This past Sunday, Super Bowl XLVI pulled in record-breaking numbers, with approximately 111.3 million people viewing the event. Some people tuned in for the intense sitting-on-the-edge-of-the-seat game, in which the Patriots lost to the Giants 17-21. Others tuned in for Madonna’s futuristic Roman/Egyptian-inspired performance which eventually gave way into a Bring it On-like spectacle, with Madonna herself sporting two golden pom-poms as she sang her new single, “Give Me All Your Luvin.” No matter the reason people tuned in to the Super Bowl, in the end, the commercials are always what’s talked about almost as much as the game or half-time show.
As I sat through the entire event and watched every single ad play, there are some obvious choices for the best ads of this year’s Super Bowl (in my opinion, of course).
Audi 2012 Game Day Commercial – Vampire Party
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=lw9ZeXB2uKs
The ad quite clearly speaks for itself. I mean, who doesn’t like a parody of the Twilight series? Personally, this ad makes me want to buy an Audi with new LED headlights. Just have to wait to win the lottery is all…
Pepsi – King’s Court Super Bowl
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Rcf01QTcO6E
It always seems like Pepsi turns out memorable commercials each year, with this year being no different. Seeing Sir Elton John in those metallic gold platform heels followed by an unexpected appearance from Flava Flav in the king’s secret dungeon? ‘Nuff said.
M&M’s “Just My Shell”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=yn3mktl30iw
This ad finally introduces the brown M&M as “Ms. Brown.” I think everyone can agree that this one is funny, and no one can resist the red M&M dancing to “I’m Sexy and I Know It.”
Sketchers – Go Run Mr. Quiggly!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=MlYCBJSYWBQ
This ad encompasses all the definitions of cute (I may or may not have watched this an unhealthy number of times). As we all know, the Super Bowl is also the day of the Puppy Bowl, and although this little French Bulldog wasn’t in the actual competition, he won my heart.
“Matthew’s Day Off” – 2012 Honda CR-V Game Day Commercial
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=VrInJIqxUMA
Anyone who grew up watching Ferris Bueller’s Day Off can most definitely appreciate this spoof of the movie featuring Ferris himself, Matthew Broderick. Personally, I loved this ad from start to finish, and it was cleverly crafted to not only sell the new CR-V, but make me want to skip class and watch Ferris Bueller’s Day Off as well.
Those were just five of the dozens of commercials that aired during the Super Bowl, and although those were some of my favorites, many ads this year did seem to fall short of eye-catching. We’ll just have to see what’s in store for next year’s Super Bowl–which teams will play, who will perform at half-time, and of course, which ads will not only sell their product, but entertain at the same time.
