Hit List
Sun Herald
Sunday June 29, 2008
Five movies that give products a starring role.
Superman II (1980)Superman (Christopher Reeve) and General Zod (Terence Stamp) wrestle astride a Marlboro cigarette truck but when the Man of Steel throws the evil general into a gigantic Coca-Cola sign, it's promotional poetry.ET: The Extra Terrestrial (1982)How was Elliott (Henry Thomas) supposed to draw ET out of the back shed? With Reese's Pieces, of course. The chocolate and peanut butter sweets are a good reason to stay on Earth.Wayne's World (1992)Happily spoofing product placement, Wayne (Mike Myers) declares, "I will not bow to any sponsor", Pizza Hut box in hand and smiling for the camera. A parade of brands follows, culminating in Garth (Dana Carvey) in full Reebok kit.You've Got Mail (1998)In this love story between internet company AOL and its new movie studio, Warner Bros (which is responsible for the film), AOL appears as virtual cupid, bringing Joe (Tom Hanks) and Kathleen (Meg Ryan) together.Sex And The City (2008)There would be no show without Manolo but plenty of other brands make an appearance before Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) gets, uh, carried away by Vivienne Westwood. Props go to Louis Vuitton as best supporting brand.
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