Here’s a run-down of the best ads that ran during this year’s Super Bowl – as chosen by the staff here at Mascola, in no particular order:
VIN: Volkswagen, “Get in, Get Happy”
Despite the “racist” tag that got slapped on this ad in the days leading up to the Super Bowl, I thought it did a great job of playing up the “happy” vibe Volkswagen was going for. Did it make me want to run out and buy a Beetle? Not so much. It did make me laugh and gave me a positive brand interaction, though. That’s a win in my book – especially on a day when consumers are being assaulted by advertising messages. (In case you were wondering, that is Jimmy Cliff’s cover of the Patridge Family theme song, “Come on, Get Happy“, playing at the end.)
As an aside, big kudos to Oreo for their timely use of social media during the Super Bowl blackout.
JP: Volkswagen, “Get in, Get Happy”
I’m a sucker for big laughs and this year’s Super Bowl had no shortage of funny commercials (Leon Sandcastle, the Joe Montana Stain, Amy Poehler for Best Buy). But my far and away favorite had to be Volkswagen’s “Get in, Get Happy” spot. I had seen it a few times before the actual Super Bowl and still cracked up when it came on during the game. In my opinion, it’s not only a great car commercial, but possibly the best Jamaican tourism commercial in recent history.
KERESHA: Volkswagen, “Get in, Get Happy”
This commerical was the best for me because it is funny, playful, and entertaining. The Jamaican accent on a white male is outlandish but convincing at the same time. By the end of the commercial, Volkswagen had put a smile on your face and left you “Happy”.
LAUREN: Budweiser, “Brotherhood”
Budweiser’s Clydesdales, a Super Bowl staple, were reinvented beautifully, reminding us of the Anheuser-Busch heritage and making me tear up (just a little) with some Fleetwood Mac.
CHUCK: Budweiser, “Brotherhood”
Great reinforcement of one of the best brand icons on earth. After a very off-year last year, Anheuser Busch recaptured the good feelings that only a Clydesdale who shows emotion can deliver. Budweiser gives me all the impact and goosebumps I need to feel good about being a consumer associated with this brand. Full disclaimer: I do love horses, and I don’t drink beer. But I’m thinking about having one right now.
NICK: Sodastream, “The SodaStream Effect”
For this year’s best ad, I’m gonna have to go with the Soda Stream commercial. I felt the majority of the humorous spots and even the serious ones from the night’s name brands this year really weren’t that great. I’m not a big soft drink person, so this new product that can help take some plastic out of our environment hit home for me. And personally I like the effect of the exploding soda bottles.
The backstory of this ad also captured my attention. This is actually a revised version of an ad that CBS banned from airing before the big game happened. The ad that was turned down took an even more direct attack on Coca-Cola and Pepsi by showing their product and logos in the spot.
JESS: Samsung, “The Big Pitch”
The combination of humor and star power made it enjoyable. It has a great story line and it was apparent in the 2 minutes it aired. I laughed, I remembered. Mission accomplished.
MICHELLE: RAM Truck: “Farmer”
While the RAM spot could have followed through more with its CTA, the combo of the sole voice with a timeless message and gritty yet beautiful photography had more stopping power than any other spot of the night. It made me hold Dodge in a higher regard.
GREG: RAM Truck: “Farmer”
The commercial used the “Farmers Prayer” from Paul Harvey. The only time you see the RAM logo or really even the hero shot of the truck itself is at the end of the ad, along with the seal of the FFA (Future Farmers of America). Impactful.
Kaitlyn: Best Buy, “Asking Amy”
Amy Poehler’s work is hilarious. She asks all the stupid questions that people are scared to ask before they make a big purchase… like what is the Cloud? It was a simple, low-concept commercial.