Super Bowl Commercials: Highs and Lows

While Super Bowl XLII was a helluva game in every respect, the commercials during each break (of which there were billions) either left something to be desired, or, to put it bluntly, sucked. This was easily one of the worst years for Super Bowl ads. I mean, how can one spend a cool $2.7 million and still get the quality and creativity displayed in the majority of these messes?

The biggest disappointment in this year’s ad-wars was the creative team over at Anheuser-Busch. We leaked the details on their commercials a week before they aired, and they sounded pretty funny. Of course, if you viewed them during the game, you know otherwise. Buds’ entries were bland and hokey with played-out stereotypes galore (not to mention starring Carlos Mencia in one entry).

Still, a few commercials cut through the suck, putting the others to shame.

Doritos – “Mousetrap”

Although Doritos‘ “inspirational” singer-songwriter weepathon was pure whoring out to the starry-eyed, no talent teens of the American Idol circuit, their “Mousetrap” ad gave us viewers exactly what we wanted in a Super Bowl commercial: absurdity, lots of cheese and animal costumes.

Planters – “Unibrow”

In an age where any vapid whore with fake t*ts can land a career in entertainment, it was great to see the tables turned – but not in the typical manner expected. Instead of trotting out the age-old role reversal gag, where some hunky guy gets whistled at by ogling ladies, Planters showcased an extremely unattractive woman, complete with unibrow and toothy grin, getting the loving attention of every male in her path. The spot was simple, well-executed and done in good humor.

Salesgenie.com – “Panda Bears”

Here’s a question for all you out there in Internetland: what in the name of all that is holy were those Salesgenie.com ads all about? Their odd as f*** spots were either way over my head or the most misinformed style of advertising ever; I’m going for the latter being correct.

Bridgestone – “Critter Scream”

FedEx – “Carrier Pigeons”

Both Bridgestone’s “Critter Scream” and FedEx’s carrier pigeon spot were noteworthy entries. What started off as run of the mill chucklefests in both cases turned out being pretty hilarious in their last few moments. Not great, but not bad by any means when compared to the competition!

Audi – “Godfather”

Audi’s Godfather spoof won over most viewers Sunday night, but I’m not completely sold, to be honest. Having Moe Green reprise his famous role was a great touch, but I feel the “horsehead in bed” parody has been done to death, let alone done better in Arrested Development, when Michael Bluth wakes up to handlebars in his bed, chain oil on his hands.

Coca Cola – “Dueling Parade Balloons”

And then there was Coca Cola, longtime standard-bearer for advertising. This year’s greatest ad was Coke’s “Dueling Parade Balloons,” hands down. Innovative and tons of fun, with the best and most important clincher: Charlie Brown wins something. FINALLY!