The advertisement above for Arlen's Transmission in Burbank, California really is the whole package. Let us critique:

It starts off strong at the 1 second mark, where our friendly auto repair guy Gorjan can't remember whether he was directed to hang up the phone, or stay on the call.

We then transition to some kind of car tool being used as a phallic symbol. Here's a helpful diagram in case you missed it.


Then we are hit with some downright innovative choreography and the thought-provoking lyrics "shift it, shift it forwards, shift it, shift it backwards". Some out-of-work actresses help Gorjan express his message through dance. We're also shown one of the customers repairing something herself. What is this, some kind of DIY operation? Is it a TAFE workshop?

Also, it would seem that Gorjan has fallen asleep while instructing. WAKE UP, GORJAN.

The out-of-work actresses and Gorjan then go for a cruise, and thumb their noses at modern driving conventions by looking out the back window while moving forward.

You also know that they blew 90% of the budget for this clip by hiring a green screen for that particular scene.

The clip finishes with a crescendo: a simple shot of Gorjan giving it up down the barrel of the camera. He's even changed into a suit jacket for such a special moment. And for some reason, a microphone has suddenly become necessary.

**

It's hard to tell whether this is genuine, or a couple of hipster film students have convinced Arlen to make an ad that will go viral (if that's the case, mission accomplished).

The fact that the office looks like a perfectly executed film set for an auto-repair shop makes it feel like a bit of a set up. Why are there no files in the vertical stands? Surely if this was a real business, there'd be actual paperwork?

Exhibit A: no files.

Either way, it's made our Friday slightly brighter.

Ladies, may your car never break down in Burbank, California.