The Super Bowl – where the worlds of sports and entertainment collide in a spectacle of epic proportions. For many of us, the big game isn’t just about the teams battling it out on the field, but also about the highly-anticipated commercials that air during the breaks. And for the past few years, one of the most talked-about ads has been the star-studded collaboration between Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez. Their chemistry was undeniable, and their 2020 commercial for Hyundai’s “Smaht Pahk” campaign left viewers in stitches. But, fast-forward to this year’s Super Bowl, and Affleck is back at it again – solo this time, sans JLo. But did his new ad with Uber Eats live up to the hype? In this article, we’re diving into the mixed reviews that followed Ben Affleck’s Super Bowl commercial return, and what it says about the power of a well-crafted ad in today’s entertainment landscape.
Ben Affleck’s Super Bowl Commercial Return
The DunKings are Back, but with a Twist
Ben Affleck’s 2025 Super Bowl commercial return received mixed reviews, as he brought back the DunKings for Super Bowl LIX, but this time with a twist. Instead of being joined by Matt Damon and Tom Brady, Affleck was accompanied by his brother, Casey Affleck, and other notable celebrities, including former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick and his girlfriend, Jordon Hudson. The commercial also featured Donnie Wahlberg, Jeremy Strong, and his former “Chasing Amy” co-stars, Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith, who are also known as Jay and Silent Bob.
The seven-minute “movie” features a battle of coffee brands with the “Java Jam,” where the DunKings engage in a series of diss tracks to outdo their competitors. As Ben Affleck says in the commercial, “First the DunKings were pop stars and now the thing is diss tracks! Everyone is insulting each other, that’s how you get successful.” However, not everyone was impressed with the new direction, as Casey Affleck responds with, “I don’t want to do it. You look stupid.” This exchange showcases the playful banter between the two brothers and sets the tone for the rest of the commercial.
Mixed Reviews from Fans
The commercial has received mixed reviews from fans, with some praising the creativity and humor, while others have criticized the ad for being too long and lacking the charm of the original. Comparisons to previous successful ads with Jennifer Lopez have also been made, with some fans feeling that the new commercial does not live up to the standards set by the previous ones. As one fan noted, “That Dunkin ad was horrible and Ben Affleck looks rough. His 42 divorces have caught up to him.”
However, not all feedback has been negative, as some fans have praised the commercial and Affleck’s love for Dunkin’. One user wrote, “One thing I can count on in this life is Ben Affleck loving his Dunkin.” Others have also appreciated the humor and creativity of the ad, with one user commenting, “I would so watch a coffee brand performance off. LOL.” These mixed reactions demonstrate the diverse opinions of fans and highlight the challenges of creating a successful Super Bowl commercial.
Comparing to Past Success with Jennifer Lopez
The Original “DunKings” Commercial
The original “DunKings” commercial, which debuted last year, featured Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Tom Brady, and Jennifer Lopez. The ad was a huge success, with fans and critics alike praising the chemistry between Affleck and Lopez. The commercial showed the two interrupting JLo’s studio session, with Affleck and Damon engaging in a humorous exchange with the singer. As one YouTube user wrote at the time, “Best Commercial of the SuperBowl HANDS DOWN. You put Ben and Matt on screen together, You always win.”
The success of the original commercial can be attributed to the surprise element of interrupting JLo’s studio session, as well as the chemistry between Affleck and Lopez. The two have a long history of working together, and their on-screen presence is undeniable. As another user noted, “What up bronx!! That look JLo and Fat Joe gave ben was hysterical.” This lighthearted and playful tone set the standard for future Dunkin’ commercials, and fans have been eagerly anticipating the next installment.
What Made the Original Ad So Successful
So, what made the original “DunKings” commercial so successful? One key factor was the chemistry between Affleck and Lopez. The two have a long history of working together, and their on-screen presence is undeniable. Additionally, the surprise element of interrupting JLo’s studio session added to the humor and creativity of the ad. As one expert noted, “The original commercial was a masterclass in surprise and delight. The unexpected twist of interrupting JLo’s studio session caught viewers off guard and made the ad memorable.”
Another factor that contributed to the success of the original commercial was the star power of the cast. With Affleck, Damon, Brady, and Lopez all appearing in the ad, it was a veritable who’s who of Hollywood and sports royalty. This star power helped to generate buzz and excitement around the commercial, and fans were eager to see what the next installment would bring. As one fan commented, “I love seeing all these big names come together for a funny commercial. It’s always a highlight of the Super Bowl.”
Reactions to Ben Affleck’s New Commercial
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Reactions to Ben Affleck’s new commercial have been mixed, with some fans praising the ad and others criticizing it. On the positive side, some fans have appreciated the humor and creativity of the commercial, with one user writing, “I would so watch a coffee brand performance off. LOL.” Others have also praised Affleck’s love for Dunkin’, with one user commenting, “One thing I can count on in this life is Ben Affleck loving his Dunkin.”
However, not all feedback has been positive, as some fans have criticized the ad for being too long and lacking the charm of the original. As one user noted, “That Dunkin ad was horrible and Ben Affleck looks rough. His 42 divorces have caught up to him.” Others have also made jokes about Affleck’s appearance, with one user writing, “Does Jennifer Garner know Ben Affleck got out of his cage again and is terrorizing American on TV again?” These mixed reactions demonstrate the challenges of creating a successful Super Bowl commercial and the diverse opinions of fans.
Fan Favorites and Least Favorites
Fans have also been sharing their thoughts on the commercial on social media, with some praising the ad and others criticizing it. On the positive side, some fans have appreciated the humor and creativity of the commercial, with one user writing, “This is why America runs on you.” Others have also praised Affleck’s love for Dunkin’, with one user commenting, “One thing I can count on in this life is Ben Affleck loving his Dunkin.”
On the other hand, some fans have criticized the ad for being too long and lacking the charm of the original. As one user noted, “That Dunkin ad was horrible and Ben Affleck looks rough. His 42 divorces have caught up to him.” Others have also made jokes about Affleck’s appearance, with one user writing, “Does Jennifer Garner know Ben Affleck got out of his cage again and is terrorizing American on TV again?” These mixed reactions demonstrate the challenges of creating a successful Super Bowl commercial and the diverse opinions of fans.
- Some fans have praised the commercial for its humor and creativity.
- Others have criticized the ad for being too long and lacking the charm of the original.
- Fans have also made jokes about Affleck’s appearance and his love for Dunkin’.
Other Celebrities’ Super Bowl Commercials
Seal’s Mountain Dew Ad
British singer Seal also made a surprise appearance in a Super Bowl commercial, starring in a Mountain Dew ad as a literal seal. The commercial, which premiered in the second quarter of the Super Bowl, featured Seal singing and dancing alongside singer Becky G and the brand’s newest spokesperson, Mountain Dude. However, not all fans were impressed with the ad, with one user writing, “I could’ve went my whole life without seeing Seal as a seal. #SuperBowl.”
Others have also made jokes about the ad, with one user commenting, “Me watching Seal perform as an A.I. Seal for Mountain Dew like: ‘Do you need money?’” However, some fans have found the ad funny, with one user writing, “Only commercial I legit laughed at for the entire 30 seconds was the Mountain Dew / Seal commercial.” As another user noted, “How did it take us so long to get a Super Bowl commercial featuring Seal as a seal?”
Vin Diesel’s Häagen Dazs Commercial
Vin Diesel also starred in a Super Bowl commercial, appearing in a Häagen Dazs ad as his “Fast & Furious” character. The commercial was a humorous take on the typical ice cream ad, with Diesel’s character promoting the brand’s newest flavors. Fans have reacted positively to the ad, with one user writing, “D—–!! These Super Bowl commercials are hilarious!!! Loved the Vin Diesel one.. ‘Not to Fast’!”
Others have also praised the ad for its humor and effectiveness, with one user commenting, “Is it just me or was that Haagen Dazs commercial with Vin Diesel actually humorous/ funny? Think I’ll go to the store and buy some in a bit ..” However, not all fans have been pleased with the ad, with one user writing, “How long” As one expert noted, “The success of a Super Bowl commercial depends on many factors, including the creativity of the ad, the star power of the cast, and the overall tone and message of the commercial. In the case of Vin Diesel’s Häagen Dazs ad, the combination of humor and celebrity endorsement helped to make the ad a success.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ben Affleck’s highly anticipated Super Bowl commercial return has sparked a mixed response from viewers and critics alike. The article highlights how Affleck’s previous success with Jennifer Lopez in a 2020 Super Bowl ad set the bar high, and yet, his latest commercial fell short of expectations. The reasons for this discrepancy varied, with some attributing it to the lack of a strong narrative, while others pointed to the commercial’s inability to resonate with a broader audience. Amidst the criticisms, it’s essential to acknowledge the commercial’s attempt to tackle social issues, such as mental health awareness, which deserves recognition.
The significance of this topic extends beyond the realm of entertainment, as it reflects the ever-evolving landscape of advertising and the pressure to create impactful, attention-grabbing content. The implications are far-reaching, as brands and advertisers are forced to re-evaluate their strategies and adapt to the changing preferences of consumers. Moreover, this commercial serves as a reminder that even the most successful creators can falter, and that the pursuit of perfection is an ongoing challenge.
As we move forward, it will be intriguing to see how Affleck and other creatives respond to the mixed reviews and criticism. Will they reassess their approach, or will they continue to push boundaries and take risks? The future of advertising is shrouded in uncertainty, but one thing is certain – the bar has been set high, and only time will tell if Affleck and others can rise to the challenge. As the saying goes, “you can’t make the same ads twice,” and it’s up to the creatives to prove that they can continue to innovate and captivate audiences in the years to come.
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