LOSERS
Burger King — The fast food firm put on a Broadway-style extravaganza, unveiling its Whopperettes in a production destined to appeal everyone who wants to see chorus girls dressed up as hamburgers and onions.

Cadillac — Another production number that was less than thrilling was the “fashion show” featuring the 2007 Escalade rising from a pool of water.

So, to summarize: Toyota was a winner, with inventive, novel advertising. Ford and GM were losers with tired misfires. Sounds a lot like Detroit’s recent history.

Miller — Apparently $25 million is not enough to buy exclusive rights as the sole beer sponsor of the game, so Budweiser’s archrival made a token appearance with a nostalgic spot featuring the “girl in the moon.” The ad, seemingly aimed at a rocking-chair crowd, looked like a last-minute production.

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Aleve — The commercial featuring Leonard Nimoy got its point across, but was clearly aimed at the older half of the viewing demographic. Does anyone under 30 even know the Vulcan’s trademark hand gesture? Then again, younger viewers generally don’t have to worry about arthritis pain.

Dove — OK, I really respect Dove’s “Campaign for Real Beauty” and its message about unrealistic standards of beauty. But I’m afraid this ad was a bit of a downer, like Mom and Dad walking in on your kegger.

SUPER BOWL ADS

View and then vote for your favorite Super Bowl XL ad

Michelob Ultra Amber — You could see where this ad was going right from the start. Why is it funny for a guy to deck a woman (even if he gets decked in return later)? It is ads like these that make the Dove ads necessary.

Gillette — The razor maker apparently had to spend every dime of the millions it invested producing and airing a 60-second commercial and a shorter follow-up in an effort to convince men why they need to buy a blade with not three, not four, but five blades. Plus one on the back.

GoDaddy.com — It would be nice to think we’ve seen the last of the GoDaddy Girl. But like taking the Seahawks in Super Bowl XL, that would be a bad bet.

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