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Dec 6, 2023
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The Effectiveness of the Cheetos Super Bowl Commercial 2021
Rémy Vergnes
Grand Canyon University
English ENG-105
Joseph Alnether
11/02/2023
2
Introduction
In the realm of advertising and marketing, crafting a compelling and effective
commercial is a multifaceted challenge that demands a deep understanding of branding, cast
selection, and sound design. A well produced commercial holds substantial influence over a
brand’s perception, strikes a chord with its audience, and etches a memorable impact. The 2021
Cheetos Super Bowl Commercial, ranting a star-studded lineup with Mila Kunis, Ashton
Kutcher, and the iconic performance by Shaggy, exemplifies this effect. "It Wasn't Me," stood out
as one of the most talked-about advertisements of its time. While the Cheetos Super Bowl
Commercial of 2021 showcases a star-studded cast, a catchy tune, and a humorous storyline, a
closer examination reveals areas in branding, cast selection, and sound design that require
revision for more effective advertising. This analysis aims to critically evaluate these elements
and propose
specific enhancements, ultimately asserting that targeted improvements will better
position the commercial in the competitive landscape of advertising, ensuring its success in
achieving its intended goals.
Branding
The advertising effectively conveys the brand message, yet some adjustments are
recommended. The foundation of a successful advertisement is the effective establishment of the
brand message. As suggested by Romaniuk (2009), “an advertisement must etch the brand
identity into the buyer's memory to ensure easy recall during a buying situation” (p.143). In this
aspect, the Cheetos
Commercial excels. The iconic orange color specific to Cheetos is
prominently featured throughout the commercial, reinforcing the brand's identity. The vibrant
orange hue not only identifies the product but also creates a memorable visual association.
However, there is a minor concern regarding the portrayal of orange residue on surfaces, which
might inadvertently convey a messy image of the product. A slight revision in this aspect could
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prevent the negative connotation of messiness, ensuring that viewers perceive Cheetos as a
delightful and enjoyable snack without any unintended connotations
Cast
The impact of the advertising was all the more supported by the casting which was very
well-chosen. C
elebrities in advertisements, such as Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, and Shaggy in
the Cheetos
Commercial, add credibility to the brand and make the advertisement more
appealing and relatable to viewers. The choice of these high-profile celebrities enhances the
brand's message and creates an emotional connection with the audience
.
Jain et al. (2009)
underline the importance of celebrities in advertisements, emphasizing that “they help build
credibility for the brand and add value to the brand endorsed” (p.9). Cheetos understood this
concept exceptionally well and successfully implemented it in their Super Bowl Commercial.
The casting choices in this advertisement extend beyond just the selection of actors and
encompass the entire setting. Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher, known for their roles in film and
television, engaged the commercial with their star presence, instantly captivating and connecting
with the audience. Their chemistry and humor brought an endearing charm to the ad, enhancing
its relatability. Shaggy’s inclusion further contributed a layer of humor to the advertisement.The
choice of a high-profile celebrity couple as well as Shaggy perfectly highlights the brand's
message. Their inclusion not only adds a layer of credibility but also brings an emotional
connection to the commercial, creating an environment where viewers want to be part of the fun
and enjoyment presented by Cheetos.
Sound
The sound in this advertisement plays a vital role. The role of music and sound design in
creating an emotional connection with the audience cannot be understated.
Music and sound
design play a crucial role in creating an emotional connection with the audience.
As Alkebulan
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(2023) explains, “music can be a powerful tool for enhancing the importance of a brand in the
eyes of the audience”’(para.4). In the case of the Cheetos Super Bowl Commercial, the use of
Shaggy's "It Wasn't Me" with modified lyrics was a brilliant choice. The song was not only well-
known but also deeply appreciated by the audience, invoking nostalgia. Viewers familiar with the
song featured in the ad might recognize its theme of infidelity, potentially implying that enjoying
Cheetos is more appealing than spending time with one's partner. However, this subtle reference
may not be fully comprehensible to younger audiences. The song's lyrics, though not intricate,
inject a lighthearted element. Despite the clear cues in the ad, when Ashton playfully accuses
Mila of indulging, her playful retorts continue to respond with
"It wasn't me". This added with
the last sentence given by Shaggy "that's the first time that's ever worked" gives a humorous
appeal
. Ensuring clear communication of the commercial's humorous and fictional nature is
crucial to avoid any misunderstandings. The use of music in advertising transcends mere
auditory pleasure; it evokes emotions and associations that enhance the overall message. In this
case, the choice of "It Wasn't Me" did more than just provide a catchy tune—it tapped into the
audience's memories, triggering positive emotions and reinforcing the brand's image.
Nonetheless, considering the potential audience diversity, a careful balance between humor and
clarity in the lyrics is essential to cater to a wide age range, from adults who appreciate the
original song to children who might be exposed to it.
Conclusion
The Cheetos Super Bowl Commercial of 2021 was undoubtedly
a success in many
aspects. It effectively promoted the Cheetos brand, highlighting its iconic orange color and
indulgent nature. The casting choices, featuring high-profile celebrities, boosted the brand's
credibility and made the ad more accessible to audiences. The selection of "It Wasn't Me" by
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Shaggy, with fitting lyrics, strengthened the emotional connection with the audience. However,
minor revisions may be necessary to ensure that the messy side of Cheetos consumption is not
misconstrued negatively, and that the humorous and fictional nature of the commercial is clearly
conveyed, especially to younger viewers. Nonetheless, the Cheetos Super Bowl 2021 ad stands
as a notable example of how a well-crafted advertisement can make a lasting impression and
influence brand perception. In the ever-competitive world of marketing, this commercial serves
as a reminder of the impact a carefully crafted ad can have on brand success. Its use of humor,
star power, and nostalgia creates an advertisement that resonates with audiences during the Super
Bowl, demonstrating the power of creative advertising. It is a testament to how effective
storytelling can be in shaping brand perception and how even a simple snack can be elevated to
must-have status during one of the biggest television events of the year. In an age where
advertising plays a pivotal role in shaping consumer choices, the Cheetos Super Bowl
Commercial 2021 provides a shining example of how to create a compelling and memorable
advertisement.
References
Commercials Funny. (2021, February 1). Cheetos super bowl commercial 2021 Mila
Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, Shaggy it wasn’t me [video].
Youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIxdasBrDMI&t=1s
Romaniuk, J. (2009, June 1). The efficacy of brand-execution tactics in TV advertising,
brand placement, and Internet advertising.
Journal of Advertising Research,
49(2), 143.
6
Jain, V., Sudha, M., & Daswani, A. (2009). Customer Perception About Celebrity
Endorsement in Television Advertising for Retail Brands.
IUP Journal of Brand
Management, 6
(3/4), 7-25.
Alkebulan, W. (2023, September 26). The role of music and sound design in TV
commercials.
ECG Productions.
https://www.ecgprod.com/role-of-music-and-
sound-design-in-tv-commercials/#:~:text=Advertisers%20often%20use%20music
%20and,
the%20impact%20of%20the%20advertisement
.
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