I Want to Be Friends With This Hip Couple Even Though They Are Only Actors

I caught a shorter version of the above commercial during one of the shows I have to DVR because my parenting responsibilities do not let me watch TV shows at their normal time.

These commercials strike a chord with me because (a) I'd like to think I'm a cool parent, (b) I have grown to understand the value of a minivan (despite not owning one and never having grown up with one), and (c) those Toyota Siennas look really awesome.

When the '95 Saturn broke down (i.e., I totaled it ramming some lady's Acura under the Long Island Expressway bridge WHEN I CLEARLY HAD THE LIGHT) we had to quickly buy a new "station car" and we settled on a used 2003 Toyota Echo, which, to my surprise, I very much enjoy. We had to fill out paperwork to buy the little car in the new-car showroom, and there was a brand new Sienna with all its doors tantalizingly open like a spread-eagled porn star.

We ogled that minivan, Jenn and I, and despite "Toyota" becoming more synonymous with "Ford Pinto" each day, we would still consider buying it. These commercials really ice the cake.

Look at this cool couple! The dad appeared in commercials for Sonic, a chain that advertises in the Northeast despite having no actual restaurants in the area. He's got that sweet beard and has no shame about his baldness! The mom resembles a somewhat MILF-y Marsha Brady, and both of them would appreciate and understand my references to hip movies and literature! Their kids would be friends with our kids! We'd go on vacation together, have them over for wine and cheese, and leave the kids with a babysitter so we could go to an artsy cinema!

But that whole family is fake. Oh well. At least, if Jenn and I decide to place a Craigslist ad for "activity partners," we can include "Must resemble couple in the Toyota Sienna commercial." Read more...