BIG-budget ads have come to signal the start of the festive season as much a part of Christmas as decorating the tree.
This weekend saw the arrival of the biggest of them all with the first TV airing of this year’s offering from John Lewis.
The retailer has cornered the market in those Christmas ads that tug at our heart-strings.
It started the trend in 2011 and, of course, plenty of other names have since jumped on the bandwagon.
We’ve been taking a look at some of this year’s feelgood festive favourites
John Lewis, Man on the Moon
Plot: Lonely old man on the moon is spotted by young girl. At Christmas, he feels forgotten and alone. Then a telescope arrives for him from her. They look at each other and wave.
Message: No-one should be alone at Christmas echoing the message of Age UK.
Aaah: You’ll be stony-faced and tear-free. For 30 seconds maximum. By the time our moon man sheds a tear, you will too. If not, you’ve got a heart of stone.
Star: Celeb-free and the song, Oasis track Half a World Away, is covered by little-known Norwegian singer Aurora.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=wuz2ILq4UeA
Rating: *****
John Lewis gets it right every year.
M&S, The Art of Christmas Plot: Seven different ads shown in 20 and 30 second chunks. M&S bigwigs hope the bite-sized commercials will appeal to younger people with shorter attention spans.
Message: Christmas is fun, frantic and tiring! Even getting socks is great.
Aaah: Won’t tug at the heart-strings but lively and attention-grabbing.
Star: The genius addition of Morecambe and Wise singing Bring Me Sunshine.
Rating: ****
Tree-mendous.
Currys, Spare The Act Plot: Jeff Goldblum in a series of ads telling people how to act pleased at the rubbish presents they get or the dull festive gatherings they’re at. We love the employee getting a mug from his boss. Message: Don’t be so ungrateful, you big bah-humbug. Aaah: None. Played for laughs. Star: It’s Jeff Goldblum. He’s Hollywood, he’s A-list.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=iBsia0jYlx0
Rating: ***
Like festive chocolates by Christmas night, you’ll be totally sick of them.
Morrisons, Handmade Right Here Plot: Food products prepared in store by staff.
Message: We make your “homemade” goodies so you don’t have to.
Aaah: Smiles as an adorably cute girl gives mum a personalised present.
Star: For the first time since 2012, there’s no sign of Ant and Dec. Real Morrisons staff feature.
Rating: ***
Almost as feelgood as It’s A Wonderful Life.
Asda, Because It’s Christmas
Plot: Antlers on dogs. Trees on cars. Girls dressed as Santa.
Message: Come on everyone,join in the fun! It’s not hard work at all!
Aaah: Fun and fast. It’s almost like no-one dares compete with John Lewis for the poignant tear-jerker.
Star: No celebs. After seeing it twice, you’ll be singing “play that sax”, even though you hate it.
Rating: *** Like your stocking fun, then forgettable.
Argos Just Can’t Wait Plot: People rolling down a hill in those scary balls. Strange men in dinghies on a mountain. Is this supposed to be like Sauchiehall Street the Saturday before Christmas?
Message: No caring, sharing message. A shouty voiceover tells you they’ll deliver in store WITHIN SIXTY SECONDS. Not very festive or cheery!
Aaah: Nah.
Star: Do the Minions count?
Rating: *
Visually good, but its hard sell makes it our Christmas turkey.
Boots Discover More Plot. A small spot of light takes us on a whirlwind tour of a Boots building where glamorously-dressed folk are arranging festive displays.
Message: Beautiful people shop at Boots.
Aaah: More ooh than aaah.
Star. The closest we get to a star is a glimpse of upmarket perfume.
Rating: ***
A winter wonderland not much like our local Boots.
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