I went on a little YouTube bender the other day (thanks in part to my friend Christy) and watched a bunch of retro TV commercials. A couple things surprised me, including the fact that both Pop-Tarts and Taco Bell have been around since the 70’s. I’m sorry if that makes you feel old but it’s the truth. Anyways, this Pop-Tarts commercial is pretty awesome:
The funny thing I noticed is toaster reminds me a lot of William H. Macy’s character, Donnie from Magnolia. In particular the line, by the toaster, “There’s a lot of good inside,” and how similar it is to how much love Donnie has to give in the movie. I also like how insecure the toaster was with his first night in the house, worried he wouldn’t be able to impress Suzie.
I love how the little girl knows the toaster, Milton, by name like he’s her schizophrenic vision. Also, you’re right he is very insecure. He awkwardly tries to bring Poptarts into the conversation by relating Suzie being nervous about her first sleep-over with the neurotic concept that he would be nervous about the first time Suzie had Poptarts and whether she would approve. Milton, man, it’s really not your job to make Suzie like Poptarts. I think that’s Kellog’s responsibility, no matter what they tell you. Also so I love 00:24, Suzie’s weirdly demure laugh as Milton’s joke. What a weird child actor.
Either Milton is real and just needs to chill out or Suzie needs some therapy to fix her inner toaster.