August

One of the most memorable spots this month is one of the most controversial: Campbell-Ewald's "A Boy's Dream" shows a kid who seems to be driving a Corvette (until it is revealed he is daydreaming). The commercial was pulled shortly after it broke during the Olympics, owing to complaints from safety advocacy groups. Other Best Spots-worthy Olympic offerings include an Allstate ad by Leo Burnett in Chicago, showing a shot-put ball knocking a light pole into a car and a Nike commercial by Wieden + Kennedy in Portland, Ore., featuring a tardy pianist morphing into Lance Armstrong to get to his recital on time. Intricate storylines were rampant this month. A Russian family enjoys cookies provided by the Pillsbury Doughboy, until it turns out they have no milk in an ad for the California Milk Processor Board by Goodby, Silverstein & Partners in San Francisco. A Noam Murro-directed spot for Holiday Inn by Fallon in Minneapolis follows the exploits of a family with large, whistling noses. A Snickers ad by BBDO in New York chronicles an ordinary Joe's rise to the top, all because he munched on a Snickers bar. A campaign for ESPN.com by Wexley School for Girls in Seattle follows a group of misfits as they put together a fantasy-football team. Finally, the stars come out in two commercials: one with Sarah Jessica Parker and Lenny Kravitz singing, dancing and asking "How do you wear it?" in Gap's fall campaign; the other features John Leguizamo, who lends his rapping skills to a Burger King faux music video touting its 99 cent menu. The multitalented actor also directed the spot.