Mac Attack

A new TV spot from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine goes for the shocker ad attacking the fast food industry, namely, you know who.

But bad acting, extremely lame music and questionable production values make this one a loser. In other words, I believe this Unhappy Meal will have zero effect on anyone.

With the possible exception of lawyers.

Almost funny.

Jamba Juice is feeling the heat from McDonald's since they started selling smoothies. Hence this parody "commercial" (44 seconds running time) on YouTube.

An idea stolen directly from the Bassomatic days of Saturday Night Live.

Just not as funny.

Just because advertising is interactive doesn't mean it's on your computer.

Here's an ever-changing electronic outdoor board for McDonald's in London's Piccadilly Circus that engages all those tourists with cameras and digital camcorders.

Not only is it fun, it's smart, because those little Golden Arches in the bottom right corner are going home with every one of those folks.

As they might say in London: Good show!

Starbucks hopes for "good coffee karma" vs. McDonald's.

The recession makes companies do strange things.
First Harley wings a desperate Hail Mary ad (see April's posting), and now Starbucks is feeling the heat of an aggressive McDonald's and their McCafe offerings.

So, here's a full page ad from The Wall Street Journal where Starbucks reminds folks just why their coffee is a little more expensive.

It's a thoughtful, well-written piece, but there are two problems: one, Starbucks' core audience already knows the company's commitment to "fair trade" practices, health insurance, and cozy atmospheres. It could be a good reminder, but I think they're preaching to the choir.

Secondly, will anyone in Attention Deficit Disordered America take time to read all these words? I doubt it. Even with a good cup of joe in hand.

Finally, let me say that Starbucks gets a lot of grief in the media for selling a $4 cup of coffee to the public. But the truth is, if you just want coffee (not a cappuccino or such), you can get a big cup for under 2 bucks. And it's good, too.

Not a bad deal for saving the planet, promoting health care, and hearing good music...

NCAA must stand for No! Crap! Another Ad!

Perhaps it was the stomach virus I suffered this weekend while watching the NCAA tournament, but commercials were worse than usual and made the Cranky Ad Guy even crankier than usual. Seeing them over and over sure didn't help.

So let me spill my vitriol on those who deserve it most:

Bud Light: A crappy beer deserves crappy ads, and Bud Light never disappoints. Devoid of humor, logic or concept, their "drinkability" campaign--like having one too many BL's--blows.

Enterprise: Master of the sucky commercial for years, Enterprise continues the trend with several ads, the most egregious being the skanky couple who goes off to a motel for some sex. But the cutesy dad and daughter doing the terrorist fist jab with hammers is equally annnoying.

SW Airlines: The "Wanna Get Away?" campaign used to be clever and had a relatable honesty to it. No more. Stripped to a 15-second commercial, it's merely buffoonery sped up.

Taco Bell: A guy in drag sneaking in nachos. You're not helping my stomach virus...

Buffalo Wild Wings: A commercial that goes from bad to worse, with several slapstick endings, none of them funny.



There were a few good ads, like the ones about NCAA student athletes turning pro in something besides sports (BIG production dollars, which tells you the NCAA has waaay too much money), but even the less expensive ones of previous years seem more genuine.

I've included the McDonald's commercial because it at least has good casting, good music and an interesting voiceover. Still hard to watch over and over, but less painful, at least.

Overall, the Cranky Ad Guy is not amused.