Monday, December 3, 2012

The Top Commercials of 2012

The Kearley team voted, and (ranked in no particular order) these are what we considered to be the best ads of 2012. Check them out and let us know what you agree with and tell us your favorites in the comments below! 

Volkswagen-"The Bark Side"
The simple and fun answer to last year's Darth Vader Super Bowl spot. This ad left millions barking in their heads for hours after they saw it. 

Google Chrome-"Coffee"
Was it "Dear Sophie" or "Parisian Love" Part 2? No. But "Coffee" continued that same Google tradition of showing how their products and services can have a huge emotional impact. It's not Google's best ad, but it is another great one. 

Coke Zero-"Unlock the 007 in You"
Say it's not real, say it's stage, say whatever you want, this is still a fun ad from Coke Zero. I'm going to be the believer who thinks it's real, but I don't think that matters. What does matter is that Coke made an effective, viral ad that celebrated 50 years of one of the cherished movie franchises of all time. 

The Guardian-"Three Little Pigs"
By the hairs on my chinny, chin, chin, this ad will be remembered fondly far beyond 2012. A twist on a classic tale turns into faux social commentary while never veering from its humorous origins.  

Canal+ - "The Bear" 
A French bear-skin rug directing big budget movies. That's the only thing you need to know. 

Nike-"Find Your Greatness"
Strangely enough, this campaign from Nike flirted with some controversy due to one of its standalone ads. Nevertheless, this ad made everyone watching the Olympics feel like they could recreate it in their backyard. And that is no small feat. 

Sportscenter-"John Clayton"
I myself, and I imagine many others, have watched Sportscenter for years and have always enjoyed John Clayton's presence on it. He's the rare analyst who, even when saying something disagreeable, forces you to respect his wisdom and the way in which he handles himself. All of that contributed to making this "This is Sportscenter" spot the best in years as Clayton is revealed to be a long-haired Slayer fan living at home. 

Carlton Draught-"Beer Chase"
What starts off as a nod to the end of Trainspotting quickly becomes the funniest police chase you've seen in years (movies and TV shows included). An imaginative way to say "don't drink and drive" and "don't sacrifice your beer" simultaneously will leave you charmed and possibly craving a Carlton Draught. 

DollarShaveClub.com-"Our Blades are F***ing Great"
Do I doubt that these blades are f***ing great? Oh, absolutely. But this hilarious ad has so many quirks and moments that couldn't have been staged (throwing the package at the bear), that you forget to doubt that you can get a great blade for a dollar. 

Cartier-"L'Odyssee de Cartier"
What did I just watch? I don't know and I don't care. All I know is that Cartier crafted one of the best ads of the past decade and something so cinematic that and well-shot that even Terrence Malick had to have been amazed.