Superbowl LII - It's all about the Ads

So Superbowl LII is over and if you managed to last the pace what a match you saw.

 In a spoiler alert, the Philadelphia Eagles ended the New England Patriots and Tom Brady's reign at the top with a 41-33 win. And in a night when records tumbled I also created Superbowl history by lasting the night!

 Anyway as marketers it is all about the ads so as soon as JT's halftime show hit it was straight to You Tube to see what the most expensive advertising slots in the world would serve us. And as usual they didn't disappoint.

 The below clips from You Tube host some of the best ads from throughout the night and well worth a watch. I've put a few of my initial thoughts below too . Would be great to hear what you think!

Tide - It's a #TideAd - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gGXnE1Dbh0

Brilliant. Is it just a typical Superbowl car ad? or a hilarious beer ad? No it's a #TideAd. Great way to stake a claim at ownership of all categories across the SuperBowl, especially when we watch it for the Ads. You can fulfil all your marketing fantasies in one and just when you think it is done they through in some Old Spice. Got to be one of the front runners for the best ad of the night! But let's not eat a Tide pod to celebrate.

Bud Light - Bud Knight - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zr4md5OqL60

In the midst of battle the Bud Knight comes to the rescue, but he's there for what must be done - a Bud Light. Great end message of 'Here for the friends you can always count on' but not quite my style!

Brian Dundee - #SeeAustralia - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0j0-ay1k9-s

A film that's not a film- Genuis. A fantastic way to use the upcoming Brian Dundee 'film' as a promo for Australia. Leads with the film trailer of a hilarious but disappointing Crocodile Dundee that quickly turns Tourism Australia Ad in a fantastic spoof. There's loads trailers on You Tube, check it out. Fantastic use of building on a cult icon and making use of much of the worlds stereotypical Oziness to promote a fantastic country! Superb way to reveal on Superbowl night too that it's not a film. A fantastic cast too including Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Margot Robbie (love) , Chris Hemsworth, Isla Fisher, Ruby Rose, Liam Hemsworth, Jessica Mauboy and Luke Bracey. I really want a Brian Dundee film now, he's the best crocodile Dundee since Crocodile Dundee.

 Doritos Blaze v Mountain Dew Ice - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eKYR_iL5eU

The rap battle to end of rap battles, Fire vs Ice, Peter Dinklage v Morgan Freeman. And what is cooler than Morgan Freeman as Missy Elliott. Some fantastic lip syncing in a partnered Mountain Dew and Doritos ad to promote their hot vs cold flavours. Hilarious and really brings out their core brand and flavours. Check it out.

Wendy's v McDonalds - Flash Frozen, Taste the Difference - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsqXfA9Coxg

Not quite Morgan Freeman rap battles and a really disappointing ad. Wendy's have had success on social creating a battle or 'roast' with McDonalds but on TV it comes across very poorly. Wendy's are emphasising the freshness of their burgers and that they're never frozen, deliberately calling out McD's including a very poorly executed joke at the Titanic. Can see what they are trying to do but a poor execution IMO! And square burgers look wrong - It's all about the square sausage!

Jeep v Jurrassic Park - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMOljrWUUXc

What more is there to say. Love the film so always a winner in my eyes. A great way to showcase Jeep benefits in a memorable way. Evolution in it's purest form.

Avocados from Mexico - #GuacWorld - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijVLdH5dt-c

I think they watched The Simpsons movie and may be having a bit of a dig at the wall! In a tranquil bubble of peace, serenity and avocados they've sealed the bad out and the good in and everything is perfect. Until they realise the chips (crisps America, crisps) are on the outside. Anarchy breaks lose until various uses like Avocado toast can save the colony well until the Wifi goes...... Weird but memorable!

Amazon - Alexa lost her voice - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6-8DQALGt4

In a noisy Superbowl ad frenzy it takes a brave brand to lose their voice. An interesting look at breaking your own product but it is done in the right way. A great use of celebrity influencers using their own personalities to showcase the strength of Alexa and that she can never be replaced (Take note Google Home). The ad also features a brief appearance from Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos with that question we all want from our boss! Again brings Alexa to life, showing how different life could be if she's not there.

E-Trade - This is getting old - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ILxrRlf3KY

Bringing it back to my world in Financial Services, E-Trade pull out that over 1/3 of Americans have no retirement savings. With the help of DJ Nana and Grey-vid Hasslehoff (thought of that myself) they have a humorous look at people working well into old age. As much as it is a funny execution they clearly call out the need for retirement saving and promoting their retirement account.

Now for the finale and the best TV ad launching on Superbowl Sunday.........................................................

Scottish Widows - For People, For Plans, For 200 years. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWsmJ4CB4rM

The big reveal on Superbowl Sunday (it may have aired during Dancing on Ice and Endeavour) was Scottish Widows going back on TV. The TV ad clearly demonstrates that since our launch in 1815 our commitment has always remained the same, to help people plan for their financial future. Definitely the best Ad of Superbowl Sunday. Think we scored a Touchdown!

It would be amazing to hear your thoughts or if any other ads have caught your attention.

 Hope you all enjoyed the game, but even more the ads!

 Scott