Through the course of events, the nation opted to brand the National Football League championship game a U.S. staple – making it something inherently American. Therefore, we all feel inclined to partake in Super Bowl related events, whether we are sports fans or not. Thankfully, when advertisers decided to capitalize on the Super Bowl’s publicity, they subsequently promised the uninterested viewers they would never be bored again.
Over time commercials have become a headline aspect of the big game, demanding equal attention from the viewers.
This year, much to our pleasure, Super Bowl advertisers spent $3.8 million dollars per 30 second timeslot, in an effort to maintain our interests. The Ravens may have won the game, but which ads won our attention? We would like to present Downtown Magazine’s picks for the top five Super Bowl Commercials of 2013:
Audi “Prom – Worth It”
DESCRIPTION:
An insecure teen is disappointed about going to his prom alone. However, his dad tossing him the keys to his Audi S6 fills him with the confidence to speed to the prom, kiss the prom queen, receive a punch from her king, and speed away toting a black eye and a massive grin.
Viewers were excited to root for the underdog as the triumphant teen leaves prom, unleashing a primal, invigorating scream. Through the medium of a coming-of-age tale, Audi inherently links its brand to feelings of masculinity, empowerment, and confidence. The ad allows spectators to relish in the victorious teen’s success.
Budweiser “Brotherhood”
DESCRIPTION:
A ranch owner raises a horse which he must allow to become a part of Budweiser’s famous pack of Clydesdale horses. Years later, upon spotting his owner in a parade crowd, the horse stampedes down the street for an emotional reunion.
Many viewers admitted to shedding a tear during this advertisement. In execution, the commercial maintains the Budweiser standard, while further embedding the brand into our hearts. Never disappointing, Budweiser has become an ad we look forward to every year.
Taco bell “Viva Young”
DESCRIPTION:
Patients of a nursing home sneak out after hours for a night of rambunctious behavior including partying, drinking, clubbing, pool-hopping, and tattooing. The night concludes with a drunken trip to Taco Bell and some tiptoeing back into the nursing home.
Simply put, the Taco Bell Advert was fun to watch. We enjoyed watching the elderly stars of the commercial let their hair down and participate in some off-the-grid behavior. We love how they embraces their position as a late night hotspot.
Doritos “Goat 4 Sale”
DESCRIPTION:
The winner of Doritos’ annual one million dollar competition depicts a man who purchases a Doritos hungry goat. Eventually driven mad by the goat’s incessant Doritos munching, the man decides to hoard his own Doritos and re-sell the goat. The goat is hilariously unhappy. Injuries ensue.
This commercial put a smile on our faces. The ad is simple, silly, and fun. We laughed out loud at its sheer absurdity. We believe Doritos made the right choice in selecting its winner.
Volkswagen “Get In. Get Happy.”
DESCRIPTION:
An office worker, who promises to be from Minnesota, offers cheery words of encouragement to his co-workers in a thick Jamaican inspired accent. Upon driving coworkers to a meeting in his Volkswagen, his passengers acquire similar accents and optimistic attitudes.
Perhaps one of the funniest commercials of the night, VW offered some refreshing insight into their Germanic sense of humor. While the commercial offered little account of the abilities of the cars, the #gethappy hashtag at the end promised readily available information. Furthermore, we cannot wait to steal some of the ad’s comical lines. The next time we drive anywhere, we will be sure to ask, “Who wanna come wit I?”
- Alessandra Mazzella