Ryan Reynolds, Jennifer Beals, Alfonso Ribeiro, and some special guests channel the 80s in hilarious retro-style commercials. Reynolds is the star of comedy classics like The Proposal and Just Friends, as well as the Deadpool series of films. The actor founded the multimedia company Maximum Effort, which has produced a steady stable of content, often with Reynolds' sharp wit and biting humor. His Match.com and Mint Mobile ads have proven to be viral sensations, as well as film promotions with the company that continue to serve his brand well.
Beals is the star of 1983's Flashdance, which was a cultural phenomenon at the time, making the actress an 80s icon. Ribeiro played Carlton on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air with Will Smith throughout the early-to-mid-90s. Both Beals and Ribeiro have gone on to multiple projects since their iconic roles. Beals starred in a variety of TV series throughout the years, including the popular hit The L Word for Showtime. She'll next be seen in The Book of Boba Fett on Disney+. Ribeiro also starred in a number of TV and film projects over the years, eventually becoming the most current host for America's Funniest Home Videos.
Maximum Effort and Ryan Reynolds recently partnered with Kimmel’s Kimmelot for Jimmy Kimmel’s Live In Front Of A Studio Audience in a series of hilarious retro 80s-style ads, featuring a number of performers and products from that era, including Beals and Ribeiro. The ads take a parody approach to the real ads of that era, poking fun at everything from Bob Vila to Kool-Aid Man to Kraft Cheese to daytime soaps to Heinz ketchup and beyond. And, of course, Reynolds provides voice-over for an Aviation Gin ad, even though it didn't even exist in the 80s. Check out the ads below:
Reynolds is currently taking an acting sabbatical after wrapping The Adam Project and Spirited, but still faces a mountain of projects when he returns. On top of the long-awaited Deadpool 3, the actor also has the adventure-comedy Everyday Parenting Tips, an adaptation of Dragon's Lair, and an updated take on Clue. On top of those projects and his work with Maximum Effort, the actor is also the co-owner of Aviation Gin, as well as an entire soccer team with actor Rob McElhenney, Wrexham AFC.
The 80s were an interesting generation for ads, with some inadvertently and intentionally hilarious takes on everyday products. It's an era that begs to be parodied and Ryan Reynolds and co. wasted no effort in making that happen here. The only thing missing from this line-up was the Coca-Cola bear, My Buddy doll, and a Nintendo NES system commercial, but perhaps more will follow if the opportunity presents itself down the line.
Source: Ryan Reynolds