Last Sunday was the Super Bowl. While the game is always fun, most of the time I watch to see the commercials. I work in advertising so I guess it makes sense. This is my 4th Annual Super Bowl Commercial Round Up. This year was unusual in that several of the big-name advertisers decided not to run spots and instead donate $$ to charities in light of COVID-19. Still, there were some bright spots.
Here’s a look at my favorites, in no particular order.
Rocket Mortgage – Certain is Better
This spot features the hilarious Tracy Morgan informing potential homeowners why certainty is better than “pretty sure” when it comes to a mortgage.
Amazon – Alexa’s New Body
This hilarious spot features actor Michael B. Jordan as a particularly sexy “Alexa”. A woman imagines MBJ in a variety of situations, with LOL results. The reaction of the husband is the best part!
Anheuser-Busch – Let’s Grab a Beer
This one is a little more serious than others on this list but it's very effective. It’s about getting together to commiserate, and celebrate, life’s wonderful & awkward moments.
Cadillac – All Electric Car
Nostalgia is always popular in Super Bowl spots, and this one calls back to the classic cult film, Edward Scissorhands. This spot cleverly features Wynona Ryder, who played Edward’s girlfriend in the original movie. Now she’s the mom to Edgar.
Huggie’s – Welcome to the World
The “Awwwww!” award goes to this Huggie’s spot that welcomes new babies born in 2021. So cute! The spot is shot from the “perspective” of the babies.
eTrade – Workout
A skinny kid decides he’s going to work out so he can “become the best”. In the end, he may not bulk up, but he can get his financial future in shape with help of eTrade.
Tide – Jason Alexander Shirt
This spot shows the abuse heaped on a shirt, which has the face of Jason Alexander from Seinfeld on it. Just funny & clever.
Toyota – Upstream
File this one under heart-warming and inspirational. We hear a phone call to perspective adoptive parents being warned that the baby girl they hope to adopt had her legs amputated. The parents take the baby anyway, and she goes on to become an Olympic swimmer.
Scott’s Miracle-Gro – Lawn & Garden Giveaway
This spot introduces a contest of a lawn makeover using a number of celebrities such as Martha Stewart and John Travolta dancing with his daughter.
3D Doritos – Flat Matthew
Matthew McConaughey has gone flat and life isn’t what it used to be. 3D Doritos to the rescue!
GM – No Way Norway
Will Ferrell tries to take on Norway since they sell more electric cars than the US. With appearances by Aquafina and others.
State Farm – Drake from State Farm
The State Farm spokesman “Jake” has a stand-in named Drake. The best cameo is Paul Rudd as the stand-in for Cardinal’s QB Patrick Mahomes.
BTW, you can see most of the Big Game spots for yourself and decide which are your favorites.
Kristin Wallace is a USA Today Bestselling author of inspirational and sweet contemporary romance filled with Love, Laughter, and a Leap of Faith. She has three best-selling series: Covington Falls Chronicles, Shellwater Key Tales, and Palm Cove Tales.
