Adverts 2013 - The top 25 commercials

By Simon Wright – Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88

IT is that time of year again where several areas have got the review treatment from me and one of the annual areas is the advert.

Advert of the Year is here - who has made the top 25 in 2013?

So what was the best commercial of 2013 (logo pictured)? Some will see these messages as pointless and the perfect opportunity to make a quick phone call or to put the kettle on, post a message on social media or take a comfort break. Others enjoy the commercials, either for laughter, the serious effect or if it sells the message it is directing to you, the consumer.

John Lewis has come out on top in the last two years with their Christmas adverts. This time, the Xmas advert hasn’t made the top 25 but will the company still make it a hat-trick in 2013. This is Advert of the Year.

25. Apple (Photos Every Day)

Apple’s domination of the technology market has been marginalised in recent years by the Android effect. However the iPhone remains the most popular smartphone and it can share great memories from an early age to retirement. This advert promotes the camera tool, showing that photos can be taken everyday and cherished forever.

24. Halfords (Tour de Britain)

There was more British success in the Tour de France this summer with Chris Froome winning the classic event. However Halfords elected to put a funny spin on this recent control by staging the Tour de Britain in a 40-second advert. See what happens by clicking ‘Play.’

23. AXA (Little Things Mean A Lot)

It might not be as funny as some others in this list but there is real sentimental value to the new advertising campaign ran this year by AXA to promote their home insurance. This commercial follows a romantic couple who are enjoying a break in Brighton but the female of this loved-up pair is devastated when a break-in at home sees some priceless jewellery stolen. So if it can’t be returned, AXA will sort the small things out and make things better. Sometimes, it is the little things that mean more than the big, bulky items in life.

22. Jessops (Are You In)

It has been a difficult year for camera chain Jessops. In January 2013, the company slipped into administration and within days, all 187 UK stores had been closed, taking 1,370 jobs with it. Dragons’ Den entrepreneur Peter Jones though bought the assets two months later and is attempting to reform them as both an online and retail business. In this commercial, Jones spends the day undercover in the main Oxford Street shop to attempt customer service skills. It doesn’t quite work but it indicates that sometimes, one-to-one interaction is better than just placing an order online on the internet. It will be interesting to see if Jessops progresses under its new owner in 2014. The advert has some comic appeal and I personally hope Jones makes a success of the brand.

21. PlayStation 4 (This is for the Players)

The world of gaming went up a gear this year with the launch of both Xbox One and PlayStation 4 in November 2013. PlayStation’s advert isn’t quite as appealing as some of the older versions of the console but this still attracts the consumer, grabs their attention and makes sure they are number one. From early reviews, it seems like Sony might have nudged back ahead of Microsoft in this battle. PlayStation 4 is for the players.

20. TSB (Welcome Back to Local Banking)

Another name many were delighted to see return to the high street and the banking industry this year were TSB. TSB had been around for over 100 years until 1995 when Lloyds Bank merged with them to form Lloyds TSB. A ruling of the European Commission stated the group had to sell a portion of its business as it categorised a 43.4 per cent stake by HM Government as state aid.

Therefore, Lloyds decided to buy out the Cheltenham & Gloucester brand and disband the TSB name, reforming as Lloyds Bank. Consequently, TSB is now back and this is a lengthy commercial showing the story of its founder, the Reverend Henry Duncan. Only time will tell to see how much impact they will have but it is nice to have TSB back in many retail outlets up and down the land.

19. Harvester (Junior Chefs)

This commercial is cheeky in many ways. Two little chefs battle it out in the kitchen, branding out orders to more senior members of the team. This was part of a competition by Harvester which saw a vote to see if Ben or his little sister Annie won the battle in the cooking department. There’s a little Jamie Oliver in all of us!

18. Whiskas (Big Cat, Little Cat)

While it lacks the power or the knockout punch of other adverts in 2013, this is one of the more heart-warming ones, particularly for lovers of cats. It shows the cheetah, known as the fastest safari animal running quickly after hearing the barking sound of a dog. He then enters a cat flap, and transforms into a little cat, all based around the love for Whiskas. Other cat foods are available!

17. Virgin Media (Terrible Speed)

Two adverts from Virgin Media have made the top 25 this year and this is the first, promoting their broadband. Former Doctor Who star David Tennant seems to be frustrated with the terrible speed his broadband service is providing and therefore, promotes Virgin Media’s superfast broadband with the help of Sir Richard Branson and Usain Bolt. My favourite part is when Bolt asks the Doctor to put his hand down but is bluntly told ‘NO!’ by Tennant.

16. Royal Mail (We Love Parcels)

Royal Mail hadn’t done a major TV advertising campaign since 2007 so it was about time they did something and it is a good return to form. Featuring the postmen and women who deliver their parcels, this advert came out just in time for Christmas at a crucial time of the year for gifts and presents. The advert shows the staff working extremely hard to bring joy and delight to the faces of many across the nation. This features the voices of the Royal Mail Choir with the cover of ‘All You Need Is Love’ by The Beatles being sung from the famous Abbey Road Studios.

15. Sky Broadband (Toy Story of Terror)

Another broadband advert and while it is no longer on the big screen, the animation doesn’t stop for Toy Story. Wi-Fi 2000 can’t handle the amount of internet usage and it eventually causes a powercut in the town. It all started because Rex was watching a move that was struggling to buffer. Use your head Rex, that’s your best use! The advert is to highlight Sky’s Fibre Broadband service which is totally unlimited and superfast but that’s what they say. I can’t judge who is the quickest because honestly, I’m not too bothered by these statistics.

14. Guinness (Wheelchair Basketball)

I don’t drink Guinness and nor will I ever but the advertising and marketing geniuses have come up with some memorable adverts down the years. ‘Evolution’ and ‘Surfers’ are two that spring to mind. This one with music from the Cinematic Orchestra shows a group of friends enjoying a game of competitive wheelchair basketball, dedicated to winning but also staying loyal to their personal friendships. It ends down the local with a pint of Guinness. You can’t really argue with the results.

13. Sony Xperia (Momentous Events)

Japanese manufacturer Sony made its big breakthrough onto the smartphone market this year with the Xperia Z. This shows some of Sony’s evolution through the years from the Walkman’s inception to the birth of the PlayStation in 1995. It ultimately combines with a couple taking photos of a colourful carnival and testing how water resistant the phone is. The music is David Bowie’s classic Sound and Vision, remixed by Sonjay Prabhakar. I liked the commercial so much, I bought the phone in late August and it is a decision I haven’t regretted.

12. EE (Conga Dance)

I find Kevin Bacon, the man behind the EE adverts a tad irritating but this is a corny advert. After the results come in which shows EE has the fastest 4G broadband service (yes that word again), Bacon joins a Conga line which never seems to end. It also involves the conga invading the Deal or No Deal set in Bristol, leaving host Noel Edmonds slightly bemused. Shame the identity of ‘The Banker’ wasn’t revealed.

11. Kronenbourg 1664 (The Farmers of Alsace)

While I might not be the biggest fan of Bacon (both person and the food), Eric Cantona is of a different scale. A genius on the football field, this temperamental Frenchman has become a filmstar and now a commercial ace. Here, he promotes the good tasting Kronenbourg 1664 and the farmers in a local French town of Alsace, who are appreciated as much as English footballers. Cue some farmer statues, a couple of curious facial expressions and then Cantona hoping to get lucky at the end, when a woman asks him if he is a father too!

10. Sky (Moments)

The selection of Christmas TV adverts has been largely disappointing this year and that’s a pity. However, this is my personal favourite. The music by Jonathan Goldstein has become so popular; it is now available to be downloaded as a full-length track on iTunes. Sky’s Magical Moments season follows three families or individuals hoping to feel happy or lucky in the festive season. It starts sad and full of regret or sorrow but provides a happy ending for all three outcomes. A lovely advert by Sky, showing magic can happen at Christmas.

9. Allianz (School Run)

The busy school run can have its pressures, such as remembering lunchboxes, having the right kind of shoes and the annoyance parents’ get of regular shouts of ‘Are We There Yet.’ Filmed at what looks like the Rockingham Oval in Northamptonshire, this advert for Allianz portrays all these issues in a battle to see who can get to the chequered flag first. The pressure of winning or just getting there in one piece is empathised by Allianz and it has its comical moments in this advert.

8. Argos (Awesome Stuff)

The Argos Aliens returned for another year of interesting commercials and their spring one was one of frustration for one member of the family. Seeing a product he is after online on a third-party website, he seems happy to accept the 3-5 day delivery wait, believing it will come earlier than that. As seen, that is not the case and going to Argos is probably cheaper, quicker and easier. Awesome stuff!

7. John Lewis (Things Matter)

The ranking here guarantees that it won’t be a hat-trick of top honours for John Lewis but things do matter and home insurance is one of these. This advert shows the precious pieces and some clever work in design studios to ensure everything in the house from furniture to books makes a bid for freedom before the family of five pose for a picture outside. Insure everything precious to you. Nina Nesbitt sings a cover of the 1980s song ‘Don’t Stop’ by Fleetwood Mac and has just completed her debut album. She could be an artist to watch in the coming year.

6. BT Sport (Great Sport Happens Here)

BBC’s Formula One coverage went downhill from the moment Jake Humphrey signed off as anchor after the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix. Frustrated at being the number two/three choice for major BBC sporting events, Humphrey elected to move to BT Sport and become the number one presenter. Here, he promotes the channel’s first TV advert featuring stars such as Brian O’Driscoll, Joe Hart, Lawrence Dallaglio and Robin van Persie. With top pick matches from the Barclays Premier League alongside Aviva Premiership Rugby, MotoGP, WTA tennis and from 2015, the UEFA Champions League – BT Sport is here to stay. Great sport is really happening and Sky have been warned.

5. Virgin Media (Three Tennants)

Isn’t it a grave disappointment when three programmes you want to watch are on at the same time? Well, if you have the TiVO service from Virgin Media, this isn’t a problem. As demonstrated by David Tennant and a feisty battle between three lookalikes for supremacy, the three Tennants eventually get silenced by Richard Branson. Still, it was a great duel while it lasted and just squeezes into my top five in 2013.

4. Carling (Trick Shot)

In May, Carling launched a new advertising campaign featuring Jon and Dylan getting up to wild and wacky adventures. The first commercial sees Dylan heading up to the pool table to tackle the ultimate trick shot, not seen since the days of Big Break. It looks like target has been achieved until the white ball changes course – will it stay on the table or drop into the hole? Click ‘Play’ to find out.

3. British Airways (Today, Tomorrow)

Two years on from the classic To Fly, To Serve ad, British Airways introduced their new advert featuring the classy Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The commercial illustrates the comforts available to make a plane journey better than ever before. They are still the world’s favourite airline today, will be tomorrow and for some time to come on this evidence.

2. Comparethemeerkat.com (Fat Sergei)

Runner-Up this year goes to Aleksandr and the hilarious meerkats who have starred in adverts this year with Gary Barlow and become new sponsors of ITV soap opera Coronation Street. This is my favourite though as it sees Aleksandr’s Meerkat assistant Sergei putting on quite a bit of weight. It means he looks completely out of sync in comparison to his Meerkat toy and will require an intense fitness programme to get back into shape. Fat Sergei though does the work required to his normal size before the advert ends. This is another tremendous advert in the collection. Simples!

1. Three (The Dancing Pony)

The number one advert of 2013 is one by the mobile phone company Three. Often put in the shade by rivals EE, O2 and Vodafone, they’ve come up with this catchy commercial which sees a pony pulling off some exceptional dance moves that wouldn’t look out of place on Strictly Come Dancing. You simply have to love this advert, even though there isn’t much reference to what Three actually sells. I guess the moral is never to underestimate anyone, as people or creatures can be capable of the strangest talents possible.

So, congratulations to Three and their Dancing Pony, voted as Viewing Perspectives’ Advert of the Year for 2013. 

Categories: 2013, Adverts, British Airways, Carling, David Tennant, John Lewis, Meerkats, Richard Branson, Three, Virgin Media

Christmas adverts of today...and the past

By Simon Wright - Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88

It is the time of year where the festive season is around the corner and it is time to be jolly. No-one likes a Grinch at this time of year. It is also this period where the shops go into overdrive as they launch huge campaigns to get us to shop on the high street or online and to grab our money for the presents you want to buy for your loved ones.

This involves advertising and it means that on almost every single commercial break on primetime TV, you will see a Christmas advert. They range from the stupid and ridiculous to the simple classics that always entertain us every year.

Having seen the majority of the big boys launch their commercial campaign already, I’ve come to the conclusion that the average Xmas advert in 2013 is disappointing.

Retail giant John Lewis has set the standard in recent years with powerful and heartfelt adverts that capture the attention of the viewers and more importantly, the shoppers.

However their 2013 advert (caption pictured), premiered last Saturday during the X-Factor on ITV falls well short of expectations. Had it not been for the big build-up, you would struggle to guess what it is actually advertising. Having cost a reported £7m to make, I have to consider it as a total waste of money. While it does show the love and caring side towards Christmas (advert below), it hints that the brains behind the campaign were struggling for ideas to promote the brand this year. The only advantage they have is the use of a decent soundtrack. Personally, I think Lily Allen’s cover of the Keane song ‘Somewhere Only We Know,’ is lame and dreadful but it is selling copies and being downloaded heavily. It is more than likely that Allen will have a number one to her name come Sunday night but it will her most fortunate success to date.

On Wednesday night during Coronation Street, supermarket chain Sainsbury’s launched their Christmas campaign which shows normal families enjoying the build-up and the actual day of joy and company. The campaign of home videos is for an upcoming documentary film called ‘Christmas in a Day,’ directed by an Oscar winner in Kevin Macdonald. The advert in terms of content is of good quality and the ending is quite joyous as two youngsters experience the thrill and delight of their father having returned home from combat in Afghanistan to be with family on Christmas Day. Unfortunately, the advert is too long at three and a half minutes and it won’t be remembered for that. At the two minute mark (advert below), there is a gentleman in his kitchen talking into the camera but eagle eye viewers spotted three food items from one of Sainsbury’s rivals in the Co-Op!

A Co-Operative spokeswoman said on Thursday: “It seems that our Truly Irresistible Christmas pudding, lemon torte and Christmas cake are so good, even Sainsbury’s can’t resist advertising them!”

It is an embarrassing faux-pas for Sainsbury’s, as they struggle to compete with the tried and trusted Tesco’s, a Morrison’s campaign with TV favourites Ant & Dec and ASDA, recently voted best supermarket for low prices for the 16^th successive year. Even ALDI have made their moves into the industry with joyous promotional material (2012 advert example below).

Other commercials for the likes of Littlewoods, Marks & Spencer, Very.co.uk and TK Max pass by without hardly a comment, let alone a big fuss. My personal favourite this year actually comes from Sky. The advert shows a teenager with headphones almost glued to her ears looking pretty downcast at this joyous time of year. Her younger brother seems upset, so leaves a gift in her doorway and the generous idea works as she comes down with her family to watch some good Christmas TV on Sky Movies (advert below). It might seem simple and basic but it is an excellent effort from Sky, who have been rivalled by the likes of Virgin Media and more recently, BT in the past 12 months.

Christmas from the past

The Christmas advert has been on our TV screens for many years and there have been some real crackers down the past three decades. Here are some of my favourites, including ones from Woolworths, John Lewis, Boots and of course, the Coca Cola Christmas trucks.

I believe though that none of 2013’s adverts will be remembered fondly in the years to come.

Categories: 2013, Adverts, Christmas, ITV, John Lewis, Lily Allen, Oscars, Sainsbury's, Sky, TV

The UK's best selling skincare products

By Simon Wright - Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88

All articles are available and were written on TheRankTank.com

Earlier in the summer, I wrote some retail pieces for the website TheRankTank.com.  The Rank Tank is a site that promotes the best selling products for a variety of companies, and it is the job of the writers like myself to produce detailed and informative content about the various sectors assigned to us.

There are areas on the site for a whole range of products.  This ranges from toys and games to computing and entertainment segments.  I was set the task of researching the top five skincare products for the male specimen on this planet.  

Below is the top five, with Nivea for Men as expected leading the way.

NIVEA FOR MEN REHYDRATING MOISTURISER

BEST PRICE: £5.20 at Amazon

Nivea products have always been very successful

One of the most annoying issues for men is the development of dry skin, especially on our faces. For supreme protection from this aspect, use Nivea for Men Rehydrating Moisturiser. Apply to the areas that need the most attention, mainly facial and neck areas twice a day. Before applying for the maximum result, use either Exfoliating Face Scrub or Nivea for Men Deep Clean Face Wash.

Nivea is a proven winning product. Between the years of 2004 and 2010, it was voted number one in skincare range by readers of FHM magazine.  Men who use this product can trust to get the results they are looking for. Afterwards, their skin will feel smooth and supple, and it will look healthy again, alienating those dry patches that for some can be very tempting to pick away at. It also helps protect the skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Nivea for Men Rehydrating Moisturiser (pictured above) is formulated with special Vitamin E and Provitamin B5, and provides solid and effective protection from dry facial skin for 24 hours. It is a handy product to use to keep the male breed looking cool.

NIP+MAN SCRUBBING FACE WASH

BEST PRICE: £5.95 at Boots

Using Nip+Man on a daily basis will produce the right results

Nip+Man Scrubbing Face Wash (pictured) should be used daily to retexture and resurface skin elements while Caffeine Extract brightens and refreshes your face. This product is currently not available in the United States, so the potential of it expanding into a wider market is most definitely there. Use this on a daily basis and it can be used as a pre-shave preparation product to allow for a smoother and relaxing shave.

The use of the Brazilian Papaya chemical provides the results you would be looking for. Put a very delicate amount onto your hand when using the product, then place gently into damp skin areas that are causing irritation. Finally rinse with warm water to get the complete facial experience. It makes your skin feel completely re-energised, ready for another day in any occupation of life. The contents of 150ml might sound small, especially when you consider the best prices but as long as individuals are careful and don’t use it in one go, a tube of this should last approximately two or three months.

Nip+Man Scrubbing Face Wash is one of the leading male skincare products on the market at the moment, and it provides cool cleansing and eccentric energetic results to your skin.

NO7 MEN POST SHAVE RECOVERY BALM

BEST PRICE: £8 at Boots

Say goodbye to raw skin with use of No7 for Men

No7 for Men Post Shave Recovery Balm (pictured) is an exclusive product of major pharmaceutical giant Boots and is currently unavailable in any of the leading supermarkets or internet shopping websites. This indicates it is a rare product and a leader in its particular targeted market.

This is a skincare product that is suitable for those who have sensitive skin. It should be used after shaving. Boots have come up with a product that not only replenishes skin texture, but leaves it feeling calm and soft after use.

This product shouldn’t be used in large quantities. In fact, all you need to do is squeeze a small amount onto the palm of your hand, and we’re talking th amount of about the size of a fingertip. Rub the contents onto both of your hands to leave an even amount on each hand. Then massage onto all areas of your face, but pay the most attention to those parts that are creating high irritation or elements of redness.

Boots have worked hard to push this product, thanks to their skincare experts and the result is No7 for Men Post Shave Recovery Balm means you can wave goodbye to irritated and raw skin after shaving.      

PALMER COCOA BUTTER MEN BODY AND FACE LOTION

Best Price: £2.99 at HealthMonthly.co.uk

Palmer’s is the UK’s number one Cocoa Butter Brand and it has now created its first Body and Face Lotion for men. This product offers effective no-nonsense masculine skincare.

Palmer's Cococa Butter Formula works all over the male body

For use on a daily basis, it can be used in small or bigger quantities. Gently massage the contents used onto your skin after washing. The main ingredients of Vitamin E and Cocoa Butter will combat areas of dry skin, and also parts that have undergone rough layers.

However don’t just save this for facial skin, as you can apply the product all over your body, ideally after you’ve bathed or showered. The male specimen won’t need to worry whether they then look a bit of a fool in the immediate aftermath. Palmer Cocoa Butter is both non-greasy and the ingredients allow for it to dry fast and quickly onto applied areas. The product is also ideal to use after shaving.

Although it is freely available in many of the regular shops, best deal with free delivery is actually online on the website HealthMonthly.co.uk. You won’t regret going there either.

Providing soothing skincare, Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula for Men (pictured above) has been made for males, to be used by males and to give males an excellent finish.

LAB SERIES PRO LS ALL-IN-ONE FACE TREATMENT

Best Price: £22 at John Lewis

Dealing with four skin treatments makes Lab Series Pro expensive

Now this is a product that is completely different from many in its skincare range competition. Lab Series Pro LS All-In-One Face Treatment (pictured) doesn’t just deal with one area of your skin, it deals with four.  It is a four in one treatment, and that is why the price seems quite expensive. However you will get your money’s value for using this product.

For those wanting to know just what aspects the product covers, it soothes, moisturises and repairs skin, and provides the mattifying treatment. This is ideal to use in a post-shaving environment, so either after a testing day in the work office or a hard workout in the gym. With the 50ml tube, you get more than what might be expected considering the best price, which is matched by Boots, but John Lewis online services offer free delivery, whilst Boots don’t.

The absorbing formulas limit the appearance of skin redness and irritation, meaning it looks refreshed after shaving. The shine control protection absorbs oil instantly leaving for a cleaner finish and damage repair eliminates the ugly appearance of dine lines and wrinkles.

With four treatments in one, and designed to be used anytime of the day, the All-In-One Face Treatment provides the complete package.

Categories: Amazon, Boots, Brazilian, Butter, Caffeine, Environment, FHM, John Lewis, Men, Moisturiser, Nivea, Office, Skin, Treatment, UK

2012 - A year in review - My favourite adverts - top 25

Sometimes, adverts can look absolutely ridiculous on television nowadays, or they can be memorable for the right reasons.

2012 has seen a great mixture of funny commercials and don't worry, moustached men have been banned! So, if you missed a cracker while in the toilet, or making a cuppa during the year, here is my personal favourite selection of the top 25 adverts from 2012.

Featured include Christmas commercials, wet paint, being British, crazy goalkeepers and testing events from the likes of mobile phone companies, retail shops, betting companies and insurance firms.  Enjoy my selection of the best commercials of 2012.

25. Aldi - It's beginning to look a lot like Aldi
The Christmas season has begun and all the major supermarket brands have brought out adverts to celebrate some great deals.
However, all the major supermarkets should hang their heads in shame.  Aldi have produced these great adverts (this example for roast), to a retune of 'It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas.'
Mocking the other players such as Waitrose and Sainsbury's, the catchphrase says it all at the end; 'It's beginning to look a lot like Aldi.'

24. Nokia - The new Nokia Lumia
Nokia has been left behind in the smartphone market by the likes of Apple and Samsung, but their new phone, the Lumia isn't the worst on the market.
They also produced this advert in February for the new 800 edition, promoting their apps to some catchy dance music.  It is a catchy tune and a different model to most smartphones.

23. Sky Sports F1 - The race is only part of the story
It has been a difficult year for Formula One fans like myself, especially if you haven't got Sky Sports F1 HD. However, they have produced a brilliant first season of coverage, helped by this promotional ad which was shown on all commercial channels in the spring.
The fact is that the future of F1 is on satellite now, and I might be joining the bandwagon in 2013.  It is true too, the race on Sunday is only part of the story.

22. BlackBerry - Two kinds of people
Apple and Samsung have led the way in the smartphone market and unfortunately, BlackBerry has been left behind.
When I say that, it is because I'm one of their customers.  They haven't recovered from the RIM server crash of October 2011 but I still liked this commercial, which portrayed two different types of people.  Just a shame they can't make decent phones!

21. Carlsberg - The England fan academy
Euro 2012 came and went.  It was another typical tournament for England but to be a Three Lions fan, you must follow the rules and graduate into the fan academy.
Starring the likes of Des Lynam, Ian Wright and Stuart 'Psycho' Pearce, this is what being a true England fan is all about.  Sorry, I'm a Spanish football fan!

20. BP - Inspiring Dreams
The best adverts of 2012 will be dominated by Olympic campaigns.
This was BP's summer ad for London 2012, inspiring the dreams of a nation.  Poster girl Jessica Ennis is seen here daydreaming while refuelling her car, perhaps having the vision of success she would have in the Olympic Stadium on that amazing Saturday evening in early August.

19. Febreze - Experiments with the Azerbaijan wrestling team
I'm not generally keen on the product but Febreze came up with this commercial in the summer, experimenting the smell of air effects with the Azerbaijani wrestling team.  The results speak for themselves!

This advert can be viewed at: http://www.ispot.tv/ad/7VTD/febreze-air-effects-featuring-the-azerbaijan-wrestling-team

18. Maltesers - Airport dancers
Let's be honest.  Standing in a queue at check-in can be boring and tiring and it can't be much better for the airport staff.  Introduce some Maltesers into the action though and the entertainment value is bound to happen as seen by this funny commercial in the autumn.  The staff had a laugh but the travellers seemed largely unimpressed.

17. BT - Bringing us all together for London 2012
Telecommunications giant BT produced this powerful advert for the Olympic Games, going down the lines of the 'Inspire a Generation' motto.  The Olympics brought us all together and BT's fibreoptic network along with BT London Live (which I went to TWICE!) certainly lived up to expectations.

16. Paddy Power - The Vuvuzela returns
What was your abiding memory of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa?  Mine was definitely the noise of the dreaded vuvuzela.  In fact, I asked someone (whose name will remain unidentified) to bring one back cheekily when they went to South Africa last year!
In 2012, Paddy Power took one to the Ukraine and the noise is so loud, a block of flats is demolished.  I don't want to hear that sound ever again, but the advert does make the point it was aiming at.

15. Lynx - Unleash the chaos
It seems like every single year, Lynx brings out a commercial which grabs the attention of the TV viewer.  This year, it did so again with the new 'Attract' range by unleashing chaos on New York City.
It is false advertising though.  I tried this range in October and it didn't work!

14. Google Chrome - The satchel craze
The power of the internet grows with every year and the web browser war is on.  Internet Explorer has had a revamp while Safari tries to please the Apple consumers.
Leading the way though is Google Chrome, and this was a great commercial in the summer, as the satchel gets relaunched through the internet's force.

13. Virgin Media - Meditation
I honestly preferred the Usain Bolt commercials with Richard Branson in the spring but these were banned by the ASA for breaking regulations over the offer Virgin Media promoted.
So, I've gone for this one in the top 25, which features Branson and former Doctor Who star David Tennant, who tells the media mogul he is weird - probably not for the first time either!

12. Direct Line - Sob Story
2012 saw an end to the Direct Line commercials starring comedians Chris Addison and Alexander Armstrong.
Yes they are promoting insurance, a boring topic, but there was good humour around the adverts.  This was the best of the bunch in 2012, involving a sob story about the insurance salesman's nan and emigration to New Zealand.

11. Toyota - Talking cameras
Japanese car manufacturer Toyota have had a testing few years, thanks to the recession and the worldwide recalls over some of their models.
To show they weren't lying down though, they brought out the YARIS hybrid car in May and this commercial, which is daft but clever at the same time.
Who would have thought that speed cameras, lamp posts and traffic lights had a way of talking to one another!

10. British Airways - London Calling
The national airline of choice, British Airways released this advert to the beat of the cracking 1979 song, 'London Calling' by The Clash.
This promotes their support of the London Olympics by having an aeroplane travel through and past some classic city landmarks, before arriving at the Olympic Stadium.

9. British Gas - The British Gas team

Big problems, small issues.  To the tune of The A-Team, gas supplier British Gas ensure this is a memorable advert, through some decent animation graphics.  If you have a problem that needs fixing, like a leaky boiler - call the British Gas Team!

8. Vodafone - Freebee Rewardz
Vodafone have had the bees promoting their UK campaigns for a few years now and the 'Freebee Rewardz' scheme was highlighted through some BlackBerry Curve phones and wet paint.  Be careful in how to impress the female equivalent, it could lead to a very sticky situation!

7. Ladbrokes - John McCririck rattled
Horse racing expert John McCririck lost his job with Channel 4 Racing this year after over 30 years in broadcasting.  His enthusiasm will be missed next year, as the terrestrial broadcaster becomes the home of horse racing in the UK.
Ahead of this year's Cheltenham Festival, he gets hot under the collar from Ladbrokes' Tiziano Crudeli in this brilliant take on the betting ring at the races.
Crudeli has hit Chris Kamara in the face with a football this year too, so he's had a decent 2012!

6. VISA - Usain Bolt
Usain Bolt had another incredible summer as he retained all of his Olympic titles.  However, he was racing before the Olympics.
Using VISA's new Flow Faster scheme, he races across London against a keen customer and the Olympic Starter.
This is a great demonstration of how Bolt appeals to the UK, not just his Jamaican home nation.

5. Mars - Crazy Goalkeeper
Filmed in Milton Keynes and it isn't looking good for England.  Another penalty shootout and defeat looms, especially when the goalkeeper hurts his knee and can't continue.
Step forward an energised match steward, and a Mars chocolate bar and the results are spectacular.
The crazy goalkeeper saves a spot-kick from Robin van Persie, then pulls off the 'wobbly legs' and the 'scorpion kick' to win the shootout for England.
This is hilarious - where was he in Kiev when the country needed him!

4. EDF Energy - Athlete Dreams
EDF Energy had the power of electricity behind London 2012.  Starring cyclist and Strictly Come Dancing's Victoria Pendleton, two technicians have their own dreams, trying out events in the Velodrome, Aquatics Centre and in the Olympic Stadium itself.
You can't blame them for trying!

3. Weetabix - 'You're Gonna Need It.'
Breakfast time has arrived and Weetabix introduced a new cereal for 2012, called 'Golden Syrup.'
Little does the Dad eating know that he is going to be in for an action-packed day out with his son, who tells him 'You're Gonna Need It.'
Featuring cycling, swings and piggy-backs, this is a humorous take on a father's grand day out.
Never trust the youngsters, they need to be loved all the time.  This is a worthy of a top three ranking.

2. M&M's - Sorry Yellow
I'm unimpressed that M&M's tried to steal the 'epic fail' catchphrase from 'Yours Truly,' but this was a fantastic commercial all the same.
To celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee at the beginning of June, yellow tries to get into the special packs of M&M's but he doesn't manage to achieve it.
Featuring some American voices and animation from the Aussies - this is number two in the top 25.  Sorry Yellow, it doesn't make it to number one.

1. John Lewis - The Snowman Journey
So we come to the number one advert of the year and for the second year running, it goes to John Lewis for the Christmas commercial called 'The Snowman Journey.'
The commercial is tender, heart-warming and emotional.  I'll even admit that it nearly brings me to tears every time I see it.
John Lewis encourage everyone to go the extra mile to get the desired gift and this advert once again ticks all the right boxes.
The song 'The Power of Love,' is currently in the iTunes top 10 too and fits the advert superbly.  This totally deserves number one ranking once again.

Congratulations to John Lewis on winning this advert of the year prize for the second year in a row.  Here's to more corking commercials in 2013!

Categories: Adverts, Aldi, Azerbaijan, BlackBerry, BP, BT, Carlsberg, Chris Addison, Christmas, England, Febreze, Google Chrome, John Lewis, Lynx, Maltesers, Nokia, Olympics, Paddy Power, Richard Branson, Usain Bolt