Best Ads of the Week: Sports Direct’s nostalgic neighborhood & Powerade’s pinnacle push

This week, Visa challenges the idea of prodigies, Nike enlists famous footballers for the Euros and Napoleon Dynamite fronts an Ore-Ida tater tots ad.

Morrisons: 125th Anniversary Ad by Leo Burnett UK

As Morrisons approaches its 125th birthday, a new ad cleverly showcases the evolution of the store from its inception to the present day. It begins with founder William Morrison at his market stall in Bradford, taking viewers on a journey through time. The narrative emphasizes the role played by skilled butchers, fishmongers, bakers and cheesemongers, highlighting their daily interactions with customers.

Ore-Ida: Tot-Protecting Pants by The Kitchen

To celebrate Napoleon Dynamite’s 20th anniversary, Kraft-Heinz’s Ore-Ida brand, the creators of the original tater tots, has enlisted Napoleon Dynamite actor Jon Heder to reprise his role as Napoleon in a new campaign.

Directed by Aaron Ruell, who played Kip in the film, the commercial recreates the quirky charm of the original movie. Heder dons an Ore-Ida T-shirt instead of his iconic ‘Vote for Pedro’ ringer tee. While reflecting on the traumatic tot-crushing incident, he introduces ‘The Ore-Ida Tot-Protecting Pants’ – pants specifically designed to safeguard tater tots from bullies. These pants, inspired by fan requests, feature a stylish dark gray crocodile-print pattern and a unique, food-safe pocket to keep tots crispy and fluffy.

Nike: Awaken Your Madness by Wieden+Kennedy London

Nike Football has launched ‘Awaken Your Madness,’ a bold new ad campaign coinciding with the kickoff of Uefa Euro 2024 in Munich, where Germany meets Scotland today. Featuring top footballers like Erling Haaland, Vini Jr, and Kylian Mbappé, the campaign pulses to the beat of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ There’s Somethin’ Wrong with You.

It showcases the extreme rituals these athletes endure, from early morning wake-ups to raw egg consumption, illustrating the relentless drive needed for greatness. Legendary Ronaldinho adds his unique flair, highlighting the dedication required to excel globally.

KFC: Believe in Chicken by Mother

KFC’s latest campaign breaks from tradition with a darkly humorous spin on life’s chaos, signaling a bold creative shift for the brand. Featuring unbranded billboards that sparked curiosity, the new ad eschews the ‘Finger Lickin’ slogan in favor of a comedic take on AI and political discontent. Reminiscent of 28 Days Later and Stranger Things, the spot revolves around a cult-like narrative centered on KFC’s chicken, backed by an engaging soundtrack that complements the unconventional approach in fast food advertising.

Visa: Prodigies by Wieden+Kennedy

Visa, a global leader in digital payments, this week launched ‘Prodigies,’ an inspiring, star-studded brand film showcasing the pivotal role of small steps in achieving success. ‘Prodigies’ features an impressive lineup, including music legend Pharrell Williams, tennis superstar Iga Swiatek, Olympic medalist in skateboarding Sky Brown, Visa Cash App RB driver Daniel Ricciardo, chef and entrepreneur Roy Choi and artist and designer Gemma O’Brien. Through their stories, ‘Prodigies’ brings to light the early dreams, relentless hard work and challenges each person faced before becoming household names.

Reddit: The Reddit Recommendation Engine

In ‘The Reddit Recommendation Engine,’ industry leaders from major holding companies highlight the platform’s authentic user endorsements as a potent marketing tool amid a landscape dominated by curated content and paid endorsements. This B2B campaign, launched post-Reddit’s IPO, underscores the influence of genuine Reddit recommendations. Featuring unscripted insights from executives like Cara Lewis and JiYoung Kim, the initiative emphasizes Reddit’s role in fostering trust and driving consumer action. Spearheaded by Reddit’s B2B team, the campaign showcases the platform’s unique appeal through real-world success stories and strategic partnerships with leading agencies, marking a significant step in Reddit’s advertising evolution.

Dr Squatch: Most Valuable Balls

Nick Cannon’s prolific fatherhood and rumored vasectomy have sparked a humorous Father’s Day campaign with natural soap brand Dr Squatch, valuing his reproductive prowess at $10m.

Dubbed ‘Most Valuable Balls,’ this partnership ensures ironclad protection for Cannon’s future offspring through innovative Ball Care products, like the Groin Guardian Electric Trimmer, Ball Barrier Dry Lotion and Beast Wipes. Dr Squatch’s Ball Valuation Tool, men can reportedly discover their own “ball value” and invest in hygiene with products. The initiative, created by earned creative agency Made You Feel, aims to destigmatize below-the-belt care, promoting confidence and health among men while celebrating Cannon’s family legacy.

Powerade: It Takes More by Ogilvy

Powerade, a global leader in sports beverages and the Official Sports Drink of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 has launched an exciting new national campaign featuring star athletes Sha’Carri Richardson and Katie Grimes.

In two dynamic 30-second spots, Powerade’s ‘It Takes More’ initiative spotlights the relentless dedication, sacrifice, and preparation these athletes invest to reach the pinnacle of their sports. The campaign underscores the unseen hours of training that power world-class performances and aims to inspire the next generation to chase their dreams with unwavering commitment.

British Heart Foundation: Til I Died by Saatchi & Saatchi

British Heart Foundation has launched a poignant new campaign ahead of Euro 2024 that sensitively commemorates 12 young lives lost to heart disease. Titled ‘Til I Died,’ the campaign features hand-painted murals that serve as both memorials and powerful statements, raising awareness and urging action against heart disease among youth. Timed strategically alongside Euro 2024, the campaign aims for widespread visibility and impact, highlighting the unexpected impact of heart disease on young people through compelling visuals and heartfelt narratives.

Sports Direct: Football Fever Starts Here by Mox

Sports Direct’s vibrant new ad for Euro 2024 celebrates football with a nostalgic twist, featuring stars like Conor Gallagher, Jordan Pickford, Ruben Dias and Ian Wright. Set in local communities, the ad portrays how football fever unites diverse areas, emphasizing passion and community spirit. Shot in a charming 90s style, it highlights ordinary places like a Manchester cul-de-sac, evoking nostalgia and broadening its appeal across generations. This blend of modern football icons and retro aesthetics creates a compelling narrative that resonates with fans of all ages.

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