I RATE ADS

sjbooher: I love the idea… but I think I only like the result. I have a couple problems. First, Kobe vs. Shaq is soooooooooo 2004. There are so many storylines in the Western Conference Playoffs this year, that it seems weak and lazy to try and drum up more Shobe controversy. My second problem is with the LeBron/KG edition… well, I just realized it is not as much of a problem, after re-listening. I thought they both said “I remember seeing Bird win it all”, but after listening closely, LeBron says “Jordan”. Still though… this version is obviously scripted, since they would not both have nearly identical quotes, and I bet they forced KG to say “Bird”, just because he plays in Boston now. He is fo sho a Jordan baby. Anyway, they could have put up a black screen with “NBA Playoffs” written on it for 30 seconds, and I would have been excited, but the NBA did not reach the full potential with these. B.

Now, jtherkal, say it with me one time… PLAYOFFS?!?!?!?

jtherkal: Yes! Don’t talk to me about playoffs! Kobe was on PTI yesterday and they asked him about this, which was kind of funny. But sjb is right, let Shaq and Kobe go. The only way I’ll care about that now is if Shaq would actually go Incredible Hulk on Kobe. HULK SMASH KOBE! These ads were alright, but kind of forgettable. There is so much drama in the NBA, as my associate said, specifically out west, and these don’t really capture that. Probably a clever idea on paper, but falls flat in execution. C.

And just for fun, my all time favorite press conference:

We talking about practice?!

This might be the #1 spot from the campaign. It appeals to the “everyman” out there by showcasing one of the best aspects of sports — it’s melting pot effect. Sports, specifically the NBA in this case, can bring people together from all walks of life, and this ad showcases that scenario. In addition, this had to be very appealing to a specific NBA niche — the Celtics fan. This commercial really tugs at my emotions. I love it. A+.

The Mouth:

No part of me disagrees with my associate here. For me, it’s the song. An unexpected, fairly forgotten song that fits perfectly with the message. The only part that I don’t like is that it’s Boston. They took our Tom Brady. And now Detroit doesn’t get KG? Still: A.

Another great one. Excellent use of special effects and I like the music selection. This is the type of spot you want to watch over-and-over again, saying “How’d they do that?” and to see all the different jerseys. A commercial with Tivo factor is priceless. Of course, I’m an NBA fanatic, so maybe that’s just me. A+.

THE MOUTH:

There’s nothing I dislike about this spot, but it doesn’t give me a boner like it does my repsected associate. Does he grow up at all? Do his arms get bigger? When he bulks up a little, look out. Also, I met him once and when he shook my hand he did it like I was a toddler and he was my lumberjack grandpa. Damn my not giant hands. B-.

Here is the Steve Nash spot from the NBA’s “Where Amazing Happens” campaign. It cleverly uses the car’s navigation lady to detail Steve Nash’s path to success. A good idea by the NBA to use one of their most popular and marketable (meaning white) players. I love this one, although I can that it may fall under the “what the hell was that advertising?” category. B.

THE MOUTH:

I love Steve Nash, but I don’t like this commercial much. I don’t think using that navigation system to tell the story is all that clever–although it works with “where you have arrived happens.” I hate that robot navigation voice in cars and this doesn’t really do anything to diminish that. “You are now receiving your 2nd MVP” is possibly the worst line. The style is interesting, but doesn’t seem to match the character of the NBA or the other spots in this campaign. C-.

“Where amazing happens.” What a great, outstanding line. Something about it sounds wrong, which makes it all the more…amazing? A great example of how much you can do with a simple, true idea and great writing. Where never meant to happen happens. Where amazing happens. Where amazing happens. Where amazing happens! I love saying it. Say it with me. Where amazing happens.

The Hawk:

My first reaction to The Mouth liking this saying so much was negative at best. I thought it was too corny and cheesy. However, the more I think about it, it’s not the tag line I don’t like, it’s this particular ad. It is too over the top with the piano music… almost a self-righteous type feel. I bet Mike Breen loves this one. The exploitation of the afro doesn’t help my opinion, either. I much prefer the individual player ads that go along with this campaign. Continue reading the next few entries for the reviews of those…

C for this one.

Somehow my associate failed to write about this after raving about it in his own blogs. Perhaps he forgot, or perhaps he doesn’t consider it an ad. But an ad it is. “Best thing about it is, you think it’s $20? No sir.”

The fact that Bosh went out and made a YouTube video asking fans to vote for him is brilliant. There are some fan-made YouTube videos pleading for votes for their favorite players, but to my knowledge Bosh is the only one who went the extra mile, grabbed a camcorder, a cowboy hat and a faux redneck accent to garner votes. The mock used-car salesman act isn’t quite perfect, but you have to appreciate the effort. He even gives a nod to his Canadian fans with a Boxing Day mention.

“Fillin out these ballots is easy as cow tipping. Ain’t that right, Bubba?”

I feel like there’s a little something missing (hence the A-), but I can’t put my finger on it.