For many, Super Bowl XLVIII will be remembered by one word: disappointment. The Seahawks essentially murdered the Broncos in a game that was over within the first 12 seconds, Bruno Mars was great, but let’s face it, he’s no Beyoncé, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers simply did not perform long enough. The biggest disappointment of all? The Super Bowl was in New Jersey.
Despite these shortcomings, however, this year’s commercials were on point. Advertisers entertained us between plays with commercials that closely resembled short films. They had me laughing, saying “wow” and even had me crying (that damn puppy commercial).
Volkswagen – “Wings”
Volkswagen has always embraced its German heritage, but this year’s spot elevates the German engineering giant’s marketing efforts to new heights, literally. Referencing the classic “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the dad in “Wings” tells his daughter that every time a Volkswagen reaches 100,000 miles, a German engineer gets his wings. Cut to the Volkswagen factory where the engineers’ wings pop out in awkward situations. The shot of the two men at the urinal is easily the funniest moment I’ve ever seen in a commercial.
Doritos – “Time Machine”
The funniest indie film you’ll see all year is the Doritos “Crash the Super Bowl” Contest. It has a scheming kid, a dog and a gullible neighbor who finds himself “in the future.”
Oikos – “The Spill”
Those Dannon Oikos commercials with John Stamos are obviously geared toward horny housewives, but their ad for the Super Bowl finally got our attention with a hint of nostalgia. The commercial takes a turn when Bob Saget and Dave Coulier show up for a mini Full House reunion.
Chrysler
Bob Dylan teamed up with Chrysler to flip the ‘MURICA attitude on its head. Rather than screaming “USA!” and throwing stars and stripes at us, Dylan just lets us know what makes this country so damn cool.
Coca-Cola
Also tugging at our patriotism heartstrings, Coca-Cola celebrates ‘MURICA’s diversity by having “America the Beautiful” sung in several different languages. It’s beautiful and makes you think about how special our country really is. The controversy this commercial has incited is, in my opinion, a sign of how close-minded and ignorant people can be.
The real controversy? Why people are still consuming a product with so many health risks.
Maserati
Is this a trailer for an Oscar-winning action/horror/drama film about how a little girl leads the world against an attack from a mysterious, mythical band of monsters? Nope. It’s a car commercial. But now I want that movie to be made.
Budweiser – “Puppy Love”
If you like puppies and friendship, then prepare to tear up. You too, fellas. It’s okay because it’s a Budweiser commercial. This ad that will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
