HP’s “Chain Reaction” ad stars Aaron Takahashi, who finds himself caught in a series of increasingly ridiculous events after a simple printer malfunction. What starts as a minor inconvenience quickly spirals into an uncontrollable chain of chaos—leading to an absurd sequence of mishaps that humorously highlight the frustrations of office technology.
The Formula (That Works at Any Budget):
Exaggerated Chaos = Instant Engagement
The ad begins with a simple printer issue and quickly escalates into a series of over-the-top events. This escalation keeps the audience hooked, anticipating the next ridiculous mishap.
→ Lesson: Use escalating events to captivate your audience and maintain their attention.
Relatable Office Struggles = Easy Connection
Everyone’s dealt with frustrating office tech—like printers that constantly jam or malfunction at the worst possible time. The humor taps into these shared frustrations, making the ad immediately relatable.
→ Lesson: Address common pain points to ensure your audience connects with the story.
Subtle Product Placement = Clear Solution
Rather than focusing on flashy product demos, HP subtly showcases how their printers provide a simple, effective solution to these everyday problems.
→ Lesson: Highlight how your product solves the problem without overloading the viewer with features.
Comedic Timing by Aaron Takahashi = Engaging Humor
Takahashi’s reactions to the escalating chaos provide the comedic flair. His timing and expressions add personality to the ad, enhancing its humor.
→ Lesson: Strong comedic talent can elevate your message and make the ad more memorable.
Humor Breakdown:
The humor in this ad comes from the unexpected escalation of a simple printer issue into a series of absurd events. Each mishap is funnier than the last, with Takahashi’s exaggerated reactions adding to the overall comedic effect. The chaotic yet relatable situation serves as a humorous reminder of the frustrations often experienced in the office.
Final Verdict:
HP’s “Chain Reaction” ad effectively uses humor to highlight the frustrations of office tech and showcase the reliability of its printers. With relatable office struggles, comedic timing, and a clear solution, the ad is both entertaining and impactful.
BRAVE-o-meter Score:
B-8 | R-9 | A-9 | V-9 | E-9
BRAVE – 8.8/10
