Thank You for Smoking (2006)

Has its valid, amusing points but is ultimately a bit too callous

I think the problem many people have with this film is that - unlike most moralizing Hollywood movies - it doesn't take a stand for or against smoking. While I think smoking is disgusting and practically crazy and I've lost count of the people I've known who died from it, I actually found this approach refreshing. It's essentially a cynical, amoral, libertarian satire on the American nanny state, corporate shills, and posturing politicians. In essence it boils down to this message: "Everyone's got a selfish reason for doing what they do and all information is skewed to the interests of the person providing it. Make up your own mind based on that. If you can."

Since I'm neither amoral or libertarian I was not thrilled with the main character (His motto: "If you argue correctly, then you're never wrong.") or with the way he indoctrinated his son into believing "doing what you do best" is one's highest calling - even if it's for a damnable cause. But his blunt honesty appealed to my cynical side and was often quite amusing. June 30, 2008

Better Than Expected

No one could ever accuse this movie of being subtle. But hey, look at the title and the premise. How could it be?

Nick Naylor is one of the most interesting protagonists to come along in quite a while, and the topic is a very blunt "smoke smoke smoke!" message. The movie is based on a novel which I haven't read but which must surely also be about him. He's an interesting guy.

What I see here is a brilliant balancing act. The humor manages to go over the top without ever sacrificing character, credibility, or even plot. I honestly didn't expect a plot, but rather a one-joke film. So it was a pleasant surprise there.

I will say that you have to be in the right mood, though. The first time I fired up the DVD, I stopped after about 30 minutes and put it aside for later. The second time, I was very impressed.

(Fired up? Oh no, I've been subliminally programmed!)
June 25, 2008

The Yuppie Nuremberg Defense

"I just need to pay the mortgage. Aside: The Yuppie Nuremberg Defense."
- Nick Naylor in Thank you for Smoking

Because of a fellow reviewer's comment, I decided to watch THANK YOU FOR SMOKING. Aaron Eckhart plays Nick Naylor who is a VP and "chief talking head" for the Academy of Tobacco Studies.

The Academy is supposed to research the link between nicotine and cancer. Who would have thought that they would never find any connection?

Nick gets himself into trouble with his "flexible morals" and his errant lobbying ways; but never loses the support of his young son Joey, played by Cameron Bright (despite what his ex wife calls his "dependency issues").

This is a great satirical piece; it was based upon a novel by Christopher Buckley and was the first full feature film directed by Jason Reitman (of Juno fame).

In terms of sensitivities, the film has little. This is not an endorsement of the cigarette industry; but it still does present a callous view of the deep sufferings of many (all caused by nicotine). If this does not hit close to home for you, the satire is well done and Naylor learns a lesson about the emancipation of those enslaved by nicotine himself in a not so presidential manner.

Nick swaps horses; but doesn't seem to have lost any of his stripes by the end of the flick. A very funny film about a not so funny addiction.

Recommended: B+ (A biting satirical study)

Bentley/2008
Thank You for Smoking (Widescreen Edition)Thank You for Smoking (Full Screen Edition) June 16, 2008

Not an angry movie

Since all the really angry scenes are happily in the deleted section (but, don't miss the great special features). This leaves a light hearted look (not side splitting but constantly amusing) at how there are always two sides to every issue - even life taking a overtly realistic (and a bit slow) down spin is effectively spun up. Every salesperson (teacher, evangelist, manager) should enjoy watching this movie - and it's a great conversation starter for a party or classroom viewing. Some have complained it's overplayed - but I think such is part of its charm. The overdone personalities of the salespeople are more "real" and persuasive in just the same way we can't help but appreciate even obviously fake compliments and can't help but laugh along with even obviously canned laughter. Other reviewers seem offended by the main character making the choice of smoking freely available to his son - but, with the average adult being psychologically equal to a 9-12 year old, what is the difference with making such choices freely available to adults (including, say, as by popular suggestion for the legalization of all drugs) in a world where the measurably best way to get people smoking is to tell them it's bad for their health. This movie is especially "wicked fun" (as another reviewer put it) when one considers the most sensitive truth of the last 50 years (to the point of killing the soul of 60-Minutes when they were too terrified to fully release such a "debatable" opinion) is that smoking is bad for you - LOL! IMHO, there are no answers in this movie (thankfully), only a slew of politically incorrect and heavily sarcastic questions delivered with real fun. And, I loved the surprise ending. June 16, 2008

One of the best movies I've seen in a while!!

I loved every bit of this movie! My expectations were quite low going into it but within the first 5 minutes, the movie won me over with its sharp humor, politically incorrect themes and great characters.

The writing was excellent, the acting was spot on and the characters are engaging and on target. I highly recommend this film. June 8, 2008

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