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Subscribe to RSSWhat do a cat with opposable thumbs, a Sasquatch, and a pug with supersized strength have in common (aside from the fact that, as far as anyone knows, they’re all mythical)?
They’re all part of the commercials that were voted as this year's funniest on Turner Broadcasting System’s annual “Funniest Commercials of the Year” special, which debuted Wednesday night.
This year’s program was hosted by actor Isiah Mustafa, who is pretty familiar with funny commercials himself. He’s probably best known for starring in the popular Old Spice commercial in which he is transported from shower to yacht to horseback, bearing diamonds and “tickets to that thing” for female viewers, all because he uses the brand’s body wash.
Viewers were able to watch and vote for their favorite commercial on TBS’s VeryFunnyAds.com, and the 10 selections garnering the most votes were presented on the show.
The big winner was a spot for Cravendale’s milk, called “Cats with Thumbs,”by advertising agency Weiden+Kennedy. The commercial shows what would happen if cats were equipped with opposable thumbs. Various felines are shown reading and turning pages in books, working on embroidery projects, and gripping a ball with one paw. The cats then form a West Side Story-like gang, complete with finger-snapping and berets. The gang use their thumbs to grip a doorknob and open the door to a man’s kitchen, then then stand in the doorway, menacingly demanding Cravendale milk.
In second place was a spot for the Norwegian bank DnB NOR called “Finally Married,”by the Norwegian agency Try/Apt, Olso. The ad features a woman who wakes up in a fancy hotel room, very hung over, discovering she got married the night before. She is puzzled as she examines a wedding dress she evidently wore and Polaroid pictures of a wedding. She is then greeted by actor George Clooney, evidently her new husband. He wants to show his new bride some homes online that he is considering buying for them. The ad tells viewers “some people are lucky in life, but for the rest of us, saving up can be smart.”
And in third place came the spot for Vigorsol gum, called "Air Action,"which was made by the agency BBH in London. In the commercial for Vigorsol's Italian audience, viewers are shown a couple in a long-distance relationship who miss each other so much the man chews a piece of the gum and blows his breath into a bottle to send to the woman. When she opens it, the bottle — ostensibly because of the extreme freshness of the gum — produces a wind so strong that the skin on her face is blown back and her pet parrot loses all of its feathers.
Here are the rest of TBS’s funniest commercials of the year. Which ones were your favorites?
4. Kia, "Share Some Soul"(David&Goliath, Los Angeles)
5. Land Rover, "Sword Collector"(Young & Rubicam New York)
6. Jack Links, "Sprinklers" (Carmichael Lynch)
7. Snickers, "Party"(BBDO, New York)
8. Doritos, "Pug Attack"(Goodby, Silverstein & Partners)
9. SNY, "Muscles" (Ogilvy & Mather, New York)
10. Volkswagen, "The Force"(Deutsch)
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No '4g Taco Party' Commercial? That was the best I've seen in a good while.
Those videos didn't work for me.
I saw the show and I couldn't believe the cats with thumbs won. It was corny. There were so many better commercials, even ones that weren't risque.
Indicates the occupy movement has them up all night.
I love the first two. Cats and George Clooney...makes this crazy cat lady's heart go pitter patter...
I love the George Clooney one. The look on that woman's face after she sees him is better than the look before she knows!
The lady in the Clooney ad looks like shes going to vomit at 0:36.... as would I.
To me, it looks like she was tilting her head back and opening her mouth in anticipation of a kiss.
I've seen Clooney kiss in several movies and he does this thing where he nuzzles the woman's nose with his. Yow!
This cracks me up - I actually did have a cat with thumbs - she had an extra toe on each of her feet. She used to be able to pick things up with her front paws just like a person would. In her litter, every kitten had either extra toes or double claws. It was pretty interesting - sure fascinated the vet!
Loved the little boy as Darth Vader. So cute and he looked so shocked when he turned the car on. Very sweet!
Clooney one was good...but Kia party rock and darth vader shoulda finished one and two.
I love the Progressive Insurance commercials--I thought the one with the man daydreaming-and the final look on Flo's face was very funny,
The Volkswagon commercial was by far the best on that list.. Can't believe the cat's with thumbs won. I would say its a toss up between the sword collector one and the Volkswagon mini darth vader.
What's about oreo "shut the f ront door. I liked that this year.
Personally, I think the Mayhem Allstate commercials are the best. They weren't even mentioned!
Oh how I wish I was that woman in the Norwegian video:) George Clooney, yummy! If he's looking for a Norwegian, I'm getting in line. And that house, well that's perfect too :) Norway is a beautiful place to live, but then again I'd live anywhere with Clooney!
No Summers Eve Hail to the V? That one is hilarious. The Mayhem Allstate are funny too. The best one? Wash your Balls by Axe. Go to Youtube and check it out!
I think the cats with thumbs was cute. But then again I'm a cat lover.
I know cats are popular but mini-Darth totally trumps West Side Kitty.
Oh why did the Grump withdraw from hosting thew debate! A gasbag and two blowhards would have been funnier than any TV ad.
rajiv - your idiotic comments are unfortunatklly not entertaining....lol
I love Travelers Ins commercial with the dog that falls in love awesome!!! WHere is that one it should have won something some of these are like ng
I've never seen any of these before, and none made me laugh. There are some really funny commercials out there - I was hoping I would see some of those on this list. My problem is that I can never remember what the commercials are advertising.
I find the "Most Interesting Man in the World" commercials by Dos Equies (SP?) to be classic! I can't wait for new ones every time!
This list has lost credibility by this not even making the list...
What about the Subway Ssandwich commerciaks where all the adults voices, act like kids, voices and all!! I love those commercials. Especially the one with Todd, Sarah, and Sally. CRacks me up every time.
The cat s with thumbs was hysterical - but my favorite was the George Clooney one! What a hoot! He's got a great flare for comedy ...and it was so obvious that he was enjoying the joke! I don't know how the actess playing the bride kept her composure!
And I agree with Norskejente's comment: ANYWHERE with George Clooney would be wonderful. I've actually sailed by his home on Lake Como!
try this one... it's funnier than all the rest.