Archive for the ‘furry commercials’ category

Cheetos “Break Bot”

August 24, 2012

– – Science fiction has long warned us that technology is a double-edged sword with the potential to be used for either great good or great evil, and we see a little bit of both emerge in the Cheetos “Break Bot” commercial.   We are witness to a scene where two nerds/geeks together with the iconic Chester have constructed a robot apparently on their lunch break to feed them Cheetos when given the command of, “Cheese me!“- -Well and good, right?  The problem is that the homemade robot bitch slaps the recipient in the face following the delivery of the Cheeto…

…being that Cheetos are delivered, however, the one inventor tells the other, “I can live with it!,” and his companion is in full agreement.  We all suffer for our arts and passions, I suppose…

Cat People…

August 23, 2012

– – We’ve noted often the frequent presence and use of animals as commercial spokesmen; they’ve also made inroads into the world of fashion, with animals making increasing appearances as accessories for photo shoots of models.  Felines in particular are used, often held by or draped around the model.  

Then again, cats are elegant and stylish enough that they don’t really require a human presence.  When it comes to clothes, I think that cats can wear it well…don’t you? 

The Aussie Hair Care Company Purple Kangaroo…

August 15, 2012

– – She’s a purple marsupial, has big doe-eyes, and almost resembles a muppet or Claymation creation…the Aussie Shampoo kangaroo, that is!  Despite the name, Aussie Shampoo products are made in Cincinnati, Ohio by Proctor and Gamble.  The manufacturing process for the floral-scented product includes use of the Australian Kangaroo Paw Flower extract.

Australian aboriginal legends have existed about a purple kangaroo since ancient times, and in 1924 a biologist named Le Souf made the claim to the amusement of the scientific community that he had found such a  creature, even sending specimens to be studied that turned out to be run of the mill wallabies.  In 2001 through DNA testing and photographic evidence a purple-necked rock wallaby was identified as a new species.  It seems that these animals have a purple dye that they secret from glands in their skin around their neck and face.  The dye quickly fades after death, a fact which made the animal hard to identify…

Duke, the Bush’s Beans Dog…

July 22, 2012

– – Duke, the Golden Retriever mascot of the Bush’s Beans Company, got into the advertising business in an indirect way.  The actual family pet was originally brought into the commercials to help ease the jitters of Jay Bush when the commercial line was launched in 1995, and the idea of Duke threatening to spill the secret family recipe emerged as a tongue in cheek marketing ploy which has proven wildly successful. 

The real Duke, however, is actually a bit camera shy, not fond of traveling, and becomes nervous when given excess attention.  The dog who is portraying the family pet in commercials is accordingly a canine stand-in and stunt double who can handle the pressures of celebrity and life on the road.  The actual family pet goes by the name of Duffy “Duke” of Castlebury.   Duke in the commercials is voiced by Robert Cait, a Canadian comedian and voice actor…

Planters Peanuts “The Team”

July 12, 2012

– – Mr. Peanut has underwent a significant evolution over the years.  In days of yore, he would basically be shown wearing a top hat, monocle, and spats.  He might perhaps tip his top hat at you, but was certainly no action hero; heck, he even carried a cane!   Mr. Peanut rather came across as kind of a legume Mr. Monopoly whose image suggested Richie Rich rather than Secret Agent Man.  That all has changed, however, in a recent re-imaging that suggests more of The A-Team than the idle rich.

In a recent very manly commercial that plays like an action movie, Mr. Peanut teamed with (-what else?) an almond and a pistachio is shown performing spectacular stunts.  Now every good guy combats arch-villains, so we are shown the nutty trio in a near parody of a James Bond pursuit skiing  just ahead of an avalanche, hotly pursued by a squirrel!  Not to worry, however…the pistachio wheels around and brings weaponry to bear on the squirrel.  We are shown a startled look on the squirrel’s face as he realizes that he’s taken on more than he can chew…

Other scenes in the same commercial show the nuts performing a Rocky-style exercise regimen, and Mr. Peanut getting cozy with a female bee…is he going to pollinate?  Yes, this is one tough and funky snack mix, merchandised with men in mind…

Cheetos “Bank Robbery” Commercial…

June 26, 2012

– – Chester Cheetah for “Cheetos” is one cool feline, almost unflappable.–Oh, I know, he can mess with people’s heads at times, but that’s part of his appeal, and he can put it to good use!  In a recent commercial, he’s working as a teller at a bank with a human, and they’re on their lunch break, which we all know is sacred, me time.- -Well, some robbers are stupid and inconsiderate enough to hit the bank at that time, so they more than deserve the disrespect that they receive from Chester, who repels the thugs by firing rubber bands at them!    On your way!,” Chester admonishes one robber as a rubber band stings the lout…

…some people are actually opposed to some of the newer Chester Cheetah commercials as they feel that they encourage bad behavior, but Chester has been with us since 1986, and I don’t look to see him going away anytime soon.  He is, after all, dangerously cheesy…

(Update:  This ad is only being aired on television, and is not available online.  Bank robbery victims are protesting the ad, and asking Frito-Lay to take it off the air.  A spokesperson for the company has said that they do not have any plans to stop running the spot, but that it is being looked into…)

Progressive’s “Rocket Cat”

June 23, 2012

– – He’s not to be confused with “Courageous Cat” or “Rocket Man,” but Progressive Insurance currently features a commercial in which a Progressive associate tries to “bundle” a sweet mewing cat with a rocket in a miniature pod that is reminiscent of the concept and device in the sci fi/horror classic, “The Fly.”  Fret not, however, because this associate is interrupted by the cheerfully demented Progressive icon Flo before this unnatural scheme can be carried out!

“Rocket Cat” is also reminiscent of Nyan cat, originally a YouTube video from 2011 that became an internet meme.  The video merged a Japanese pop song with an animated cartoon cat who has the body of a Pop-Tart, flies through space, and leaves a rainbow trail behind him.  Video games are now available for both “Rocket Cat” and “Nyan Cat,” if this floats your boat.  Either is preferable in my opinion as a flying feline to the dead cat helicopter we’ve blogged about here earlier. 

As for me, I’d like for Flo to place me with a fox in one of her “bundler” machines to see if I may through that means achieve the fusion that I desire.  I’ll even buy her insurance if she’d swing that for me!

“Touchdown” Snackin’ With Sasquatch Commercial…

June 15, 2012

– – In the past,  Jack Links Beef Jerky has regaled us with commercials featuring the legendary cryptid Sasquatch (aka, “Bigfoot”) in the “Messin’ With Sasquatch” series.  A common theme of these was jerky eaters  pulling sophomoric pranks on the big guy, for which the jokers would receive well-deserved and usually physical retaliation.  They’re still making these spots, as in one where the classic “snakes in a can” prank is pulled on Sasquatch; he retaliates by throwing an enormous real snake through the window of their camper in a clear case of what goes around, comes around!

Additionally, Carmichael Lynch now has a new “Snackin’ With Sasquatch” campaign out in which the former tormentors are now making nice with Sasquatch but still getting their lumps.  In the “Touchdown” spot, Sasquatch is actually sitting on a couch in the living room of two apparently twenty-something guys who are watching the big game.  When a touchdown occurs, the two guys enthusiastically jump to their feet and give a “bro” hug to one another.  Caught up in the spirit, the towering Sasquatch grabs one of the two guys and hoists him up; too bad that the ceiling isn’t high enough to accomodate this gesture!- – Feed your wild side!

The Gecko and Looney Tunes…

June 13, 2012

– – In a recent series of Geico commercials, the gecko is traveling across America, his journey leading him in this installment to the American Southwest where he runs across two iconic figures from the Looney Tunes world, none other than Wile E. Coyote  (Super Genius!) and The Road Runner.  An anvil impacts with the Earth first, embedding itself deeply, followed by a piano…then the Road Runner himself screeches to a brief halt by the gecko, but obviously soon must be off, leaving the gecko to consider the meaning of, “Meep meep!”   Wile E. Coyote follows, and we are privy to his thoughts where he envisions the gecko as dinner…

…but not to worry!  A large safe smashes down on top of the coyote, the brand on such product being, of course, “Acme”…and the gecko is again free to continue his journey, pondering “What a strange place!” as he walks off. – – It’s all vintage Chuck Jones stuff in this worthy crossover effort!

Geico’s Pet Possum…

June 11, 2012

– – We all know that some parents can be quite cheap, so when his kids asked him for a puppy, one big-spending father depicted finding that puppies can be really expensive got them a possum instead!  We see this guy in a Geico commercial working over his barbecue while his son and daughter stand over their “pet” possum, which is lying motionless at their feet; the son appears to prod the possum with his foot.  “Dad, I think he’s dead,” advises the daughter.  “Probably just playin’ possum,” reassures the father.

Sure enough, moments later the inert possum comes to life, rolls to his feet, and hisses at the two kids.  “There he is!,” declares the vindicated father, not even bothering to look up from his grill There’s an easier way to save money, of course…Geico Insurance!