David Reviews
 Biting the hand that feeds us since 2002.
Latest Work
    • Dominic O’Riordan joins FamiliaFamilia are delighted to add award-winning director Dominic O’Riordan to their roster.
    • Run, Ruud, run.Heineken and Sonny's Fredrik Bond reunite for this 60" foot chase starring Ruud van Nistelrooy.
    • Thoroughly Decent CoffeeThis excellent ad for posh coffee boffins Taylors of Harrogate shows just how much finesse goes into making great coffee.
    • Bang TV sign US director Rudi SchwabBang TV are extremely excited to have added Rudi Schwab to their roster and it's not just because he's "not a car guy".
    • All aboard.Over three years since its launch, the Apple Watch finally makes an impression.
    • He takes a whiskey drink, he takes a lager drinkThis amusing ad announces Canadian Club's launch of their pre-mixed cocktail range Down Under.
    • A New PerspectiveThis striking ad break for Channel 4 - created in association with the RNIB - draws us into a world that is rarely, well, seen.
    • Top of the food chain.The Mayor of New York City may be surprised to learn he doesn’t run the Big Apple - an eighty-something baker called Edna does.
    • The De Blinkks head to Colonel BlimpColonel Blimp have signed award winning photographic and filmmaking collective the De Blinkks to their roster.
    • Nexus Studios sign ChromosphereNexus have signed US-based design and animation studio Chromosphere to their roster.
    • Stars of CCTV.The Adidas Tango Squad launch an audacious raid on Real Madrid's training ground.
    • Horses for causes.The Compton Cowboys are a perfect fit for Guinness's 'made of more' campaign and Henry-Alex Rubin has created a lovely film celebrating the unlikely juxtaposition of urban gangs and equestrianism.
    • Seize the night.Absolut Vodka go back to the beginning with this eye-catching commercial.
    • Greater expectations.'Thor' actor Chris Hemsworth ruminates on what separates good from great for Buchanan’s whisky.

THE BLACK BOX

ALICE:

You know how you were going on about nominative determinism yesterday?

JASON:

Yes?

ALICE:

Well, what about Gerry Human? He's a good example, isn't he?

JASON:

So you're saying, he's a human because of his name?

ALICE:

Well... yes.

JASON:

So what do you think he was when he was born?

ALICE:

A baby, I'd imagine.

JASON:

I can't fault your logic.
Dominic O’Riordan joins Familia

Familia are delighted to add award-winning director Dominic O’Riordan to their roster.

The London-based director won Best Video at the 2015 Ibiza Music Video Awards for The Beach's 'From Above' and won a yellow D&AD pencil and a silver Promax for his contribution to 4 Creative's Paralympics campaign.


CLICK HERE TO READ MORE...
Heineken
"Share the Drama"		 60s
20 September 2017

Heineken and Sonny’s Fredrik Bond have good form with on-foot capers. With the Champions League underway again, the two reunite for this 60” foot chase. Former Real Madrid and Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy summons his inner action hero as he evades capture.

The striker adds some new tricks to his repertoire - including blending in with tourists and chucking newsstands. He may be outnumbered, but van Nistelrooy has his own particular set of skills.

One of three new Heineken films, Bond combines ball skills with cinematic flair - just the kind of spectacle a Champions League night can provide. Meanwhile, the lager reaffirm their commitment to Europe’s elite competition in pacy fashion.
Loading the player ...
Taylors of Harrogate
"Coffee"		 30s
19 September 2017

This excellent ad for posh coffee boffins Taylors of Harrogate shows just how much finesse goes into making great coffee... or decent coffee, as the case may be.

We see beans growing into their 'astonishingly magnificent' potential, demonstrated by some great animation and a perfectly over the top voiceover. Images of oozing caramel and sweet berry are equally sleekly shot... which makes the comedy twist all the more amusing.

The self-awareness (that most coffee will be drunk by tired people in their kitchens, rather than nubile young things on stylised Italian streets) plays well for the brand, and stands out in a sea of trope-heavy coffee ads. Standout work from Erik Morales and Lucky Generals.
Loading the player ...
Bang TV sign US director Rudi Schwab

Bang TV are extremely excited to have added Rudi Schwab to their roster. The company has forged a reputation for filming to notch car work but their new acquisition marches to the beat of an entirely different drum.

As you'll notice when you watch the films we've included below, Schwab has a real flair for creating short, perfectly-formed slices of life with real emotional punch.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE...
Apple Watch
"Roll"		 60s
19 September 2017

Since its 2015 launch, the Apple Watch has struggled to justify its existence. Forgettable advertising hasn’t helped matters. Launched during Sunday’s Emmy Awards, this 60” commercial bucks the trend.

While Labrinth’s ‘Misbehavin’ plays through Kilian Martin’s AirPods, the Spaniard turns this train station into a skate park. As Martin fills his trick meter, newsstands and even commuters are drawn to his orbit.

Apple’s spin on the skater film is unsurprisingly slick. Gravity-defying flourishes augment Martin’s impressive board work, while the thud which accompanies Martin’s landing provides a satisfying mic drop.

With Apple fans reeling over the iPhone X's price tag, this gives the third-generation timepiece a boost. Aligning it with the brand’s wireless earbuds also strengthens the product’s worth - and not before time.
Loading the player ...
QUICK SEARCH
Five Star Work
Heineken
"Share the Drama"		 60s
20 Sep 2017
Heineken and Sonny’s Fredrik Bond have good form with on-foot capers. With the Champions League underway again, the two reunite for this 60” foot chase. Former Real Madrid and Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy summons his inner action hero as he evades capture. He may be outnumbered, but van Nistelrooy has his own particular set of skills.
Taylors of Harrogate
"Tea"		 30s
19 Sep 2017
Taylors of Harrogate offer another fetching insight into their craft. Patrick Stewart reveals how far the brand will go for quality tea leaves before their “flavour wizards” take over. The end result? A rose lemonade brew to make any cat owner swoon. Striking visuals and a homely pay-off widen the brand’s appeal.
Taylors of Harrogate
"Coffee"		 30s
19 Sep 2017
This excellent ad for posh coffee boffins Taylors of Harrogate shows just how much finesse goes into making great coffee... or decent coffee, as the case may be. We see beans growing into their 'astonishingly magnificent' potential, demonstrated by some great animation and a perfectly over the top voiceover. Standout work from Erik Morales and Lucky Generals.
Apple Watch
"Roll"		 60s
19 Sep 2017
Since its 2015 launch, the Apple Watch has struggled to justify its existence. Forgettable advertising hasn’t helped matters. Launched during Sunday’s Emmy Awards, this 60” commercial bucks the trend. While Labrinth’s ‘Misbehavin’ plays through Kilian Martin’s AirPods, the Spaniard turns this train station into a skate park.
Canadian Club & Dry
"The Big Question"		 45s
19 Sep 2017
This amusing ad announces Canadian Club's launch of their pre-mixed cocktail range Down Under. A series of blokes come to the shocking realisation that they actually don't like beer, one even mournfully hanging his head as he explains that he 'thought it was compulsory'. Generations of beer drinkers see the light when Canada Club & Dry slides down the bar as an tastier alternative.
New York Bagels
"Edna"		 60s
19 Sep 2017
The Mayor of New York City may be surprised to learn he doesn’t run the Big Apple - an eighty-something baker called Edna does. That’s the conceit behind this entertaining New York Bakery ad. From the moment Edna opens her bagel shop, she keeps the city moving. Even if we can’t sample the Edna treatment for ourselves, the brand have UK bagel fans covered.
Bwin
"The Winner"		 2 mins
18 Sep 2017
Avid readers of DAVID - as we're sure you all are - will remember the fantastic film which encouraged viewers to guess which car would win Bwin's mad dash through the city streets. This version reveals the winner... and a twist ending to the whole shebang. We won't spoil it, but keep watching until the end...
Absolut Vodka
"Big Bang"		 60s
15 Sep 2017
Having previously insisted love is indeed all around us, Absolut now go back to the beginning with this eye-catching commercial. Starting with the Big Bang, the Swedish vodka cram trillions of years worth of history into 60”. Director Emmanuel Lubezki crafts a brisk jaunt from dinosaurs to Pong and beyond.
H & M
"Karaoke"		 2 mins 30s
15 Sep 2017
Rumour has it that those at the top of the creative tree at adam&eveDDB have been trying to identify an opportunity to incorporate Wham!'s Wham Rap! into a commercial for years. If this is true then they seem to have found the perfect moment to unleash it. This ad for H&M is given a huge dollop of energy by George Michael's perfect 1980s earworm, and you may find yourself forming a new appreciation for a song that once seemed quite inconsequential.
Virgin Atlantic
"Wi-Fi"		 60s
15 Sep 2017
Virgin Atlantic get meme-tastic to show off their new wi-fi capabilities in this fun ad. With internet now available on every flight, passengers can browse the latest videos to their hearts' content... and even recreate them, if this film is to be believed. Director Jamie Maule-Ffinch has dug deep into the viral archive, bringing back deep cuts including 'peanut butter jelly time', Chocolate Rain, and Salad Fingers.
Subaru
"Welcome to the Pack"		 90s
14 Sep 2017
Lance Acord’s fruitful relationship with Subaru continues with this charming ad. This bloke looks forward to spending some quality time with his girlfriend. There’s just one furry complication: Butch the dog. From the moment man and dog lock eyes, our money’s on the latter. Thanks to Acord’s playful treatment, the marque strengthens its personable image.
The Prince's Trust
"Youth Can Do It"		 60s
14 Sep 2017
Director Andrea Arnold is no stranger to coming-of-age stories. 2016’s ‘American Honey’ delivered a vivid, tangible take on youth and young adulthood. It’s little wonder The Prince’s Trust engaged her services for this 60” film. These youngsters rise above abuse, poverty, and other setbacks. In some instances, they tower over them.
Diesel
"Go with the Flaw"		 2 mins 11s
14 Sep 2017
Diesel continue their campaign to embrace the weird and wonderful in this striking ad directed by François Rousselet. To the stirring strains of 'Je Ne Regrette Rien', we see unfinished buildings, decaying landscapes, and imperfect film - even the editor cutting it has a surprising flaw of his own. It's edgier and less cheerful than their last outing, but has a power all of its own.
NBA 2K18
"Handshakes"		 2 mins 33s
14 Sep 2017
The NBA 2K series has cornered the simulated hoops market in recent years. 2016’s edition even tapped Spike Lee for their story mode. With 2K18 around the corner, this feel-good commercial favours a hands-on approach. As soon as this baller hits the block, he exchanges deft handshakes with everyone he meets.
GE
"Molly"		 90s
13 Sep 2017
A young inventor develops her tech skills in this excellent American ad for GE. Put out by having to take out the trash in bad weather, she devises an ingenious workaround and heads to the toolbox to make her idea a reality... and it doesn't stop there. We see Molly grow from a little girl putting a lot of effort into being lazy, to a full-grown engineer working for GE.
Three
"Marathon Man"		 60s
13 Sep 2017
This Three commercial casts a positive light on smartphone culture. A marathon runner toils as the clean-up operation begins. As night falls, even a giant chicken has finished before him. Not that this bloke minds - the finish line will still be there. While we all enjoy sticking our phones on silent, the brand remind us what we can achieve with a little e-encouragement.
Kari Traa
"Celebrate Yourself"		 2 mins 40s
12 Sep 2017
This musical ad for active wear brand Kari Traa - inspired by the Norwegian Olympic ski champion of the same name - is an extremely impressive film which manages to be both silly and heartening. We see a woman finishing a neon-lit jog through dark streets before returning to her locker room... and then the music kicks in.
Squarespace
"Storytellers"		 30s
12 Sep 2017
Another ultra-stylish ad for website builder Squarespace sees a collection of writers - sorry, storytellers - tapping away at their latest masterpiece. There's a 'thousand monkeys writing Shakespeare' joke implied here, which only drives home the brand's point about standing out from the crowd online. The classical soundtrack is a lovely touch, choreographed perfectly with the visuals.
Squarespace
"Atlas"		 30s
12 Sep 2017
According to Squarespace, there are one-hundred-and-thirty-two bands called Atlas. Quite a leap from Spinal Tap’s Originals/New Originals quandary. Eleven make the cut in this entertaining Squarespace ad. While the brand can’t guarantee dibs on your band name, they can help you stand out from the e-crowd.
Dreamies
"Best Friends"		 60s
12 Sep 2017
A pair of unlikely friends star in this charming ad for Dreamies... for a while. Everything is set for this to be a tale of friendship that transcends species: the upbeat acoustic guitar music, pastoral frolics through the woods, nights spent curled up together in comfort. It all seems perfect... until things take a dark turn.
ASOS
"Go Play"		 54s
10 Sep 2017
This cool film for ASOS shows off the brand's rebellious side as it launches their first make-up range. We see a diverse array of bright young things experimenting with their look in bold ways, as an edgy spoken word piece about being 'both the artist and the canvas' serves as soundtrack. With a cool vibe and emphasis on personal sparkle, this is bound to appeal to anyone who wants to stand out from the crowd.
Compare The Market
"The Black Prince"		 60s
8 Sep 2017
Sergei and Aleksandr team up with Kingsman's Harry Hart in this funny campaign from VCCP. This homage ad offers a satisfying reminder of why the first film was so enjoyable... and why we're fairly sure meerkats can't be Kingsmen. The furry friends are accosted by a group of yoofs while enjoying a quiet pint at 'The Black Prince', and Sergei's attempts at defending their honour are somewhat... shortsighted.
Halo Top
"Robots"		 90s
10 Sep 2017
Every now and then though, we'll see a piece of work where the adjective 'brave' - while still wildly inappropriate - doesn't seem quite as hyperbolic as it usually is... and this film for Halo Top ice cream is a perfect example of this rare beast. It is genuinely unnerving. An elderly woman is force-fed ice cream by a calm but malevolent robot. The situation becomes increasingly fraught as she pushes back against the clinical insistence of her automaton carers and its comedy is very dark indeed.
Marmite
"Results"		 90s
8 Sep 2017
The media was full of stories last week about a study which had determined that our like or dislike of Marmite was determined genetically. But it was all a clever ruse from ever-inventive adam&eveDDB to maximise the impact of their latest TVC concentrating on the infamous reputation of the yeast-based spread.
Instrumentarium
"By The Grave"		 60s
8 Sep 2017
Finnish opticians Instrumentarium know coping with loss is hard. Still, you’d think a priest would be a paradigm of restraint. Not when your glasses slip into an open grave. As the casket is lowered, he tries to delay proceedings as best he can - much to the winch operator’s frustration. Despite the grim setting, Rattling Stick’s Pete Riski delivers a likeable farce.
Five Star Work
David Reviews - Lovely Lenzie Ltd, Woodbourne House, Seven Sisters, Lenzie, G66 3AW. Telephone: +44 141 776 7766. Editor: Jason Stone.