Thomas Cook: “Pool Boy” (Starts at 00:06) – UK
The ‘pool boy’ of this commercial is completely lost in his own world as he stands beside the swimming pool at a luxury hotel. As it’s strangely devoid of other people, he’s able to express himself through the medium of dance with very few onlookers. This might not match the experience of a Thomas Cook holiday but it’s a seductive enough idea.
Agency: Albion
Director: Mark Albiston
First Choice: “Life’s Too Short to Say ‘No’” (Starts at 01:04) – UK
The woman at the heart of this impressive commercial for First Choice is ready to begin following her heart’s desires, so she begins a magical journey by pursuing an ice cream van. The dream-like quality continues as she dives into a lake only to emerge in a tropical paradise and begin her search for the world’s sexiest dessert.
Agency: RKCR/Y&R
Director: Jonathan Herman
REMA 1000: “Brothers” (Starts at 02:38) – Norway
The abiding theme of this year’s Christmas advertising has been the plight of elderly people who find themselves alone at this time of year and this Norwegian ad taps into this zeitgeist, albeit from a different angle … because this man’s isolation is self-imposed. And, with a little coaxing from his granddaughter, he works out how to heal the breach in this advert directed by Marius ‘King of Devil’s Island’ Holst.
Agency: McCann Oslo
Director: Marius Holst
Elle: “If Santa Was a Woman” (Starts at 03:57) – UK
A number of children are asked how they think Santa would perform if ‘he’ was a ‘she’. We get to hear the edited highlights of the childish musings without any kind of commentary … and very interesting they are too.
Agency: Anomaly London
Director: Greg Fay
Nike: “The Future is Fast” (Starts at 05:34) – USA
Nike enlist some of the NFL’s leading names for this punchy advert, but the real stars are the ambitious youngsters looking to replace them. In unassuming surroundings, they stare down the camera boasting of their prowess and – in the blink of an eye – they’re right in the thick of it.
Agency: Wieden + Kennedy (Portland)
Director: Yann Demange
Porsche: “Compete” (Starts at 06:39) – USA
With a little help from the boffins in the visual effects lab, Muhammad Ali steps into the ring at the peak of his powers. His opponent? Muhammad Ali. Joining the Alis on this fantasy card are Maria Sharapova and chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, who also battle against themselves to impressive effect.
Agency: Cramer-Krasselt (Chicago)
Director: Mark Jenkinson
Jason Stone is the editor of David Reviews
