10 Movies That Are Nothing More Than Feature Length Commercials
9. Wilson Loves You Castaway (2000)
In 2000, Tom Hanks brought his massive star power and everyman charm to play the worlds most dedicated and hyper-competent FedEx employee, Chuck Noland, in the adventure drama Castaway. When a plane crash thwarts Nolands mission to ensure FedEx continues to provide the world class services its clients depend on, Noland washes ashore on an uninhabited island. A few FedEx packages come along for the ride, ensuring that the FedEx logo will still feature prominently in the movie despite Noland being hundred of miles away from civilization. Nolands sole companion on the island is a Wilson Volleyball that Noland names Wilson. Noland converses with the Volleyball regularly, pouring out his thoughts and feelings, which gives him the opportunity to repeat the brand name 'Wilson ad nauseam. In the films most famous scene, Noland attempts to escape the island using a makeshift raft only to have Wilson fall into the water. The heartbroken Noland is so devastated at the loss of his volleyball that cries out Wilson! at the top of his lung repeatedly. Castaway's corporate benefactors reaped huge rewards. Wilson Sporting Goods launched an ad campaign that highlighted the fact its products co-starred with Hanks in the feature; while FedEx cited Zemeckis and Hanks shameless plugging of its service for increasing brand awareness in Asia and Europe. Castaways product placement remains a standout for making a particular brand of volleyball one of the most memorable supporting characters of the 2000s.
