Super Bowl commercials: Bryan Cranston (as Walter White) stars in Esurance ad
Just when we going to give Esurance a whole lot of flak over their choice to include Lindsay Lohan in a Super Bowl commercial, they have to pull at our “Breaking Bad” heartstrings, don’t they?
For the second ad during the big game from the company, we got an appearance from none other than Walter White himself in Bryan Cranston, who transformed into a pharmacist for their “sort of” campaign. First of all, we have to give anyone credit for casting Cranston, and recognizing just how popular this man (and “Breaking Bad”) still is. We’re honestly shocked that Esurance pulled this off without too much pre-show buzz – it was such a nice surprise!
The good – It is Cranston, after all! What is not to like? He brings all of the charisma you would hope for, and he plays Walter White in the way that you’d want: Complete with quotes and an underlying scariness.
The bad – We still think that this campaign for Esurance is a little muddy, trying to explain with the “sort of” phrase that other insurance providers treat everyone the same, and with this company, you get more of a specialized experience. It clearly works better with a fictional character than with Lohan, but still.
The verdict – We still would have preferred seeing Mr. White during that Snickers commercial in the place of Steve Buscemi, but we’re thrilled to have him around. Overall, the mere get of Cranston in the ad makes it worth the price of admission. It doesn’t really matter that the brand messaging could be a little bit better. Grade: B+.
What do you think about this commercial? Share your thoughts with a comment, and head over here to get some further commercials from the Super Bowl right now! Also, sign up now to get some further TV scoop on all we cover via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: AMC)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUtEpnTprU4