Movies on TV

To me, one of the most striking things about television commercials is the way they manage to reduce feature length movies into small enough fragments to fit in with the text of TV. The full film is reduced into a minute-long skit, filled with shots from the movie. There are quick characterizations, usually through repeated situations. Consider an advertisement for Role Models, an upcoming feature. First, we are told of Danny and Wheeler's mandatory community service, and forced time spent with youths, then their formal punishment: karma in the form of excessively precocious children. The only bit left out, is Danny and Wheeler's ultimate realization of the good in the kids, which we are all programed to expect. Essentially three full acts are played out in a minute long bit: perfect for television consumption.