It is said that tragedy plus distance equal comedy. In other words, if it happens to you, it's tragedy. If it happens to someone else, it's hilarious. That's the basic premise behind the latest campaign from United Healthcare. It basically shows the dumb things we humans do that will require a good nearby urgent care option. They're simple, believable and funny spots that I've enjoyed watching more than once – actually not fast forwarding through.
The first one, Pool Vault, does a nice job of tying into the Olympics without actually being a sponsor or mentioning the Olympics. It features a group of people at a poolside BBQ, and the guys, in typical guy fashion are egging on one of their own to attempt a pole vault into the pool with a long pool skimmer net handle. It ends with predictably disastrous results. And of course, one of the guys remaining thinks he's figured out where the first one went wrong and rushes to make his own attempt. Meanwhile, the wives, who have apparently been through such shenanigans before, calmly search out a nearby urgent care facility. Their lines are done with perfect deadpan. Probably one of my favorite ads during this year's Olympics.
United Healthcare – Pool Vault
Then, just to show that guys aren't the only ones prone to doing dumb things that will get them injured, this second spot features a mom trying to teach her daughter some of her signature basketball dunking moves – without taking into account the ceiling fan. In this role reversal spot, it's the husband who's nonplussed because she obviously has done things like this before. All in all, they're well done spots that will give you a smile and make good points about the actual brand involved.
United Healthcare – Low Jump
That's it for this week's ads of the week. See you next week. And as always feel free to send me your suggestions.
Mike McClure, armchair Olympian
