"That's Better"

9 April 2025

30s

Bowled over.

This Deep RiverRock ad feels like an Irish remake of 'Kingpin'. It's the Irish Open Amateur Bowling Classic, and the commercial's take on Ernie McCracken (Bill Murray) has just rolled another strike. The insufferable so-and-so sidles up to his opponent and wishes him "good luck", confident that the title belongs to him and his godawful sunglasses.

Does his rival have what it takes to beat him? Not right away—first, he needs a visit from the ghost of his grandfather, who points to a bottle of water on the ball return. We like to think the Irish Open Amateur Bowling Classic is a magnet for paranormal activity, with organisers on the lookout for pins that fall over by themselves.

One slurp of water and he's won the tournament, made his grandad proud, et cetera? Of course not—it's water, not a miracle tonic. He's better hydrated, for sure, but a better bowler? Let's just say he almost sends someone to the afterlife to join his dear old grandpa. We like that the brand knows better than to overpromise and underdeliver.

Ireland

Bottled Water