With the hype and hoopla over, there will be plenty of talk around the water cooler tomorrow about “the game,” and of course, about the commercials.  One of the standout commercials was the “The Force” by Volkswagen for the 2012 Passat.  More than just Star Wars fans will love this humbling homage to the power of Darth Vader, starring the Dark Lord’s very own “mini me.”  The real star of  the spot, however, is one of us… a Dad, who, from the sidelines, amazes his young son by ensuring that indeed The Force is with him (with a little help from the new Passat’s remote control key fob).  It is an awesome moment of awe for young Vader as the family VW (and a clever Dad) help bring his dreams to life, something all Dads want to do for their children.
You’ve likely seen the ad already, but here it is again, and perhaps with a slightly different perspective now. Â Kudos to Volkswagen (and their ad team) for charming us, and in the process, giving us some warm and fuzzies about their new Passat line. Â It is always great to see great Dads in action, even in a commercial…
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Last year’s Super Bowl was also a source of inspiration for us Dads.
Jeff Sass is the proud dad of ZEO (Zach, 22, Ethan, 20 and Olivia, 19).  He is also a seasoned entertainment and technology exec and active social media enthusiast.  You can see more of Jeff’s writing at Sassholes! and Social Networking Rehab and you can listen to Jeff on the Cast of Dads podcast.??
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I think one of the reasons this resonates with so many of us is that we see ourselves in the dad. If I were in that same situation, I would do that. I would hit the button and watch my kids reaction and enjoy it. It doesn’ make me want to buy a car, but it sure was entertaining. I loved watching this ad.
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Totally agree Ian. We WANT to be that dad (and at one time or another we have been!) As an ad it is a subtle sell. By making me feel warm and fuzzy I feel good about the brand, and the cool remote that starts the car from afar reminds me that VW is stepping up and putting more luxury features and tech even in their “entry level’ cars. All in all a fine ad by me.