CreatoBlog

Have you seen the Burger King “Whopper Virgins” campaign? In a nutshell, Burger King has traveled to the most remote corners of the globe to try their Whopper against McDonald’s Big Mac in a test of patrons who had never seen, smelled, held or otherwise known about ground beef or hamburgers.

It is very artfully shot, with none of the wild physical humor and sexual innuendo commonly seen in the “King” campaigns. (which I kind of dig…)

The documentary style of the longer online movie and subsequent :30 spots lends itself to a very important, ground-breaking scenario. In fact, the locals each have tons of authenticity and flair from the way they handle the burgers to the way they sport their jaunty chapeau’s and comfy winter fleece. In short, these commercials are really cute.

Except for one thing: these folks have no affinity or aptitude for burgers. I get the strong impression these folks are more comfortable with the monkey brains, ox tail and octopus soup that mom used to make! That’s right: they hated the Whopper A LITTLE LESS than the Big Mac; for whatever that’s worth. Although it was pleasantly uncomfortable to see these good people struggle through this culinary exercise, I was never sold on the Whopper being more delicious, on any level. Just like eating half an order of medium fries, or 3 or fewer McNuggets…you bet I was left wanting more. Maybe it’s the huckster in me, but I wanted these tests to translate into franchises opening up, parades in the streets and the kindness of the world to return! Instead, all I got was confused people tepidly pointing towards the Whopper as their choice — and barely, I might add.

The next time I’m in Abu Dhabi, I’ll have an opinion on the better camel rides into market, but I doubt they’ll come with air, cruise and power windows.