I've never been a big fan of The King, the giant head that's been used for a couple years now in commercials for Burger King. I get that it's kind of funny to have a weird, expressionless mask of a character wake up in bed next to someone, or romp on the beach with Brooke Burke, or play football or any of the countless other things he's been asked to do. While I think the reutilization of the character by Crispin, Porter & Bogusky has definitely sparked interest in the brand again, it just hasn't worked for me in particular.
That's why the new sans-King commercial for BK is so funny. Titled "Manthem", the spot is basically a celebration of eating like a man, with all the toppings and calories that means. No more "chick food" for these guys. It's the first commercial in a while that actually made me laugh out loud, if for no other reason that the guys in it are so earnest in delivering absolutely ridiculous lines. More than that, it was actually about the food, as opposed to The King spots, which is more about people talking about the campaign. View the commercial here or click the video below.
Ads We Love: Burger King's "Manthem"
Reader Comments
(Page 1)2. If this add is sexist then so is the song " I am Woman" I mean be real lady there are a lot bigger enemies to attack than poor little burger kings rendition of a feminist song.
Posted at 10:07AM on May 9th 2006 by fnkybach
3. I do not like it! Maybe it is "manly" in some view to eat whatever you like, just because you like the taste, but Burger King food is detrimental to your health. These guys are only sticking it to themselves, if you-ask-me!
Posted at 5:36PM on May 9th 2006 by Buster Manderson
4. I am woman, and I think the commercial is hilarious. I have two teenage boys, and they run it at least twice with the tivo and they've learned all the words.
Posted at 6:09PM on May 9th 2006 by mainemom
5. I'm a girl and I love eating a big slopping burger as much as anybody. While I think it'd be kind of stupid to be offended by the commercial, I do feel a little left out. By the way, have you noticed the line, "I am incorrigible"? It always strikes me as kind of bizarre, like the writers were flipping through their thesaurus and picked it at random.
6. I think that "Manthem" is funny as heck. It's a great commercial that should not be taken as sexist, but should be embraced as lightly poking fun at the (sometimes) differences in male and female eating habits. I told my husband about it, but we can't seem to catch it. I hope that the commercial has not been taken off the air. I would love to see it again.
Posted at 5:11PM on May 22nd 2006 by Monica Joiner
7. this is, flat out, the best commercial on television. Funny, funny, funny.
Posted at 2:34PM on May 28th 2006 by d.w. duke
8. I'm sorry, but I just don't share your sentiment. I, and I am sure many others who are trying to properly care for their sons, husbands, or boyfriends, think that this was one of the WORST ad campaigns ever. No one should think that eating artery-clogging food is fun, or validates manhood. In reality, it just leaves many of us spouseless, or with very sick, grossly obese, vitality and energy-sapped men to care for. Not funny at all.
Posted at 11:24PM on Feb 26th 2007 by janeofalltrades32
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1. This commercial could be seen as sexist and might alienate every woman from the BK chain. I think it is stupid.
Posted at 8:00PM on May 8th 2006 by Killer McGee