I hope Timmy Eats Them

Nice try, Visa. I’m onto you.

A few months back, I took your rival, Citi, to task on your egregious logic drain in your commercial by which a couple of wayward Swedes had to check a book of Norwegian genealogy to find out they were in fact, Swedish. I know that you’re behind the marketing 8-ball, considering MasterCard will long be remembered as THE ad campaign to end all credit card ad campaigns. As second fiddle, just trying to keep up, okay?

Now prior to MasterCard’s “Priceless” commercials took over, Visa’s “For everything else, there’s Visa” was considered the toast of the Madison Avenue credit division. They had people traveling the world, comfortable that they could always count on their little blue card to get them out of a financial jam. And since Visa’s omnipresence (more so than American Express and MC) remains true, there’s no reason to move from this campaign.

Life Takes Visa?

Ok, that’s decent enough. However, if you’re going to take your production values up a notch, let’s make sure you avoid the logic errors that botched Citi’s tour of Scandinavia.

I give you the Visa Cinema Card spot.

From a conceptual standpoint, it’s damn clever. Getting into a movie in time to see the previews is an oft-admired goal; however, the slowness of lines and idiocy of theatre workers often prevent you from achieving it. Therefore, the premise that paying with cash takes too much damn time, and a Visa card could prevent such a slowdown is clever. Throw in an action-adventure theme and original score, and you’re commercial should be a home run.

Should be…

There are two things I choose to highlight. One of them will be humorous. The other will be damning.

1 – The Humorous – As our heroic couple looks up to the clock shortly after purchasing their tickets, we get notice one of the names of the film this Futuristic Movieplex (FUTUREPLEX) is currently offering. I’m not saying that it’s their film of choice, but I give you – TIMMY THE GRIZZLY. Now, I’ve never had to name a grizzly bear in my current line of work, but I have to think “Timmy” isn’t on the top of my list. Are you afraid of a grizzly named Timmy? What, are you afraid he may do a little dance and make you a sandwich?

2 – The Damning – There’s one minute to go once our esteemed couple buys their tickets. However, since Mr. Cheapskate must have not taken his ladyfriend to dinner, they are destined to hit up the refreshment stand. Where must they go? Of course. UPSTAIRS. The Futureplex has 38 screens, multiple floors, and somehow, the only place to buy some Twizzlers is up a flight of stairs. I find this hard to believe. But hey, maybe there were budget cutbacks since the theatre builders spent half the budget on a life-size bronze bust of Timmy the Grizzly in the lobby.

HOWEVER…

I would like you to check out the background of the shot at two the shot at 24 seconds. As Captain Popcorn (who I might add, ends up with different food between leaving the concession stand and the balcony) swings from the rafters with snacks and girlfriend in hand, he lands on the ground. And for a split second, when the camera remains wide, there APPEARS TO BE A CONCESSION STAND ON THE FIRST FLOOR. Now, the evidence may be inconclusive, but I believe in the back right of the shot would be a perfect place to have purchased some snacks.

But hey, adventure’s fun, too.