BRIAN:
I was simply not in the mood for any somber or issues-focused commercials last night. After the first few, anytime I saw gray colors or heard dramatic music in the first few seconds, I immediately changed the channel. (I did watch Google’s commercial, and my reaction was that they stole Apple’s playbook.) I did appreciate all the nostalgic commercials, and my favorite was the well-timed Jeep “Groundhog Day” movie. Unlike other brands who try to do spoofs or tie-ins, Jeep actually did a good job incorporating its vehicle properly into the context of the movie.
TAYLOR:
Not all Super Bowl ads need to be funny. I think its good to have a variety. Being a new mom, anything nostalgic just tugs at my heartstrings. Therefore, I enjoyed Google’s “Loretta” commercial to promote its “Google Assistant.” I can relate to the gentleman in the ad as he is trying to remember things about his late wife. I, too, try to remember things, as I continue to write down things my son does as a baby that I don’t want to forget.
JAIMIE:
When I watch Super Bowl commercials, I am above all hoping to be amused. This year, I felt like several attempts at humor or entertainment fell flat. I was, however, impressed by Bill Murray’s “Groundhog Day” reenactment in the Jeep commercial. I also enjoyed Walmart’s approach at promoting its curbside delivery. The commercial featured an assortment of iconic movie and TV characters that spanned generations, including appearances from Flash Gordon, Buzz Lightyear from “Toy Story,” Frank the Pug, the coffee-drinking aliens from “Men in Black” and many more. Plus, the commercial stays true to the Walmart brand, toting taglines like “free pick up on everything for your journey,” and “out-of-this-world convenience.”
JULIANNE:
The majority of this year’s commercials definitely fell short of my expectations. However, I was thoroughly entertained by Hyundai’s “Smaht Pahk.” This commercial starred Massachusetts natives Rachel Dratch, Chris Evans and John Krasinski, with cameos from two Wahlberg brothers and Red Sox legend Big Papi. In the minute-long ad, the trio debate in exaggerated Boston accents whether Krasinski will be able to “pahk” his “cah” in a tight spot. Luckily, his Sonata has “smart park”-–or “smaht pahk”-–so he is able to park without a problem. I needed a lighthearted break from watching the 49ers lose, and Hyundai delivered!