Review: Thank You for Smoking (2006)

Thank You for Smoking
(c) 2006 Ray Wong
Ray's Rave Reviews (reelreviews.blogspot.com)


The smart, cute opening title tells you everything you need to know
about Thank You for Smoking: it's about the tobacco industry, it's
smart, and it's cute. Just about the only thing it doesn't say is
that it's a darn good satire.

Nick Naylor (Eckhart) is the VP of The Academy of Tobacco Studies, an
institution that is supposed to conduct research on the harmful health
effects of cigarette smoking. In reality, Naylor is a lobbyist for and
the voice and face of Big Tobacco. His boyish charm, his knack for gab
and perfect skills of spinning earn him the trust of "the Captain"
(Duvall), the granddaddy of the industry. His appearance on the Joan
Lunden show sets off a series of propaganda battles, and Senator
Finistirre (Macy) is out to draw blood. Despite his better judgment,
Naylor also quickly becomes sexually involved with a beautiful
reporter, Heather Holloway (Holmes), who is doing an article on the
tobacco industry.

Meanwhile, Naylor wants to be a good father. His ex-wife (Kim Dickens)
hates him, but he wants to spend some quality time with his son Joey
(Bright). So he takes Joey with him on his business trips. Joey's
presence gives Naylor the opportunity to question his morality, and the
reasons why he's doing what he does.

Eckhart (Suspect Zero) carries the film beautifully as the slick
lobbyist. His character is loathed by millions of people, and we do
question this guy's morals. However, Eckhart is endearing and
charming, and totally believable as a man caught between his ambition
and conscience.

The supporting cast includes a long list of named and veteran actors
who all give excellent performances: Macy (Sahara) for his portrayal of
the flustered Senator; Simmons (Spider-Man) as Naylor's backstabbing
boss, B R; Holmes (Batman Returns) as the sexy, ambitious, and ruthless
reporter; Duvall (Kicking and Screaming) as the fatherly Big Tobacco
tycoon; Lowe (Austin Powers) as the smooth Hollywood super-agent; Bella
(A History of Violence) and Koechner (The 40 Year Old Virgin) as
Naylor's friends and fellow lobbyists; and Bright (Birth) as
Naylor's curious and adoring son.

Writer-director Reitman (Consent) has written a smart and fun script
based on Christopher Buckley's best-selling novel. The political
satire takes aims at just about everyone, from Big Tobacco to
lobbyists, from Hollywood agents to the news media, from the Marlboro
Man to school kids. The dialogue is sharp and biting. The plot, while
predictable, is fast-paced and entertaining. Reitman also manages to
balance the satire with heart. The film has a light and contemporary
style, coupled with Naylor's witty first-person narration. The unique
and appropriate voice gives the film a personal feel, reminding me of
last year's Kiss Kiss Bang Bang with Robert Downey, Jr. and Val
Kilmer.

The characterization of Nick Naylor and the development of his
relationship with his son give the story an emotional weight in
addition to its intellectual barbs. Reitman also succeeds in wrapping
all the morality in an engaging story without hitting us on the head
with it. But the message is clear: It's not about right or wrong;
it's about freedom to choose. Given the current political climate
where everyone wants to tell others what to do, Mr. Reitman: Thank you
for saying that.

Stars: Aaron Eckhart, J.K. Simmons, William H. Macy, Rob Lowe, Robert
Duvall, Katie Holmes, Cameron Bright, Maria Bello, David Koechner
Director: Jason Reitman
Writers: Jason Reitman (based on novel by Christopher Buckley)
Distributor: Fox Searchlight
MPAA Rating: R for language and sexual content
Running Time: 92 minutes


Script - 8
Performance - 8
Direction - 7
Cinematography - 7
Music/Sound- 7
Editing - 7
Production - 8

Total - 7.6 out of 10