State Farm Doesn’t Think You Should Believe Everything On The Internet

That State Farm Pocket Agent App looks pretty cool. The girl is quite attractive…looks kinda like Michelle Beadle (it’s actually Mariel Booth). And it’s another commercial case of an online dating doofus guy. He’s got a fanny pack! He’s not really a French model! But I bet this ad would be panned if the woman was the defective one…

The New NY Works For Business, Says Robert De Niro

Empire State Development has introduced new spots from BBDO which tout New York (the whole state, not just the city) as a great place to do business. The lead commercial is narrated by Robert De Niro, shot by Spike Lee and features the anthemic sounds of “Empire State of Mind.” It’s good, solid stuff…not groundbreaking, but since it came on the TV while I’m in New York applying to jobs online, it just seemed appropriate to put it on here.

An Announcement From Commercial Society

Well, I’m moving to New York City today. I figured it was about time to take this copywriting thing to the next step, and going to NYC is the next logical step. If you want to get into advertising, that’s where you go. I’m planning on taking an advertising class, hopefully finding a job, and I would really like to stay there for the long haul. That all really depends on how I do with money (New York isn’t a cheap place to live…), but I’ll be there for at least 3 months. So yeah, make it happen.

As for this blog, it will continue. I don’t know how often I’ll be able to post, since the stakes for everything are going to be raised. But don’t worry, I’ll still inform you about the good, bad, interesting, and ugly of the commercial world. In conclusion, I’ll see you around shortly. And now, some relevant music.

Nike’s Ring Commercial For LeBron

LeBron James is one of the most talented and talked-about athletes in the world. He’s long had a reputation for being great, but less effective in the clutch. His lack of a championship became an albatross. But last night, the Miami Heat defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder to win the NBA Championship.  Minutes after the game ended, this Nike commercial premiered. It was obviously made well in advance, and there probably was a Kevin Durant one too. I didn’t see it originally (I was catching up on the DVR…), but here it is.

It’s interesting to think about how popular LeBron was 2 years ago, but his reputation was really tarnished by “The Decision.” It came across as arrogant and after that, LeBron Haterade started. It’s a little complicated for me. I’m from Ohio, where many are still bitter about LeBron leaving and will never forgive him. People actively wanted him to fail, and sneered when the Heat didn’t win the title last year. But is it time to forgive him? LeBron already acknowledged that “The Decision” was a bad decision. And since then, he’s just put up great numbers and won the MVP. I’m a Miami Heat hater, and probably will never root for them, but maybe it’s time to back off LeBron. Maybe.

As for the commercial itself…very nice work. It’s artistic, following an Akron ring maker watching highlights of LeBron’s career on an old TV. He’s working on the ring, working, working…it’s a long process. But now LeBron has won, and he’ll get that ring finally.

Is Dairy Queen The Ideal First Date?

This first date at DQ seems awkward, and this commercial is equally awkward to watch. It baffles me why someone would so blatantly lie with an online dating picture when they’re going to meet in real life. Does he think she won’t notice? That said, Dairy Queen’s Sweet Apple BBQ Grillburger looks awesome. Here’s a review.

DirecTV Sez: Don’t Fall Into A Dinner Party

See I kinda thought the “Fist Of Goodness” was going to fall into the gap and die, but I suppose that would be too dark. And less funny.

AT&T Takes A Musical Road Trip

I find this commercial to be obnoxious. Mostly because of the couple’s pretty terrible (and really white) music tastes. I’m sure many of you will disagree. But the girl in this ad is quite attractive…she’s Ingrid Haas.

Visa: Morgan Freeman, Lopez Lomong, And The Olympics

Morgan Freeman is awesome. If you haven’t seen Through the Wormhole, it is highly, highly recommended. The Olympics are the world’s games. So it seems appropriate that a transcendent person would be paired with a transcendent event. And that’s the case with these Visa/Olympics commercials, many narrated by Morgan Freeman. He was also the voice of ads from the 2008 games, including this inspiring spot featuring the story of Derek Redmond and his father (which would also be a great one for Father’s Day). All of the Visa commercials can be found here, but I’ve included a few of the best in this post. The first is centered on runner Lopez Lomong, who faced challenges that most of us can’t even imagine. The second has pole vaulter Yelena Isinbaeva, who had to change plans based on her physicality. The third seems to be a flagship ad for this campaign. Expect to see these (and more spots) with increasing frequency as the London Olympics approach. Love it.

6/18 update: This one was just released today. Nadia Comaneci’s perfect 10.

Apple’s New MacBook Pro Looks Spiffy

I’m sure I won’t buy one since Apple products are pricey. But the MacBook Pro with retina display looks great. And the commercial is snappy too…I love Peter Coyote’s narration.

Dick’s Sporting Goods Has The Best Father’s Day Ad You’ll See This Year

What’s that in my eye? Oh, I was just cutting up an onion. Or maybe it’s my allergies. Gahh. This is a great commercial for Dick’s Sporting Goods. I know it’s specifically for Father’s Day, but it’s one that should continue to be aired after. #84!