Where Steve Nash Happens

Here is the Steve Nash spot from the NBA's "Where Amazing Happens" campaign. It cleverly uses the car's navigation lady to detail Steve Nash's path to success. A good idea by the NBA to use one of their most popular and marketable (meaning white) players. I love this one, although I can that it may fall under the "what the hell was that advertising?" category. B.

THE MOUTH:

I love Steve Nash, but I don't like this commercial much. I don't think using that navigation system to tell the story is all that clever--although it works with "where you have arrived happens." I hate that robot navigation voice in cars and this doesn't really do anything to diminish that. "You are now receiving your 2nd MVP" is possibly the worst line. The style is interesting, but doesn't seem to match the character of the NBA or the other spots in this campaign. C-.

NBA, Where Amazing Happens: A

"Where amazing happens." What a great, outstanding line. Something about it sounds wrong, which makes it all the more...amazing? A great example of how much you can do with a simple, true idea and great writing. Where never meant to happen happens. Where amazing happens. Where amazing happens. Where amazing happens! I love saying it. Say it with me. Where amazing happens.


The Hawk:

My first reaction to The Mouth liking this saying so much was negative at best. I thought it was too corny and cheesy. However, the more I think about it, it's not the tag line I don't like, it's this particular ad. It is too over the top with the piano music... almost a self-righteous type feel. I bet Mike Breen loves this one. The exploitation of the afro doesn't help my opinion, either. I much prefer the individual player ads that go along with this campaign. Continue reading the next few entries for the reviews of those...

C for this one.

Chris Bosh, Vote For Me: A-

Somehow my associate failed to write about this after raving about it in his own blogs. Perhaps he forgot, or perhaps he doesn't consider it an ad. But an ad it is. "Best thing about it is, you think it's $20? No sir."



The fact that Bosh went out and made a YouTube video asking fans to vote for him is brilliant. There are some fan-made YouTube videos pleading for votes for their favorite players, but to my knowledge Bosh is the only one who went the extra mile, grabbed a camcorder, a cowboy hat and a faux redneck accent to garner votes. The mock used-car salesman act isn't quite perfect, but you have to appreciate the effort. He even gives a nod to his Canadian fans with a Boxing Day mention.

"Fillin out these ballots is easy as cow tipping. Ain't that right, Bubba?"

I feel like there's a little something missing (hence the A-), but I can't put my finger on it.

Dwyane Wade Converse: D

This commercial is supposed to be soooooooooo introspective and make you think, "Man, that shit is deep, son!".

But it makes me feel like I'm watching something I should not be privy to. It makes me feel uncomfortable. Maybe what D-Wade does behind closed doors in an NBA arena should remain between himself and the 20,000+ seats.

Also, this is a good ad for... Dwyane Wade. But what product is this for, again? Is it for an indie flick? A documentary? D-Wade's audition for Michael Buffer's job?