Sure, I appreciate Cartier's “The Proposal” as much as the next critic. It's an elegant six-minute triptych for fans of visual storytelling — and for those who fall for big diamonds, handsome men falling on one knee, and things like that. But when it comes to valentines and marketing, it's a fine line between sweet and saccharine. Depending on the audience and the product, it's often best to try a different tack altogether — like humor. Just like chocolate, holiday marketing can be cloying. Those looking for a decent chunk of organic dark chocolate will likely be turned off by a box of "assorted creams." Reach out to the tired, jaded masses and you just might get some traction.
Funniest:
SNL_Fifty_Shades
SNL's Vanessa Bayer Gets Fifty Shades of Awkward for Audi Video
Hilarious. Can't stop laughing. "Fifty Shades" thoroughly deserves to be parodied by everyone; this Audi ad is hands-down the best yet.
Dairy Queen Spoofs Jared Jewelers
Funny and creative. Heck, sounds like the perfect Valentine's Day gift to me. Ingenious, actually. I'm an ice-cream snob but would happily dig into a Dairy Queen cake with my own special spoon.
Quirkiest:
Dumb_Ways_to_Die
Dumb Ways to Die: Valentine's Day
Short, twisted and sweet. Loved the original Melbourne Metro Train cartoon so much I'd follow these little bean-shaped characters anywhere.
Red Velvet Oreo's Animated Cartoons
Not in love with these cartoons, but I do like them. I'm sure they'll speak to a new audience and add to Oreo's success on Twitter.
Most Fun:
Mustang Sally: Speed-Dating Stunt Driver Takes Unsuspecting Men for a Spin
Ford lets a woman take the lead in a kick-ass car commercial, for once. Hilarity ensues.
Honorable Mention
cupidrone
Sweetest (without being schmaltzy):
"Cupidrone" – Flower Council of Holland
I just think it's cute, this Cupidrone. That is all.