Super Bowl Commercials 2011: VW’s ‘Darth Vader’ Ad Among Night’s Best

Like every other red-blooded American, we paid just as much attention (if not more) to last night's Super Bowl commercials as to Super Bowl XLV itself. Which ads won the night in the SB Nation newsroom? Curiously, they all had to do with cars:

1. Volkswagen, "The Force."


The acclaim for this ad was so strong in the week leading up to the Super Bowl that, this being the internet, a vicious backlash is almost inevitable. If it's coming, however, it's not here yet. Even the truncated version that was broadcast during the game had grown men giggling and cooing. Top score to our Super Bowl winners: VW, Deutsch LA, and that pint-sized Darth Vader who stormed into America's hearts.

2. Chrysler, "Imported From Detroit" featuring Eminem


At least one of our editors had this one tagged as the year's best. He's not alone: This morning, the Chysler 200 is sitting pretty atop Google Trends.

3. Audi, "Release The Hounds."

We can't believe anything featuring Kenny G is this high on our list, but Kenny G as a psychological weapon is something we'd never considered. Bravo, Audi. Bonus points to Kenny himself for a cameo at the end.

4. VW, "Black Beetle."


The use of insects is always a tricky line to toe, particularly when they're not cutesy to begin with, but VW's use of an actual beetle to stand in for the car is an inspired touch.

5. Kia, "One Epic Ride."

Here's a high-budget, big-spectacle ad that somehow doesn't come off as obnoxious or pretentious in the least. Truly an astonishing feat.

Over to you, dear readers: What was your favorite ad of Super Bowl 45? One of these, or did we miss out on a sleeper? Cast your vote in the comments below.