DDB London and director Noam Murro suggest "Positive Thinking" in this musical European spot (above) for the Volkswagen Passat. The song reminds me of "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" (below) from Monty Python's Life of Brian. That sing-along by the crucified still seems good-naturedly sacrilegious three decades later. The VW tune's not bad, but the guy in the ad hasn't really had such a rough day, so he just comes off like a whiner doing a bad Michael Caine impression. Or maybe it's Anthony Newley. Our hero can always sell his Passat to pay the bills. Those sheep in the butcher truck have a lot worse coming to them. Positive thinking won't save them from winding up hoof-deep in mint jelly.

—Posted by David Gianatasio