Release Date: March 17, 2006
MPAA Rating: R for language and some sexual content
Written and Directed by: Jason Reitman
Starring: Aaron Eckhart, Maria Bello, Cameron Bright, Adam Brody, Sam Elliott, Katie Holmes, David Koechner, Rob Lowe, William H. Macy, J.K. Simmons, Robert Duvall
Plot:
Satirical comedy follows the machinations of Big Tobacco's chief spokesman, Nick Naylor, who spins on behalf of cigarettes while trying to remain a role model for his twelve-year-old son.
Review:
Thank you For Smoking has a very misleading title because there is not one single cigarette lit in the entire length of the film. One can assume that this was done intentionally to show that the film is not even entirely about smoking. With that said, Aaron Eckhart who plays Big Tobacco's chief spokesman Nick Naylor is mentioned throughout the film that he smokes, yet he never lights one. For cigarettes being so addictive, this man must really have some will power or he is a very good liar.
Eckhart does not need to worry about that because he has delivered the best performance of his acting career. He plays Nick Naylor with wit, sarcasm, charm and confidence. Along with Eckhart, Thank you For Smoking has a superb cast lineup. The cast also includes Maria Bello, Adam Brody, Sam Elliot, Katie Holmes, Rob Lowe, William H. Macy and Robert Duvall. Not surprisingly there is only one performance that does not stand out and that honor goes to Katie Holmes.
Holmes was disappointing in Batman Begins and here she isn't much of an actress either. Holmes aside, everyone else is in top notch acting here. On to the film, Thank you For Smoking is what you would call a satirical comedy. This film has quite some memorable quotes and features a decent mix of knowledge and comedy. While this film is actually not completely solid in the comedy department, its very smart and knows its facts. The screenplay was intelligently written by Jason Reitman who also directed the film.
Theres no doubt about it, this is Jason Reitman's film. With this film Reitman has shown that he can be solid in both departments of filmmaking. Thank you For Smoking is directed with a solid pace and a quick reflex that if you aren't entirely paying attention than you will miss its highlights. When this film is weak in comedy it doesn't disappoint with always interesting discussions and conversations that are intriguing.
The strengths that make this film better than your average satire comedy is the deliverance of the performances, the execution of the dialogue and the way that it can question many difficulties in modern society. This film is repetitive at times in its locations, but thats because much like our lives everyday is always similar to the day before. A nine to five job is what many Americans have and much of the same is experienced. However, when you can have a job as a spokesman and be as good as Nick Naylor than you won't have to worry about much of anything.
This film will also make you wonder if Naylor works just to pay off his expenses or because he truly loves his job. I would imagine that it can be a bit of both. Whatever it may be, Thank You for Smoking is an enjoyable motion picture with flaws as far as what it could have done more, in its messages and its humor. Even with that said, this film delivers an entertaining ride while not being biased on politics. One of Thank You for Smoking high points is that you can't label it something, its that original. Films like this don't come around that often and can be done better, but that is not to say that this film delivers entertainment, solid performances and a bit of humor.
