I see product placement… and dead people.

I see product placement… and dead people.

Apr 01

It’s supposed to be invisible right? They’re supposed to put stuff into movies, and we see the label, but we don’t know we saw the label, and then later we leave and go, “I really need a beer and Twinkies.” But it’s never worked that way on me. And I doubt it works on other people either. But they do it all the time and it’s getting worse and frankly, it’s starting to interfere with my interest in the films that stoop to grab the cash.

I understand the concept – movie’s require money to make and product placement pays big bucks. But in recent years it seems like ad companies have started pining for the days of ET, when the product played a key role in the film. Like Castaway – did the dude have to work for for FedEx? No, but he did, and so in a movie where the guy spends 90 minutes ALONE ON A FUCKING ISLAND, we still get to see FedEx boxes throughout. Fantastic.

But when they start worming their way into the poster, despite what happens in the film, I’m done. I can’t play along any more. With rare exception, I’m doing my viewing through pre-viewed movies when they reach their must-go price – that way, none of my money makes it to the filmmakers.

Observe;

On the right, you’ll see a box – it has a little boy in it, but you wouldn’t know that unless you saw the whole trailer. But there is a boy inside. He’s troubled, so he likes to stay in his box. Makes sense, tell me more. John Cusack is in it. Is his sister? Of course. Or course, my mistake. Please continue. And he adopts the little boy and it’s heartwarming.

Great! I’m in.

And on the left is the poster…

You’re kidding me. They made it an Amazon box.

I’ve changed my mind. I’m not going. See you in 9 months at the Video Barn. Because every person has to have a line. And that’s mine.