Pugsley of Rabbit directed this entertaining and memorable "Above the Influence" spot from McKinney for the Partnership for a Drug Free America. A stoner dude's "problem" takes the form of a shaggy humanoid creature who's with the kid all the time, causing mischief, though only his friends are aware of his existence. Teens are so sensitive to peer pressure, the idea of losing face with classmates may well prove effective. And yet, as I watch that beast drag its claws down the halls, causing no real damage to anyone or anything and generating plenty of attention for its host, my gut reaction, and this may be true for many 12- to 17-year-olds, is: Cooool. I want one. UPDATE: Above the Influence has disowned this spot, saying it "was not approved, is not being distributed anywhere and not slated for distribution in the future." Too bad.

—Posted by David Gianatasio