Deutsch L.A.'s much-awaited follow up to last year's Super Bowl ad, "The Force," is out -- and while it may not quite live up to the perfect pitch of its predecessor, it keeps VW Super Bowl work firmly in the family-friendly, warm-hearted range.

The ad mixes dogs and Star Wars, as the teaserindicated. The 75-second version shown here (it will be cut to :60 for the game) tells the story of Bolt, a dog who wants to lose weight in order to keep up with the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. It's 'The Bigger Loser' for a dog, but there is a surprise twist ending. The question is, does the meta leap at the end work? Or is it a case of trying too hard?

The team for this year's work includes the same director, Lance Acord, and editor, Jim Haygood from 'The Force.'