Talking bad about Chuck

Charles Schwab advertising has taken a huge risk with its new "Talk to Chuck" campaign. To the creatives that managed to get this crazy execution successfully by the client, I give you credit. However, I don't like the approach. Yes, the animation gets your attention. Yes, the style gives the finacial institute contemporary feel. Yes, it's original. BUT it's just too obvious. The tagline "Talk to Chuck" is too forced. The animation style has no relevance to the message. The attempt to be new and hip is just too straight forward for the skepticism of today's media savvy consumer. Everyone knows what they are trying to do and half of them are just creeped out by the art. What do you think?

View the "Chuck" Campaign

Super Bowl XL

I know I'm a little behind, been busy recently, but the Super Bowl can't go without mentioning.
Let me just compare my personal top ten with U.S. Today's top ten and some comments

U.S. Today Top Ten:
Bud Light A secret fridge stocks Bud Light.
Budweiser Young Clydesdale dreams big.
FedEx Cave man uses prehistoric overnight delivery.
Sierra Mist Sierra Mist can't clear airport security.
Bud Light Men pretend to work on rooftops, but relax instead.
Budweiser Sheep streaks at big game.
Ameriquest Patient's family walks in on medical misunderstanding.
Bud Light Office manager motivates employees with hidden bottles.
Ameriquest Plane turbulence creates awkward situation.
Budweiser Stadium crowd turns a wave into a Bud promotion.

My Top Ten:
FedEx Cave man uses prehistoric overnight delivery.
Ameriquest Patient's family walks in on medical misunderstanding.
Ameriquest Plane turbulence creates awkward situation.
Bud Light A secret fridge stocks Bud Light.
Sierra Mist Sierra Mist can't clear airport security.
Bud Light Camper sprints faster than a bear.
Dove Girls hate their looks
CareerBuilder Lady works with jack asses
Sharpie Pirate uses clickable sharpie
DIet Pepsi Kung Fu can stunt double

I think the Fedex spot gave the most laughs and the Ameriquest spots are clever genius.
The Bud Light campaign was great as ussual. Sierra Mist was a plesant chuckle. Dove made every girl I know feel good, effective. Sharpie was an under-rated laugh. Diet Pepsi gets respect from me only because I worked on it with DDB NY.

Some other comments: Michelob, I can't handle another tackle joke. Totally over done with the Office Linebacker and several other spots. United Airlines, great art direction but maybe a little too artsy for the general public. Disney NFL, great feel good spot, however it can't be played after the Super Bowl, not too smart. ESPN Mobile, cool and often overlooked, probably too weak for the Super Bowl. Slim Fast, Stephen I respect you so much that I understand this isn't representative of your best work. Hummer, this gets a negative reaction for some reason, probably because the coolness of the Hummer is fading fast. Emerald Nuts, way too far guys, like drawing words from a hat, dumb. I have strong opinions about several others but this will do.

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