Cast includes Paris Hilton's aunts and Kelsey Grammer's wife
I Can't Believe Megan Mullally Killed Her Career (video)
It's tragic what happens to TV stars when the spotlight fades. Just ask Megan Mullally.
The very funny, very Emmy-nominated former star of "Will & Grace" has apparently decided that spending the rest of her life as "fondly remembered star of semi-iconic NBC sitcom" just isn't good enough. Instead, she's chosen to go down in history as "that lady from 'Will & Grace' who sings in a cheesy commercial for "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter."
Yes, that really is Mullally singing the Vicki Sue Robinson disco classic "Turn the Beat Around," "reimagined" as "Turn the Tub Around." In a musical monstrosity choreographed by some dude who used to be on "So You Think You Can Dance."
Since popping up on TV ads in mid-November, the spot has prompted anguished cries of "Noooo!" and "Really?" and "Is that really her?" from media types who can't believe it's not some Megan Mullally look-alike. After all, this is a woman who's done Broadway, had her own talk show, won major awards -- not some failed child actor (cough, Gary Coleman).
How loud has the backlash been?
A New York Post blogger wrote that the spots were "breaking my heart." Movieline resident wit Mark Lisanti tweeted, "Every time Megan Mullally turns the tub around, a cherub eats his butter-slathered wings."
Random consumers have also reacted violently to the Mullally spot, outraged by both her involvement in such a shameless shill -- and the desecration of a 1970s hit.
A search of "Megan Mullally" on Twitter brings up tweets such as "Megan Mullally singing about butter makes me so sad" (@heyheyDRA) and "Dear God, why is this Megan Mullally butter commercial continuing to haunt my very existence? Make it go away!" (@michaellonger).
One blogger who subscribes to Dish Network even claims to have seen an entire channel turned over to the commercial in December. (His screed is here).
Not all the bloggerati are aghast, of course. TVSquad's Allison Waldman wrote that while she was initially "stunned" by the ad, "The more I think that the whole thing is hilarious. Megan, in my estimation, has her tongue firmly in cheek."
Um, maybe. But that doesn't make this spot any less annoying. Or tragic.
If the 30-second version running on TV isn't bad enough for you, the "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter" folks actually took the time to produce an extended version that clocks in at over two minutes. Plus, a behind the scenes featurette detailing the gory details of how Mullally chose to ruin her career (and real Not Butter executives patting themselves for how clever they are). And, we kid you not, a karaoke version that lets you sing along to lyrics such as "Turn the tub around/check each word and letter."
They're all below. Make sure to check out the "making of" video for a defense of the ad from Barry Sands, the senior brand manager for the "Not Butter," who considers the spot a public service.
"In the end it's all about helping the consumer making a better decision for her," he said. "This is something that's good for her and her family-- and I feel good about that."
Comments
Jfranz001 Says
It's about time that an advertiser has seen the light. I can't get the music out of my mind. I want to see more of Megan and when I see her I will think about this ad. Good for her!
Greg S Says
Forgot to post the link..sorry:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8kBVWcF_ro
Greg S Says
I was just watching ALL the videos on this.. Why they were not ALL posted here is interesting...since ones that were NOT posted here explain that it is funny and she was cast because of her ability to make it funny...as well as she is HOT and very talented in singing and dancing.
In my opinion... I would LOVE to see them continue using her and create a series of these types of commercials. Hell, it is working for them market wise.. But they could do other songs as well. This is a GREAT throw back to the fun and excellent musical commercials of the 70's. They worked back then, and apparently, they are working very well again now.
MostofYouareIdiots Says
Ok many of you are just idiots.
TButterfield: As a nutrionalist, I would love to know where you get your information. I, as well as all doctors I know of and work with, recommend ICBINB all the time. It is much more healthy than 99% of the products out there. And you would end watching her in all her great performances because you don't like this. I doubt you will break her heart.
Mark: Hate to burst your bubble, but the company is seeing a large increase in sales since this campaign began. In marketing research done all over the US and Canada, 94% of people asked (10's of 1000's) really like the commercial. 72% enjoyed her in the commercial. 18% said they never used the product but would try it based on the information in the commercial. 11% said they would try the product because they liked her in the commercial and were fans.
Those numbers are HUGE for a marketing firm. So your opinion is really just ignorant on top of being totally wrong.
Oh, lastly, When asked about the commercial, she stated she had an absolute blast making it. I am sure her bank account and her agents bank account have done nicely because of this.
Greg S Says
You know..I have LOVED this commercial since it first aired. I was sure it was her, but not 100%. I really like the full version. Bitch all you want about it and her choice to do it...but you can clearly tell she had a ball doing it and it really shows off her vocal talents. She has a beautiful voice and hey, I love the song, so double bonus for me.
I know MANY fans of Will & Grace, and all of them I have talked to love the commercial and find it funny. Which I guarantee is exactly what they were going for. And guess what...it does exactly (for the company) what it should do. People are reading the label and making the choice that it is better.
Really makes me sick when some self righteous losers think they know what is going on and what is best for an actor or actress's career. I don't see this hurting her one little bit. When you are as big a star and talented as she is, any publicity and anything that gets you in front of the people is GOOD!!!!
Anyways, had to post, because NO ONE I know personally, and that is many many people, LOVE this commercial. Those of you that think this had ruined her or it is killing you...well, you all need to get lives. Trust me, the company wouldn't have put it out if they already were not sure it would be a hit. And it is... weather you all want it to be or not.
lovebutter Says
Mystery solved. It has been driving me nuts if that is or is not Karen Walker. Now I know. I think she looks adorable and who cares about the redux of an old forgotten disco song (nothing against the artist..just don't like disco). Maybe the composer's family will get some money for it's use.
I love natural food though so I will stick to real organic butter. I had never seen the long version,(thanks for posting it) the commercial makes more sense when you see it in it's entirety.
The guy explaining the tub move is a scream. Also when the body double does the backflips - this is funny stuff.
WJI Says
Its a sad world when people can't recognize satire any more. It is clearly tongue in check.
bigbowood Says
if the commercial killed her career, than her funny or die video with thomas lennon revives it:
http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/18266507cf/that-s-what-she-said
angryfatgeek Says
Joe Says: You lost me when you used the words "enjoy", "remake", and "Fame".
Dick Renegade Says
Commercials like this are what happens when you get fat, need money, and have no real marketable skills other than making a fool of yourself.
Daris Says
OH PLEASE! anyone remember her M&M and Old Navy commercial? She's been doing these for quite a while! It's just a freaking commercial! It's advertisement! and I'd rather see her singing and dancing in a commercial than seeing her say a few lines and smile. And after Will&Grace she went to broadway, starred in her own talk show, and is going BACK to broadway this spring. She's also starring in 2 new shows premiering in April and July. So NO her career isn't over :)
Joe Camel Says
Seriously, get your pop culture outrage in check. Being on an NBC primetime show from the Friends/Frasier/Will and Grace era was almost as bad as being in a commercial, artistically speaking. Where were you when Led Zeppelin started shilling cars?? Geeze.
Carl LaFong Says
The long version of the ad and associated featurettes were part of TiVo's offerings to subscribers in December.
You'd think paying $12.95 a month would get you to NOT be exposed to that kinda stuff.
G. A. Grip Says
Wow, people. Breathe in and out, slowly, and then maybe go lie down and have a nap. This is not that serious. Her career is not over. Walk away from your computers and your televisions. Go do something constructive that's a little less embarrassing than crying about a commercial for margarine.
starkitty Says
OMG you people need to get a life. So she did a crappy commercial, big whoop. Like she is the first celebrity to ever to it. Get a grip already.
Me Says
The person who should be most embarrassed by this commercial is the choreographer. Either Megan should have been choreography that put her in the same league as the back-up dancers or she should have had a non-dancing role. She did move well with the moves she was given, but the difference in the level of difficulty made her look old beyond her years. Shame on them for turning such a sexy, smart lady into a cougar punch line.
Great Says
Great Post i think it is amazing.Thx for sharing.. if You would like to Matematyka also check some shool news atChemiaand read some great info about Fizyka
Mark Says
The only reason we shouldn't "suddenly look down at our noses at an actor doing a ... commercial" is that we should have been doing it all along. When you consider that they thought that producing and airing this monstrosity would cajole some of us to buy their product, why should we feel anything but insulted?
some guy at random Says
Vicki Sue Robinson is spinning in her grave. If she were alive she would not let "ICBTNB" or Megan Mullay to use this song at all. This commercial should get a Cleo version of the Razzie award.
consumer Says
When I first saw the "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter"spot, my reaction was "I Can't Believe It's Megan Mullally," too. I was somewhat embarrassed for her. But look how many so-called Hollywood stars at their peaks, not just from TV but from film and music, have shilled for consumer products in recent decades, from soda to make-up. You would never see this back in the day, but times have changed. Why should we suddenly look down at our noses at an actor doing a food spread commercial?
TButterfield Says
I find what Mullally has done completely reprehensible. I Can't Believe It's Not Butter is NOT a good product - the taste is disgusting and it is unhealthy. But Mullally thinks it is okay to go and sing disco about it, luring children into a lifetime of use. Horrible.
This was a very bad choice on her part and despite the fact that she has become an international superstar with her role on Dharma & Greg, I will NOT be enjoying 'Fame' or 'Monkeybone' or any of her other movies or television shows ever again.
Hopefully other stars of Hollywood will now think twice before harming us in a similar fashion.
Joe Says
Whether or not this will kill her career, I believe
that it wouldn't.
It's just a commercial - get over it.
I did enjoy her in the remake of "Fame".
john doe Says
Yeah, ok dts (if that is indeed your real name...) while I get the need to pay the rent from time to time, in the 2:39 min version, I found no less than over 9000(!) cringeworthy moments that make me sad for her, her agent and not to mention ANYONE WITH EYES AND EARS...but all jokes aside-this was horrible. While obviously nobody will care in a century, frankly I'd have more respect for her if she did start a war-at least then she'd have a crime that fits the humiliation...
DTS Says
She's an entertainer -- she's making money promoting something she likes using her talents. And if they pay her great money for that, why would anyone care? It isn't as if she robbed a bank or started a war under false pretenses. And 100 years from now, absolutely _no one_ will give a fig. Move on with your lives.