John Lewis // keeping Christmas sweet.

As Christmas draws near, there's one brand we can always count on to continue with the same formula they've had for years, and that's John Lewis. For me though, they managed to get the execution spot on in 2011 and anything since then feels like it's trying to do the same thing but having to work a whole lot harder. And it's just simply not as good.

This year's Christmas advert 'The Journey' follows the story of a snowman in his journey across various landscapes to bring back a Christmas gift for his snow-woman friend. Ultimately it's a bit of symbolism drawn out to a lengthy 1 minute 30 seconds in order to try to create a sense of depth and gravity, but I'm afraid this one misses the mark for me.

Let's see what next year holds shall we?

This ad was created by:

You can view all the previous John Lewis Christmas ads here.

Kevin Bacon // annoying or just right?

The first time I saw this ad I thought 'thanks, but no thanks'. Who is this EE company that want to come out and proclaim that they're something worth listening to? And what an arrogant approach; go away Kevin Bacon.

The more I see this ad though, and the more stories and scenarios they weave into it, the more I like it. The more I realise that this brand in fact doesn't take itself too seriously and for that reason, I like them. 

When I saw the below ad is when I converted; some contextual film references we can all remember and a scenario which I believe we can even identify with. You don't have to be an actor in numerous films to have split thoughts or personalities that each have a different idea. In a weird and slightly funny way, I can relate. 

EE, I still don't have a clue what your service is like, though for now you've won me over (I think).