Burger King And Budweiser Say “Whassup?”

Budweiser’s “Whassup?” was a classic ad, which debuted in 1999. It became part of a bigger campaign, which ran until 2002. The original spot was great, but as “Whassup” turned into a catchphrase it eventually got stale, as Milhouse demonstrates here. Now, Burger King revives Budweiser’s “Whassup?” commercial with this new ad promoting its American Brewhouse King. We see the original spot, with a twist that The King shows up with the new burgers. I must say that the American Brewhouse King is a bit of a mouthful to say, but it looks really good. Perhaps I shall have to try one soon.

 

Pepto-Bismol’s Pop Routine

A woman (played by Lauren Saunders) gets an unpleasant rumbly in her tummy in the lunchroom at work. Then a boy band wearing Pepto-pink jumpsuits serenades her with a smooth rendition of the Pepto-Bismol song and a flashy dance. Why? Because it’s a Pepto-Bismol commercial, I guess. Percy Anane-Dwumfour plays the charismatic leader of the boy band.

The Song From Apple’s “Behind The Mac” Commercial

Apple’s “Behind the Mac” ad is a pretty nice montage-style spot showing people around the world using their Macs to create different things. But it’s been getting the most attention because of its let’s say…distinctive song. So what is that song? It’s “Story of an Artist” by Daniel Johnston.

7-Eleven, Norway, And Chlamydia…Thank You, John Oliver

Last night, John Oliver did a short segment about a curious 7-Eleven ad campaign from Norway. The ad starts with the scenery that Norway is famous for: fjords and the midnight sun. But then it takes a sudden turn and mentions chlamydia. Turns out that Norway has one of the highest chlamydia rates in Europe. So, visitors from abroad…protect yourselves from the locals and buy condoms at 7-Eleven. Alrighty then.

Snickers Helps Out An Indecisive Cheerleader And An Irritable Grandma

This cheerleader is cheering on the Lions. Or Bears. She’s indecisive…maybe a Salty & Sweet Snickers is what she needs. Anyone know who plays the cheerleader? And an irritable grandma (played by Helen Slayton-Hughes) who got her grandson Joey’s letter but is asking what the hell it is might just benefit from an Espresso Snickers. In a longer spot, Snickers offers a tongue-in-cheek apology for calling readers “jerks” in a print ad. Haha. Nice work from BBDO New York.

KFC South Africa Features A Wildly Flopping Soccer Player

Here’s an amusing KFC ad, created by Ogilvy South Africa. A footballer named Herbz (as in herbs and spices) is playing at Cape Town’s Athlone Stadium when he gets tripped up. It’s pretty obviously a flop, but he persists in dramatically rolling about. And then it gets crazy. He ends up rolling out of the stadium and takes a rolling odyssey all around the sprawling city. People are following him and taking pictures. Herbz finally stops rolling when he reaches a KFC, which was his plan all along. And in a final clever touch, Herbz wears number 11. Here’s more from Adweek.

 

LG: Aubrey Plaza Asks “What’s It Gonna Take?”

The lovely and sardonic Aubrey Plaza stars in this ad for LG’s goofily named G7 Thinq. Ryan (played by a real-life Ryan, Ryan Radis) is complaining that his phone is too slow, and that’s when Aubrey Plaza appears at the window with the new LG G7 Thinq. Ryan is still resistant to switch but then Aubrey busting through the wall and taking a selfie with him seals the deal. In a longer version, people push (some would say harass) Ryan about switching to the LG G7 Thinq, even calling him “Dongle Boy.” Oof.

 

New York Lottery Goes Broadway-Style With “Odds Of Love”

In New York Lottery’s adorable new ad created by McCann New York, a man and a woman meet and perform a Broadway-style number that’s reminiscent of La La Land. It’s a classic meet cute scenario which is underscored by singing, dancing, New York City scenery, and some alluring jazz music. Only one problem…they aren’t looking for the same things and don’t have the same interests. Seems that their odds of love are quite slim. So they decide that it’s better to play Take 5 from the New York Lottery, since the odds of winning are 1 in 9. Good move, guys.

 

Optimum Business Shows An Ill-Advised Horse Cake

Here’s an amusingly awkward ad for Optimum Business Essentials. Adam ordered a custom cake. The baker proudly brings out the cake, which says “Happy Trails Pardner” and has a horse on it. Unfortunately, the baker didn’t get Adam’s voicemail. It was supposed to be a get well soon cake, as Adam’s friend Lonnie broke his arm, several ribs, and both legs after being thrown from a stallion. Whoops. The baker tries to save face by saying the cake has a lady horse, but that’s not gonna cut it. After getting Optimum Business Essentials, the baker finally hears Adam’s voicemail.

Volkswagen Encourages U.S. Soccer Fans To Root For Brazil (Or Iceland, Belgium, Switzerland, Or Germany)

For the first time since 1986, the United States didn’t qualify for the World Cup. It was embarrassing, but there will still be Americans watching, and they’ll need a team to root for. So Volkswagen has a new World Cup-centered campaign, cleverly called “Jump On The Wagen”, where fans of different countries’ teams pitch the US for support. Brazil has the most trophies, Iceland doesn’t have enough people to do the wave, Belgium hosts the world’s biggest EDM festival, Switzerland brought us Swiss Army knives, and Germany brought the frankfurter. Compelling reasons, all. The attractive Icelandic fan is played by Sarah Skogland…anyone know who the Brazilian fan is?