"Space Babies" 2014 Kia Sorento Big Game Ad (YouTube)
By FOX 2 News Staff
(WJBK) -- It wouldn't be Super Bowl Sunday without the commercials. And this year's crop is shaping up to be a solid mix of funny, sexy, surprising and even controversial.
Take, for example, the Volkswagen Beetle ad. The minute-long spot ("Get In. Get Happy.") features a white office worker trying to cheer up disgruntled colleagues with a thick Jamaican accent. Critics view the ad as racist. New York Times columnist Charles Blow went as far to call it "like blackface with voices."
VW officials disagree. "If you look at the whole intent of the commercial for us, it's about making people happy," said Scott Vazin, a VW spokesman. "The idea is to put a smile on your face. It's simple and human and humorous."
Supermodel Kate Upton appears in Mercedes-Benz ad clad in tiny denim shorts and a black tank top. A pair of scantily clad bridesmaids hustle to change into their gowns in a new Fiat. Danica Patrick pilots a private jet for GoDaddy.com. The world is introduced to 'Space Babies." And night vision goggles help wrangle in a Wheat Thin-loving yeti.
Those are just a few of the Super Bowl commercials released over the past week by companies paying reportedly $4 million for 30 seconds, according to Time Magazine.
Have a look at 20 ads we found on YouTube in the playlist above. Note: Click the word 'playlist' in the bottom left corner to view the menu of videos.
Friday, May 24 2013 1:52 PM EDT2013-05-24 17:52:39 GMT
Alan Lee asks Wallace if the subject of Viagara will 'come up' in Wallace's scheduled interview with former Senator Bob Dole. Wallace responds, "Comes up, really that's what you're going to say?"
Alan Lee asks Wallace if the subject of Viagara will 'come up' in Wallace's scheduled interview with former Senator Bob Dole. Wallace responds, "Comes up, really that's what you're going to say?"
Friday, May 24 2013 10:54 AM EDT2013-05-24 14:54:29 GMT
Gearin' Up is a non-profit organization that collects gently used clean camp gear, board games, art supplies and raises money to donate to special need camps: Camp Kesem and St. Francis on the Lake.
Gearin' Up is a non-profit organization that collects gently used clean camp gear, board games, art supplies and raises money to donate to special need camps: Camp Kesem and St. Francis on the Lake.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:35 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:35:12 GMT
A Midwest mom and Petoskey, Mich. native, Amy Hanten, is "The Cooking Mom." Her brand new cookbook, The Cooking Mom Cooks Up Memories is filled with more than 170 recipes.
A Midwest mom and Petoskey, Mich. native, Amy Hanten, is "The Cooking Mom." Her brand new cookbook, The Cooking Mom Cooks Up Memories is filled with more than 170 recipes.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:01 AM EDT2013-05-24 13:01:13 GMT
Just because it's not going to feel hot outside this Memorial Day weekend, doesn't mean you can skip the sunscreen. Find out which one is best for you.
Just because it's not going to feel hot outside this Memorial Day weekend, doesn't mean you can skip the sunscreen. Find out which one is best for you.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:53 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:53:20 GMT
Get ready for the sound of lawn tractors all around the city of Detroit this weekend. That's because the Detroit Mower Gang is heading out to cut the grass at the city's parks and playgrounds for 24 straight hours.
Get ready for the sound of lawn tractors all around the city of Detroit this weekend. That's because the Detroit Mower Gang is heading out to cut the grass at the city's parks and playgrounds for 24 straight hours.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:54 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:54:54 GMT
From Polish food and carnival rides to electronic music along the riverfront, there's plenty to do this Memorial Day weekend. Go inside the story for a complete list of events, parades and much more.
From Polish food and carnival rides to electronic music along the riverfront, there's plenty to do this Memorial Day weekend. Go inside the story for a complete list of events, parades and much more.
"Space Babies" 2014 Kia Sorento Big Game Ad (YouTube)
