Nathan Laing
"Thank you for Smoking" is the best social satire and downright controversial character study that no one is talking about. Eckhart leads a fantastic cast as a lobbyist for big tobacco as the film explores the ups and downs that come with the job.
The screenplay features almost Sorkin like dialogue that is endlessly entertaining to watch be performed especially in the scenes with the "MOD squad" or "Merchants of Death"With Eckhart at career best, a fantastic screenplay, biting social satire and Sam Elliott in the role he was born to play this movie is a must see.
Python Hyena
Thank You for Smoking (2005): Dir: Jason Reitman / Cast: Aaron Eckhart, Robert Duvall, William H. Macy, Katie Holmes, Maria Bello: Brilliant comedy about opposing arguments. Aaron Eckhart plays Nick Naylor, spokesperson for cigarettes. He is gifted in debates that have his unhealthy product applauded simply because he can talk. He is divorced, and while his ex-wife is involved with another man, his son is growing to take after his father. Film debut for director Jason Rietman backed with a screenplay of overwhelming flair. Eckhart is hilarious as Naylor whose gift for talking not only sells cigarettes but it also opens him up to mass hatred and danger. Robert Duvall steals scenes as his father who pioneered the business in much the same manner. William H. Macy steals scenes as a politician lobbying against cigarettes thus left frustrated in hilarious debates against Naylor. Katie Holmes plays a crooked reporter who seduces Naylor for information that eventually costs him. The karma headed her way is priceless when Naylor takes control again. Maria Bello plays a spokeswoman for the alcohol industry who also weighs in on this controversy. This is easily one of the best films of the year with its humorous dialogue and clever arguments. Regardless of one's thoughts on cigarettes we should thank Rietman for this clever and amusing debate. Score: 10 / 10
thedudeabides-2
Every now and then, a movie will come along that will show a side of the world not often open to public scrutiny. The tobacco industry is probably one of the most mysterious in the world, with a number of restrictions placed on them over advertising and health warnings meaning we don't really have an idea of how they work. If Jason Reitman's Thank You For Smoking is anything to go by, they are every bit as despicable as you would believe.Thank You For Smoking follows Nick Naylor, a fast talking PR spokesman for tobacco tasked with the unenviable job of making tobacco look good. Aaron Eckhart is absolutely superb in the role of Nick, a man who believes he can win any argument as long as he comes at it from the right angle. And he's right. Throughout the movie you will see Nick worm his way out of sticky situations again and again, with Eckhart's smarminess effectively replacing any sense of logic in his arguments. He's a truly despicable character but you cannot take your eyes off him and, as the movie progresses, you may even find yourself liking him.It is a testament to Eckhart's performance, and the fantastic script, that you find yourself rooting for Nick as he takes on pragmatic politicians, his ex wife and her new husband, a disgruntled former employee and, perhaps most tricky of all, his young son. It may have been risky making a movie about the inner machinations of the tobacco industry but Reitman wisely keeps the tone light throughout, with only a handful of dramatic scenes punctuating the sharp comedy. This may be off-putting to some, due to the serious nature of the subject matter, but Reitman and Co. have clearly aimed for a black satirical comedy and, with a lightning fast script and excellent performances from all involved, it succeeds admirably. A very clever and funny look at the inner workings of the tobacco industry. Some jokes may be too near the knuckle for some but if you're in the mood for some inappropriate laughs then this one is for you.
leonblackwood
Review: Although this is an old movie, I still enjoyed it. It shows a different aspect to big business, which, good or bad, every business needs. The acting is great from all of the cast and the writing was witty, even though it is a serious subject. After watching movies like The Insider and many Michael Moore movies which show how big businesses trick the world by making them think that they are doing right by buying there products, it's good to see a lighter side to the subject. It's very well written and entertaining from beginning to end. Enjoyable!Round-Up: Judging by the money that this movie made, it must have touched all audiences, smokers and non-smokers, and the relationship between the leading character and his some gave it a human touch. I've seen this movie a few times on TV so I knew what to expect. In a lot of way, this message is politically incorrect, but once the spin had been applied by the spin doctor, you does twist your mind. By the way, the director cleverly didn't show anyone in the movie smoking so he obviously put his own message across. Budget: $6.5million Worldwide Gross: $40millionI recommend this movie to people who want to learn about the spin doctors who work for the tobacco industry. 6/10
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