That darned gorilla! (Cadbury's Gorilla Advert)

Member Name: benlepensive

Product:	Cadbury's Gorilla Advert
Date:	28/02/09 (70 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: very clever

Disadvantages: the remake

Every once in a while a TV advert comes along which surprises and moves the nation. I cannot remember one that had so much of an impact as this one.

What is it:

The advert is for Cadbury's, whenever I have watched it, it has been for the Dairy Milk bar. The advert features a drumming gorilla.

What is so good then?

Not since PG Tips had we seen such incredible monkey antics. The advert is sheer class. The gorilla drums along to Phil Collins' 'In The Air Tonight.' It is done with such impeccable timing though, the little pauses, as the ape stops to sniff the air before taking his drumstick and thundering down on the drums is magical.

Good points:

Using Phil Collins was genius, the song is timeless, well known and resonates so well. Plus the atmosphere is eclectic and builds effectively. The advert is not afraid to run for a near minute too.

The gorilla looks very real, it is verging on the creepy

It actually makes me remember it is for Cadbury, so it obviously works!

Bad points:

The advert was redone, using 'Total Eclipse Of The Heart' with the same gorilla clip, sadly it was a step too far and the timing was not perfect like before. This to me seemed like a lazy cash-in. They could have come up with a new campaign.

Closing Thoughts:

One of the strongest adverts for years, it even sent Phil back into the charts! Superb idea!

Summary: super