For some, Man’s Last Stand was well conceived given its target audience – an interesting, albeit exaggerated, depiction of the lives of 20- and 30-something men. For others, Dodge’s rallying cry for guys everywhere to reclaim their manhood came across as emasculating and sexist. And there’s been no shortage of commentary as a result. The most notable was Woman’s Last Stand – a video spoof that sheds light on the other side of the story, delving into the sacrifices women make on a daily basis (well, according to its creator). Part of the response includes: “I will assure you that size doesn’t matter… I will turn a blind eye to your ever-encroaching baldness… I will elect male politicians who will make decisions about my body…” The pointed message was enough to attract more than 250,000 views on YouTube alone, along with thousands of user comments and media coverage. Not too shabby for a spoof, which are typically under-produced and lack any real traction in the realm of viral videos.

What do you think? Is Man’s Last Stand harmless entertainment? Or, does Woman’s Last Stand portray it accurately as misguided and offensive? Furthermore, like it or not, Dodge is receiving added exposure (Man’s Last Stand has garnered more than 1 million views on YouTube) thanks to the controversy. Is this a case of “there’s no such thing as bad PR”? Or, will the uproar further tarnish the brand of a flat-lining car company?

Similar to Super Bowls past, some ads delivered the goods. Take Google’s subtle, sophisticated, and relatively inexpensive reaffirmation of its dominance in the search industry. Others fell short of the pre-game hype, like Taco Bell, while the remaining few were just downright odd. Congrats to Dockers for topping that list.

But that’s just us. You can check out how all of TV’s most expensive commercials scored with Ad Meter focus groups on USAToday.com. Or, read how the Twittersphere ranks the “super” brands that appeared during the Big Game. In the meantime, tell us what you think! Which ad was your favorite? Did any disappoint?

View USA Today’s Rankings

Check Out What the Twittersphere Thinks

The life expectancy of Super Bowl ads has increased over the past few years, thanks to complementary online advertising, galleries, and social networks. The smartest brands even launch sneak peeks of their ads on YouTube to generate pre-game buzz.

In 2010, advertisers will work even harder to maximize exposure and participation via organic search, online videos, Twitter, Facebook, and beyond. Regardless of the final score, it should make for an interesting game. Be sure to visit Stir-Fry early next week to check out our favorites, as well as a few other websites that track the top ads based on public reaction.

Hulu Ad Gallery

Determine what ads are doing best by the number of Tweets:

YouTube Ad Blitz

In the meantime, post your all-time favorites in the comments section.

In today’s participatory culture, where consumers engage with and influence brands constantly, perhaps the most interesting aspect of the campaign is the budding viral component. Rather than just the love of a product (reference: A Positive “Spin” on Viral), the pass-along effect in this case is growing out of consumers’ love of an advertisement.

This isn’t the first time that’s happened, but it’s rare. So, what’s the magic formula? There isn’t one. Discovery Networks struck brand awareness gold by genuinely connecting with its audience. Obviously, it’s easier said than done. But by allowing people around the world to put their own spin on ‘Boom De Ah Dah’, the brand found a unique way to engage its audience and gain exposure. Now, Discovery Networks is asking for even more submissions from all of their “talented friends out there.” That’s what I like to call striking while the iron is hot.

Our choices for best TV spots: It’s a tie between Adidas’ “Hello Tomorrow” and Dove’ “Evolution.”

Our choice for best viral advertisement: “Tea Partay.”

We also noticed a few omissions from the list. Like the hilarious big German promoting wind energy and a reunited Survivor following around Glen as he chugs Starbucks. Another favorite is the human dominoes line that ends with a man and his Miller Lite. Take a look at Adweek’s list to watch the videos and vote.

What are your favorite ads of the decade?

Cash4Gold Ad

Normally, I would never ship away my gold possessions and rely on someone’s assessment of their value without being present. But being curious about how the process works, and what people had to say about it, I decided to at least Google Cash4Gold. One of the top links redirected me to complaintsboard.com, where I found a number of reviews posted by both customers and purported former employees.

What I found most entertaining, however, was a banner ad for Cash4Gold on the same page filled with complaints about the company. Whether you believe in the Cash4Gold offer, or the viability of their assessment process, you have to tip your hat to their media buying service. Apparently, they’ve identified a core target market and they know where they are – retirees, or down-on-their-luck folks, watching daytime TV, who in turn surf the web to see if the company’s offerings are viable.

Bottom line, after reading several other “exposes” on Cash4Gold’s practices, I was reminded of that familiar buyer beware adage: if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.

    

The campaign, which reminds consumers to “Make Face Time,” features friends and couples in close quarters (with implicitly minty fresh breath) and boasts lines like “The Original Instant Message” and “Chat Room Full.” Even their website was designed to sign the user off after three minutes of use, encouraging their audience to turn off the computers, put down the cell phones, and create more reasons to need fresh breath.

Dentyne’s keen insight will inevitably boost brand perception and likely sell more gum. Call me an optimist, but my hope is that the campaign will be more successful in its attempt to boost intrapersonal communication.

Is this a savvy marketing campaign? Or will Dentyne’s message fall on deaf ears? Tell us what you think.

View the TV Spots Here

View the Print Ads Here

    

The campaign is smart and will get buzz. We like it.

But half-truths can easily spread through word of mouth and become “common knowledge” even if inaccurate. Is Tappening going too far with the lying?

The Most Interesting Man in the World is just that kind of rarity. This immeasurably popular Dos Equis campaign is a beacon of originality in a sea of sameness. Not only is the protagonist a gray-haired father figure, the seen-it-all “life connoisseur” openly admits that he doesn’t always drink beer. Compare that to every other beer commercial and Dos Equis shines like a beacon in the cluttered aisles of supermarkets, too.

In fact, during a time when imported beer sales have dropped 11%, the man who “once had an awkward moment just to see how it feels” has helped Dos Equis boost their sales by 17%. From TV and radio spots to online advertising to viral videos, this tightly integrated campaign is a testament to the power of big ideas and the value of branding. Especially in tough economic times.

Read the Full Story at AdAge