# The most shameless product placement seen in a movie. (and ruins the movie for you) **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [June 23, 2003, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-shameless-product-placement-seen-in-a-movie-and-ruins-the-movie-for-you/183709 "2003-06-23T05:29:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 7:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-shameless-product-placement-seen-in-a-movie-and-ruins-the-movie-for-you/183709/41 "2003-06-24T07:07:07Z")
Thanks for all the replies! As **Bad News Baboon** mentions I don’t mind incidental real products appearing in movies, but the key word is “incidental”: The ads in Superman and James Bond are perfect examples that show some adman or producer deciding to tweak a movie like this: “Here is the scene were the product appears… Wait! I think the audience will miss it! Show it in a full frame, wait!! That is not good enough, show it for several seconds, wait!!! Show it again from a different angle!!!” :smack: \<— (How you feel on the movie theater after seeing the end result) In the James Bond movies, the product will appear from all angles! Specially If it is a car (even from the underside!) (Apropos: this is why one of my most enjoyable moments of the Bond movies is in _For Your Eyes Only_\*: after the baddies blow up the Lotus (He barely used it!), James escapes in a very pitiful looking beat up generic (!) mini car and still manages to do the same amazing stunts! OTOH, just like **Guin** , I did love the Wayne’s World scene: Kane – “I know, but it’s not your choice.” Wayne – “Yes, but it’s the choice of the next generation (drinks from Pepsi can)” Wayne - “little, yellow, and different”… 😃 (Guess the sponsor!) ---
**Author:** ![Einmon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b9bd4f/32.png) [@Einmon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Einmon)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 7:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-shameless-product-placement-seen-in-a-movie-and-ruins-the-movie-for-you/183709/42 "2003-06-24T07:11:50Z")
Hmm. I agree with you on the James Bond thing. The BMW was much too blatant. Spiderman - I have to agree with **rjung** , I remembered him jumping on top of the truck, but not what kind of truck it was. Maybe I’m not the (subconscious) target audience. And the FedEx thing: Whenever I see the FedEx logo now I think of planes crashing. That’s not a Good Thing, I suppose. So I sure as heck wouldn’t have paid for that “product placement”. ---
**Author:** ![sezyou](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b77776/32.png) [@sezyou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sezyou)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 7:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-shameless-product-placement-seen-in-a-movie-and-ruins-the-movie-for-you/183709/43 "2003-06-24T07:22:11Z")
Just watched “Mission To Mars” tonight. Not a great movie. The floating Dr. Pepper pouch that the product is squeezed out of and saves the crew by floating towards the leak in the spaceship was totally over the top. ---
**Author:** ![NoGoodNamesLeft](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/8797f3/32.png) [@NoGoodNamesLeft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NoGoodNamesLeft)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 11:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-shameless-product-placement-seen-in-a-movie-and-ruins-the-movie-for-you/183709/44 "2003-06-24T11:29:06Z")
According to the commentary on the DVD, FedEx wasn’t paid for the use of their logo. The creators wanted an authentic look, and felt that a made up courier company would have looked bad and been distracting. ---
**Author:** ![amanset](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8dc957/32.png) [@amanset](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amanset)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 11:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-shameless-product-placement-seen-in-a-movie-and-ruins-the-movie-for-you/183709/45 "2003-06-24T11:59:35Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Darwin’s Finch \* > \*\*And, of course, there’s the whole “all restaurants are Taco Bell!” nonsense in _Demolition Man_. \*\* Except if you are not in America and they become Pizza Hut: [http://uk.imdb.com/Trivia?0106697](http://uk.imdb.com/Trivia?0106697) > [@](#): > > For some non-American releases, references to Taco Bell were changed to Pizza Hut. This includes dubbing, plus changing the logos during post-production. Taco Bell remains in the closing credits. ---
**Author:** ![blowero](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/41988e/32.png) [@blowero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blowero)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-shameless-product-placement-seen-in-a-movie-and-ruins-the-movie-for-you/183709/46 "2003-06-24T17:37:53Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by NoGoodNamesLeft \* > \*\*According to the commentary on the DVD, FedEx wasn’t paid for the use of their logo. The creators wanted an authentic look, and felt that a made up courier company would have looked bad and been distracting. \*\* Of course Fed Ex wasn’t paid - it was most likely the other way around. _They_ paid the producers for the product placement. ---
**Author:** ![Lenny\_Carl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/9dc877/32.png) [@Lenny\_Carl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lenny_Carl)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-shameless-product-placement-seen-in-a-movie-and-ruins-the-movie-for-you/183709/47 "2003-06-24T18:04:36Z")
One that really bugs me is in **Dogma**. Near the end of the movie, they’re all in a bar and whenever they cut to Jason Lee, behind him on the wall, there is a perfectly placed blinking neon **Budweiser** sign. It’s completely out of place and the framing of the shot is SOOO not subtle. I like Kevin Smith, but JEEZ, that’s bad!! ---
**Author:** ![skaterboarder87](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de0a6/32.png) [@skaterboarder87](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/skaterboarder87)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-shameless-product-placement-seen-in-a-movie-and-ruins-the-movie-for-you/183709/48 "2003-06-24T18:13:47Z")
How about in Austion Powers 3 when Fran or whatever her name is visits the prison to see Dr. Evil and she sets the Taco Bell bag down right in front of the camera. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Rieux](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@Dr.Rieux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Rieux)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-shameless-product-placement-seen-in-a-movie-and-ruins-the-movie-for-you/183709/49 "2003-06-24T21:25:21Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Zeldar \* > \*\*It didn’t really destroy the movie for me, but it does stain an otherwise wonderful movie when I rewatch it these days. One of the few DVD’s I have bought: The director’s cut of “Blade Runner.” > The Atari ads are so dated as to make the concept of the future date seem lame. \*\* How about the Pan-Am logo in _2001_? ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Rieux](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@Dr.Rieux](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Rieux)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-shameless-product-placement-seen-in-a-movie-and-ruins-the-movie-for-you/183709/50 "2003-06-24T21:31:28Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Bad News Baboon \* > \*\*To answer the OP, James Bond movies seem to be the worst in regards to product placement. > > 007: I wonder what time it is? > (screen shot of seiko watch for 1 minute) > 007: oh, I see, it’s time to drive away in my BMW. \*\* According to the IMDB, _Die Another Day_ was financed mostly by its product placement deals ($120 million of its $142 million budget). ---
**Author:** ![Max\_Torque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Max\_Torque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_Torque)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-shameless-product-placement-seen-in-a-movie-and-ruins-the-movie-for-you/183709/51 "2003-06-24T21:36:28Z")
**Return of the Killer Tomatoes**. If you’ve seen it, you know what I mean. ---
**Author:** ![Winston\_Bongo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a9adbd/32.png) [@Winston\_Bongo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Winston_Bongo)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-shameless-product-placement-seen-in-a-movie-and-ruins-the-movie-for-you/183709/52 "2003-06-24T22:14:35Z")
Speaking of **Mission to Mars** , I’ve got an even worse example: the M&M ads. The worst is a shot near the end of the film, in the middle of what is supposed to be an emotional series of flashbacks, where Jerry O’Connell is shown actually _holding up a bag of M&Ms to the camera and cheerfully waving it at the audience._ It only lasts a second or two, but it nearly had me falling out of my chair laughing. Then I recovered and realized how sad and pathetic it really was. ---
**Author:** ![Lucki\_Chaarms](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/9de0a6/32.png) [@Lucki\_Chaarms](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucki_Chaarms)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-shameless-product-placement-seen-in-a-movie-and-ruins-the-movie-for-you/183709/53 "2003-06-24T23:10:47Z")
I’m going to second **Dooku** on his mention of _The Thomas Crown Affair_. I seem to remember my jaw dropping at the scene where the museum guards are scoping him out on the security cameras, talking about how he looks like he’s mind-bogglingly rich or whatever, and something like the following occurs: Guard 1: Hey, zoom in on his watch! (screen cuts to security camera view, full screen shot of watch) Guard 2: Oh my god! It’s an Omega! All other guards whistle, gasp and make comments about how amazing the watch is, with said watch taking up the entire screen for the whole time. That, my friends, is disgusting. Does anyone else remember seeing that, or have I exaggerated it in my mind to a ludicrous degree? LC ---
**Author:** ![Grousser](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/9d8465/32.png) [@Grousser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grousser)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-shameless-product-placement-seen-in-a-movie-and-ruins-the-movie-for-you/183709/54 "2003-06-24T23:11:34Z")
I’m surprised that no one has still mentioned the GREATEST PRODUCT PLACEMENT in a recent movie, and at the same time is the greatest ruining for a movie: **Head & Shoulders** in **Evolution** What was Ivan Reitman thinking? Was he prostituted by H&S? It seems as if the entire sci-fi script was written only to announce a shampoo! Maybe I would have liked it! ---
**Author:** ![JThunder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e95f7d/32.png) [@JThunder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JThunder)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2003, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-shameless-product-placement-seen-in-a-movie-and-ruins-the-movie-for-you/183709/55 "2003-06-24T23:14:26Z")
_Mac and Me_. ---
**Author:** ![MaxTheVool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9fc29f/32.png) [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2003, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-shameless-product-placement-seen-in-a-movie-and-ruins-the-movie-for-you/183709/56 "2003-06-25T00:14:17Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Guinastasia \* > \*\*I was going to mention _Wayne’s World_-that was a pretty good one. Let’s see, there was Pepsi, Doritoes, Nike, and Nuprin, right? \*\* The dialogue is something like this: (I love opportunities to show off my knowledge of **Wayne’s World** ) Benjamin Kane (Rob Lowe): …the fact is, he’s the sponsor. And you signed a contract guaranteeing him certain concessions, one of them being a spot on the show Wayne (eating Doritoes): That’s where I see things just a little differently. Contract or no, I will not bow to any sponsor. Benjamin: I’m sorry you feel that way, but frankly, it’s the nature of the beast Wayne: Maybe I’m wrong on this one, but for me, the beast doesn’t include selling out (opens up pizza hut box with logo towards camera). Garth, you know what I’m talking about, right? Garth (dressed all in Reebok gear): It’s like people only do things because they get paid. And that’s just really sad Wayne: I can’t take this any more. It’s giving me a headache Garth (holding up bottle of Nuprin): Here, take two of these Wayne: Ahh, Nuprin. Little. Yellow. Different. Benjamin: You can stay in the big leagues and play by the rules, or you can go back to the farm club in Aurora. It’s your choice. Wayne: (holding up can of Pepsi) Yes. And it’s the choice of a new generation. ---
**Author:** ![saramamalana](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/74df32/32.png) [@saramamalana](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saramamalana)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2003, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-shameless-product-placement-seen-in-a-movie-and-ruins-the-movie-for-you/183709/57 "2003-06-25T00:49:14Z")
I wish I could think of any products other than Coca Cola right now, but in **Ghostbusters** , when Peter comes to check out Dana’s kitchen and fridge, there’s a ton of product placement. Actually now that I’m really thinking of it, it’s throughout the whole movie. Aren’t they eating a box of Cheez-its or something when interviewing Rick Moranis’ character? ---
**Author:** ![Deuteros](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a9adbd/32.png) [@Deuteros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Deuteros)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2003, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-shameless-product-placement-seen-in-a-movie-and-ruins-the-movie-for-you/183709/58 "2003-06-25T15:37:47Z")
One thing that’s been really annoying me lately is the saturation coverage of Apple home computers in films and televison programmes. Every single office, school, home, government department, university or what not seems to have the latest up to date products with gigantic TFT screens proudly displaying the little apple icon. No country is this well funded. It’s bordering on the ridiculous when a down and out poor adopted school kid has a $4000 set up or a police officer is using the latest computer designed specifically for creative applications to write his case notes or the house wife just whips out her new slimline powerbook for something as pointless as teh grocery list. The worst case of this is obviously has to be the crazy omni Apple universe created in Independence Day where every single person on the planet uses their hardware and their software is able to connect to extra terestrial technology saving humanity. Just watch out for Apple products they are everywhere!!! ---
**Author:** ![AHunter3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ahunter3/32/368_2.png) [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2003, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-shameless-product-placement-seen-in-a-movie-and-ruins-the-movie-for-you/183709/59 "2003-06-25T19:25:44Z")
It’s a successful Apple plot: get the Hollywood folks to drink the Mac Kool-Aid and you no longer _have_ to pay for good product placement 🙂 It’s true of a lot of print-media ads too. ---
**Author:** ![FatBaldGuy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ecd19e/32.png) [@FatBaldGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FatBaldGuy)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2003, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-shameless-product-placement-seen-in-a-movie-and-ruins-the-movie-for-you/183709/60 "2003-06-25T19:46:10Z")
One of the earliest examples I can remember was a TV show from the 60’s. I **think** it was _The FBI_ with Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., but it might have been _Hawaii Five-O_ (or maybe the old _Dragnet_ series). I do remember that every car on every street was a Ford. And the closing credits stated that automobiles were provided by Ford Motor Co. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-shameless-product-placement-seen-in-a-movie-and-ruins-the-movie-for-you/183709.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-shameless-product-placement-seen-in-a-movie-and-ruins-the-movie-for-you/183709.md?page=4)