Embedded

This fast-paced, flashy little slice of consumer awareness education from the 21C [Twenty-First Century] series examines how product advertising and identification are virtually embedded in every aspect of pop culture, as advertisers are forced to think outside of the idiot box for new ways to tap the disposable income of today's youth. Two bubbly female twentysomethings roam the urban streets looking for trends such as “trucker caps,” among other imminent fads that aren't deemed mainstream yet (but will be, the ladies assure us). The program's highlight features pop culture marketing's premier brother act, Russell and Rev. Run Simmons (Def Jam impresario and one-third of Run-DMC, respectively) as they grind out a day of personal appearances in support of their various products, including a poorly planned and dismally attended autograph session at a remote sporting goods store (indomitable to the last, the Brothers S smile and keep up the chatty commercial patter until late in the evening). A pretty good primer on the wide reach of advertising, tailor-made for 'tweens and teens, this is recommended. Aud: I, J, H, C, P. (M. Tribby)