american phoenix or fire bird with a matte black background that sends an important message to would be communists, terrorists or illegal immigrants foolish enough to be in front of you. That message is, "This is America, Get the Fuck out of my way!" As you approach the rear of the vehicle you are whisked into another universe as you peer into an eery space-scape that typifies the mystery associated with the final frontier. Overall the art on the car gives the audience a taste of the warm apple pie that is America, plus it looks totally bad-ass.
This car is quite the value in this day and age. With the purchase of this vehicle you get: priceless artwork, the ability to carry up to 8 people in style and comfort, and most importantly admission into the elite class of limo owners. This car redefines social mobility (see what I did there with the double entendre) All I ask in return for this car is 1500 dollars but I will entertain any trades or offers not from Nigerian princes."
Burning Man-types, we think you'll agree – this car was born for the playa. Make it happen. (But stop by the Mortar first.)
Well, for one thing, we’re glad we’re not flying this year.
We don’t want our junk touched until at least the third date.
Apparently, this is not a new sentiment, seeing as this New Yorker cartoon is from 1938. See the rest here.
If we were flying, we’d be thankful for Hipmunk, a great little travel site that rates flights not only by price and schedule, but also factors in “agony.” This is the kind of simple, funny, and wonderfully helpful goodness that brings your brand love beyond reason. Well done.
Speaking of goodness, we are alwaysthankful for vodka, particularly when it comes with luxury, status…and a Viking.
Speaking of vodka, (Yes, again. Shut up.) our pals at Otis get a nice mention in this writeup of Stuff To Do In San Francisco While Everyone Is Out Of Town from The Bold Italic. Of course, if you’re ever looking for Unexpected Awesome Things to Do in San Francisco, get in touch with our girls at CarriedAway. We are thankful for friends like them – and you – most of all.
Which is why we’re giving you your Thanksgiving present early. Enjoy.
Be happy, be safe, keep the crumbs out of your non-ironic moustache…and have a very happy Thanksgiving.
