Jon Bon Jovi vs. Ben Stiller: Who Rocked Best?

State Farm and Instacart are all about the tunes

Let’s get one thing clear: When Jon Bon Jovi rolls up in a convertible with Jake From State Farm by his side, that’s the very definition of rock ‘n’ roll. Right? Not really.

Regardless, the insurer spoofed Bon Jovi’s ’80s mega-classic “Livin’ on a Prayer” in a Super Bowl commercial. Keegan-Michael Key, Danny McBride, Hailee Steinfeld and Katseye keep the beat, while Jon makes a highway cameo.

Dig this extended cut:

“I feel like these commercials are sort of a part of American pop culture and I enjoy them,” Bon Jovi tells People. “They’re just goofy, fun, pop culture and it all ties into the Super Bowl, I thought, why not? It’d be great.” The Marketing Arm led creative development.

Meanwhile, Ben Stiller and Benson Boone—clad in weird green attire like long-lost Spiders From Mars—crash around on stage for Instacart, supported by dancers dressed as fruits and veggies.

Also an extended cut:

“They sent this concept over that I thought was really funny and could be really ridiculous, and so out-there and absurd but very specific in terms of tone and style,” Stiller tells EW. “It’s as if you were tuning into a show or commercial from another time.”

“So that’s what excited me about it and of course, how it developed with the creative team. Another huge thing was being able to do something with Benson and Spike, for sure.”

He’s referring to director Spike Jonze, who lensed the ad, his first Super Bowl assignment in more than 20 years. Local Produce, BBDO and McCann collaborated on the campaign.

Amusing approach. Chill pulsating track. A cray vibe.

But nothing beats JBJ with feathered locks and shades. Even Jake looks hip. Almost.

Music and nostalgia usually score, especially on the Super Bowl. Here, casting a beloved frontman in his first Big Game spot intensifies the cool and amps-up the message (to 10.5 at least).