Where’s a lumberjack when you need one? So, I’ve been watching this Wendy’s tree-kicking spot for a few weeks now, and I have to say I’m not a fan. In fact, it kinda annoys the hell out of me. At first I couldn’t quite figure out why. It doesn’t play off sexist stereotypes or insult my intelligence. So, why does it irritate me so much? After some hefty research, I decided: 1) It’s a looooong 60 seconds. 2) It has this wannabe-Crispin vibe that just falls flat. (It’s actually Saatchi & Saatchi.) 3) The casting spec seems like it just said “Will Ferrell.” 4) One of my favorite fast-food ads already takes place in the woods, and it’s a mere 15 seconds. And that one actually is Crispin. —Posted by David Griner

June 15, 2007 in Griner, Wendy's | Permalink

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Comments

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I have to agree here, this stuff makes little Wendy cry. Don't even get me started on the Hamlet refrigerator spot. P-U.

Posted by: little Wendy | Jun 15, 2007 12:06:54 PM

Hi...Every one...

Would you...add me... please....?

we need busy traffic here...

thank you...

Cheers...

Posted by: A KUI | Jun 15, 2007 12:37:34 PM

Hi...Every one...

add me please...

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http://girls-accessory-jewellery.blogspot.com

http://asia-printing.spaces.live.com/

thank you...

Cheers...

Posted by: A KUI | Jun 15, 2007 12:42:25 PM

ok i feel inclined to respond to this since i had a beef (yeah that was intended) with a previous post about wendy's ads (guy eating on a plane).

first, it is a step up from the guy eating on the plane spot. But personally it takes to me pippy long stockings and not wendy. might have something to do with casting.

second, don't think it shows up in this spot, but some of the other new wendy's stuff features the VO of Zach "suffering on the inside" Braff. Now, i am not going to write the guy off, but VO is not his thing, "Chicken Little" proved this. When you can't see his big head and awkward smiles it just sounds weird. Dr. Phil would have been a better VO.

now i will leave you with this. if you sat through the NBA finals, which only took thirty minutes, at the end of game 4 there was a McDonald's commercial about Filet O' Fish. It was a staggering 130 seconds of two sandwiches saying filet o'fish to each other. It had promise, but if there is one thing less appetizing than actually eating a filet o'fish it would have to be staring at it on TV for 130 seconds. But it did make me want to see McDonalds and the US Postal Service partner up. New rule if you are going to make things that can't talk, talk, then at least go all the way and give it eyes and a mouth, like the respect paid to the McNuggets.

Posted by: D | Jun 15, 2007 4:58:45 PM

You're right. It's definitely a step up from the Blister in the Sun/Burger in the Middle spot.

Funny you should mention Filet O'Fish. In the link below, Advergirl takes me task for my critique of the Wendy's spot and uses the Filet ad as a beacon of annoyance. I actually love it. But yeah, it's long.

http://leighhouse.typepad.com/advergirl/2007/06/taking_on_grine.html

Posted by: David Griner | Jun 15, 2007 5:50:22 PM

Although the man wears a Wendy's wig, I've heard that people have still failed to indentify the connection.

Thanks for pointing out your favorite BK commercial. The payoff is hilarious!

Posted by: Joel | Jun 16, 2007 3:42:32 AM

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