[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″]How will the Super Bowl ads be remembered this year? In our opinion: slightly above average.

 

To be sure – there were plenty of laughs, and emotion and an overly produced toe fungus animation.

 

There also were plenty of celebrities. Bryan Cranston portrayed the infamous Walter White and Lindsay Lohan played a mom in a pair of spots for esurance. Jeff Bridges was The Dude in a fun spot for Squarespace, and Pierce Brosnin got excited about getting away in a Kia. That’s just the start of it.

 

There also was a feel-good rhythm that beat throughout the game. McDonald’s led the charge with a message promising free meals to those who show their love for family and friends.

 

Here were some of the best ads from the night, in no particular order.

 

Proctor & Gamble’s Always #LikeaGirl ad was a big hit on many levels. It had a positive message about girl power, it was creatively done and it left a memorable impression. Of all the ads with inspirational messages, and there were many, this one was the winner.

 

Snickers tapped Danny Trejo and turned to vintage Brady Bunch footage for its Super Bowl spot, and the two were perfectly paired. “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia,” truly was not herself in Trejo’s shoes munching a Snickers. Bonus: Steve Buscemi makes a laughable Jan Brady.

 

Budweiser was back for the second year with it’s lab puppy ad. The ad didn’t have the newness of last year’s ad, but when the little pooch gets lost and then returns home with a herd of Clydesdales, it works. Cue up a chorus of feel good music.

 

While Nationwide failed with it’s child safety ad (keep reading) it scored points with Mindy Kaling and Matt Damon. Kaling, who thinks she is invisible, does what she can to get away with her newfound power, until she tries to steal a kiss from Damon.

 

Coca-Cola spilled all over a computer server, and in return the nastiness of the Internet turned to good. If only it were that simple. Either way, Coke poured out a win with its #MakeitHappy ad.

 

Clash of Clans employed Liam Neeson to promote its game Revenge, and this one left us laughing. In a dark voice, Neeson stands in a deli and proclaims “You will regret the day you crossed Angry Neeson 52.”

 

Doritos has made a franchise out of of crowd-sourced ads, and this year was no exception. With two spots, including one with flying pigs and a second with an airplane traveler looking for the perfect seat companion, Doritos keeps its brand synonymous with laugh-out-loud work.

 

Fiat used a bit of sex appeal to roll out its campaign for the new 500X Crossover, and it worked. The action ensues after a tiny blue pill tumbles out a window sill and eventually into the bright red compact car below, whereupon it expands into the larger ride.

 

Finally, I must mention the Subway Tough Dodger ad that ran during pregame. Ever heard of a triathlon where contestants must dodge balls throughout the event? Neither had we, but it sure makes for hilarious TV.

 

A few honorable mentions: Budweiser poked fun at craft beer lovers, Dove celebrated dads, and Reebok honored Better Humans.

 

So what about the stinkers?

 

By far the ad that generated the most criticism was a Nationwide spot about child safety. The ad, which was dubbed the Debbie Downer spot, sets up a story about a young boy who didn’t get the opportunity to do many things in life. Then the kicker: “I couldn’t grow up because I died from an accident.”

 

Let’s just say we’re glad the on-field action was worth watching.

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