Take a Pass on Product Placement in “Hall Pass”

I can’t remember why I decided to waste 1 hour and 46 minutes of my life watching the movie “Hall Pass.” It certainly wasn’t based on its reviews – Rotten Tomatoes only gives it a 34% on the tomato meter. Maybe I was just expecting more from the makers of such classic comedies as “There’s Something about Mary” or “Me, Myself & Irene. “

Why did this movie suck? Well, in addition to a talented cast including Owen Wilson, Jason Sudeikis and Christina Applegate, one of the main stars of the movie was the HONDA ODYSSEY.

Yep, you read that right. A minivan. Here’s just one example of the dialogue from a scene featuring Wilson, Sudeikis, and his beloved Odyssey:

I admit that working at Truth in Advertising has made me more aware of the different ways companies market to me. I now know that most of the time, if you see a branded product (meaning you can recognize a can of Coke versus a generic can of cola) featured in a movie or a TV show, there is some compensation involved.

However, I was astonished at the level of blatant and ridiculous product placement featured in Hall Pass. Was I watching a movie or a string of commercials for the popular minivan as well as a host of other brands, such as Applebee’s, Coca-Cola, Doritos, Gap, Heineken and more?

And no, Honda, at the end, I didn’t want to rush out and buy the Odyssey.