Uber Eats, Wayne’s World
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-Q3HNp6dew&feature=emb_logo
Almost 30 years later, Wayne and Garth are back in their basement, still doing their local cable access schtick. No way! WAY!!! This time they are encouraging people to “eat local”, albeit subliminally. The spot plays off one of the most memorable scenes in the original Wayne’s World movie when they said they would never bow to any sponsor. NOT!!! They then proceeded to spend the next minute displaying Pizza Hut, Doritos, Reebok, Nuprin and Pepsi products.
In their Super Bowl spot, Uber Eats is looking to gain Boomers’ business, while reinforcing its brand with Millennials. Not gonna lie, my Millennial daughter did have to tell me who Cardi B was. And Cardi B was not out of place given singer/actress Tia Carrere’s role in the first Wayne’s World film. The boys were culturally on trend in the commercial with the TikTok clothes-transition scene. Not sure we’ll be seeing a new Wayne’s World movie anytime soon, but the creator of this spot did an excellent job of connecting Uber Eats’ “eat local” campaign with Wayne and Garth’s local cable access show. Party on boys!
Maria Topken, VP, Client Leadership
T-Mobile, Rock Star 5G
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxllNfjYw2U&feature=emb_logo
The T-Mobile ad was my favorite. It’s a reference to pop culture but also tries to drive home how easy it is to butcher communication with poor cell service. It’s funny, relatable and sells the brand without pushing a phone or T-Mobile directly. This also becomes relatable if anyone watches the Voice because of the dynamic between Adam and Blake. Definitely made the friend group chuckle!
Shannon West, Social Media Strategist
Indeed, The Rising
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZodu9AgwZE
One Super Bowl LV spot that hits the mark is Indeed’s “The Rising”. It’s Indeed’s first-ever spot in the Big Game and has unfortunately been receiving some attention because it uses the same stock video clip as Guaranteed Rate, another first-time Super Bowl advertiser. Putting that embarrassing situation aside, “The Rising” beautifully illustrates the range of emotions a job seeker experiences during a typically unpleasant and frustrating process and, more importantly, how Indeed helps make things better. The spot features actual job seekers and uses no voice-over, only type on the screen with video showing the range of emotions people experience as they search for their next job. The choice of music, “Rise Up”, sets the tone perfectly and the lyrics move the spot along providing the feeling of hope and joy the people on the screen are searching for and that Indeed can provide. Given how relevant this topic is right now for many Super Bowl viewers, the use of emotion and real job seekers will connect Indeed’s message, “we help people get jobs,” with their audience.
Brian McHale, CEO
Michelob ULTRA, Organic Seltzer “All-Star Cast”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3F1KdZCJ6Vg
This commercial was a real attention grabber! By playing off the use of lookalike actors/actresses of Megan Fox, Don Cheadle, Sylvester Stallone, and Serena Williams to name a few, Michelob ULTRA keeps your attention with their new organic seltzers. “New Michelob ULTRA Organic Seltzer is real… and it tastes that way.” Not only does this commercial have a strong message and “big names” to deliver value, but the reveal of imposter actors/actresses will make you want to rewatch it! An all-around great Super Bowl commercial from Michelob ULTRA.
Alex Jones, Social Media Specialist
General Motors, No Way Norway
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCy-a_E2I3s&feature=emb_logo
The Gold Medal goes to GM for turning Electronic Vehicle sales into a quasi-Olympic competition. They managed to create a commercial for their universal Ultium battery that appeals to both ends of the political spectrum in a way that feels totally apolitical. Out of the gate, we learn that the mighty US trails tiny Norway in EV sales per capita. Will Ferrell stirs our uber-competitive, nationalist, America First spirit with the battle cry, “we’re going to crush those lugers.” He then enlists Kenan Thompson the pirate, who ditches his daughter’s birthday party to join the fight. And Awkwafina the archer, who brings a touch of Hunger Games to the mission. This broad coalition bands together (in separate vehicles) to promote a global-conscious, climate-friendly initiative. Soon, everybody can drive an EV. Somehow, uniting the great divide with a common purpose. Something even The Boss couldn’t do. Everybody in. Well played, GM.
Tim Hogan, VP, Executive Creative Director
Bud Light, Last Year’s Lemons
Bud Light shows us that you can make something great out of a less-than-awesome situation, or in our case, a less-than-awesome year. I was very impressed with their ability to showcase what happened in 2020 (i.e., cancelled flights, bad haircuts and just pure chaos) and portray it in a comical way with raining lemons, with my favorite scene being the wedding where guests (hilariously) run for their lives from the lemon storm and the bride and groom sob under their gift table. And we thank you, Bud Light, for making good use of all those lemons we were handed in 2020!
Desi Gilliland, Account Executive
Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s, Get Back To Nature
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfLz54hzpPs&feature=emb_logo
The Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Get Back to Nature spot really hit home for me and my family. Like most Americans, we are currently dealing with a serious case of prolonged cabin fever. This spot reminded us that “The great outdoors are wide open.” There is so much we can do to get out and enjoy everything that the world and nature has to offer. It made us all want to leave our phones and devices behind and go for a hike, go kayaking or go camping and get some fresh air. It gave us a sense of hope and a reminder of what life was like before the pandemic and what it can be again. Hopefully, very soon. We’re all one family in the great outdoors.
Bill Brassine, VP, Media Director
Toyota, Upstream
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqWG5_7nwyk&feature=emb_logo
The Toyota ad was my favorite. Yes, I saw it was Toyota. “Life won’t be easy” featured a baby girl from Siberia who had to have her legs amputated and was adopted anyway. The parents decided that even though her life would not be easy, they were ready to love her and help her overcome all challenges. They knew it could be an Amazing Life! It was so sweet and inspiring to see her swim and compete in the Paralympics. Life, in general, is about hope and strength! No matter if there is a pandemic or just the normal stuff life in general throws at you. It’s all in the drive and determination, our lives can be amazing if we persevere and strive to be our best! So sweet, it captured my heart.
Kathy Staarmann, HR Director
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