Foster’s: “Cheerleader” (Starts at 00:06) – UK
The era of the lad’s lad is over according to this commercial for an Australian lager which has a man training to be a cheerleader. In fairness, it isn’t entirely because he’s in touch with his feminine side as he appears to be motivated by a twin desire to be close to his beautiful female colleagues and the rugby stars he idolises.
Agency: adam&eveDDB
Director: Gary Freedman
Persil: “Breakdancing” (Starts at 01:08) – UK
As if entertaining the crowds at Glastonbury wasn’t enough, prodigal breakdancer B Girl Terra proves to be a dab hand at removing stains as well. This advert includes a highly impressive display of her talents before one show-stopping spin returns her clothes to their clean best.
Agency: DLKW Lowe
Director: Nadia
Smart Cars: “Four Door” (Starts at 02:02) – Germany/UK
Sometimes, one moment is enough to elevate an advert out of the ordinary and this commercial for Smart is a great example. Not only is the unexpected yelp extremely funny, it drives home an unexpected fact about the advertised car: it has four seats.
Agency: BBDO Hamburg
Director: Calle Astrand
HP: “Jane” (Starts at 02:35) – USA
This lovingly-made ad for HP may persuade US viewers to invest in the brand’s new workstation, but it may also prompt a stream of adults to pick up their long-abandoned paintbrushes and rediscover their artistic side. To the sound of Supertramp’s The Logical Song, a little girl’s life story unfolds with a special focus on her creative endeavours.
Agency: 180LA
Director: Lance Acord
Honda: “Rainbow Corral” (Starts at 03:41) – Australia
When a little girl’s beloved pink horsie suffers an unfortunate head injury, the family take a drive out to the Ranch of the Rainbow – home of prismatic horses of every conceivable shade and hue. She’s happy but may be brought back down to earth if her brother’s ambitions are met.
Agency: Leo Burnett (Australia)
Director: Hamish Rothwell
AT&T: “It Can Wait” (Starts at 04:45) – USA
This is a slow burner but it builds the heat to an incredible ferocity and leaves you feeling as though you’ve been kicked in the head. Something is clearly coming and many viewers will realise what it is before it arrives … but this anticipation adds to the growing anxiety and makes the pay-off all the more impactful.
Agency: BBDO (New York)
Director: Frédéric Planchon
Jason Stone is the editor of David Reviews
