Calvin Klein once said “Commercials capture your attention, that’s all.” The average cost of a Super Bowl commercial this year is about $4 million for a 30-second spot, or $133,000 per second. Some make an impact, some make you laugh, and others just make you scratch your head.  In the end, all the money is spent to just to capture your attention. The results then depend on many variables to measure effectiveness – but none of that happens if you stop paying attention. Not sure why many felt the need to be sexual (which was usually just distracting), but didn’t find any of those to be very good.

I’m one of those people who watch the Super Bowl for both the game and commercials. Both were brutal at times and I was indifferent on the half time show. While I don’t have a background in advertising, I’ve married into it and can tell you what I think as a consumer. I have many thoughts from the game too – stay tuned for those in coming days once I finish licking my Manning-loving wounds.

In the meantime, here are my Top 4 ads from the Big Game (in the order they appeared)…
Cheerios: Cute storyline with daughter negotiating for the puppy. Like the inclusion of an interracial couple too (but can’t believe that’s even an issue still). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKuQrKeGe6g

Radio Shack: So on point! The store/brand is suffering and many people think it’s outdated. Great way to spin it with some self-depreciation and try to get people to think about them in a new light. http://youtu.be/FF3T6-jJhSc

Volkswagen: Very Funny. Nice play on old movie line (and the things kids say) and enjoyed the visuals. Good message on durability of cars, which is consistent with other campaigns they run. http://youtu.be/ns-p0BdUB5o

Budweiser: The Hero’s Welcome was just moving. With many friends who’ve served the country, I love anything that salutes servicemen and women. The horses are always so beautiful too. http://youtu.be/K7L5QByvXOQ

Worst of the night
Honda: Bruce Willis was wrong about it being a good game and the whole thing was awkward.

Many others get honorable mention here including: Axe Peace, Bud Light and Sodastream.

Mound Moment
T-mobile had an ad in the 4^th Quarter about not using high-priced stars to pimp out their breakup program – only problem with that is we saw of their 2 commercials earlier in the game with Tim Tebow talking about not having a contract. Can’t talk out of both sides of your mouth. Even worse is finding a way to include the circus of Tebow in the Super Bowl…one place he definitely doesn’t belong!