Thank You for Smoking could not have come at a better time. No, I am not referring to the conveniently timed Katie Holmes sex-scene scandal that put this movie on the map. Rather, I mean the film is a breath of fresh air amidst the painfully unfunny comedies in theaters lately.
Director Jason Reitman (son of Ghostbusters director Ivan) has crafted a witty satire that appeals to intellectuals, activists and general moviegoers alike. It’s a smart movie, but you won’t need a Ph.D. to be entertained. The humor is fresh, fast paced and so deadly accurate it’s almost eerie.
Based on Christopher Buckley’s novel of the same title, Smoking follows Nick Naylor (Aaron Eckhart, Erin Brockovich), a notorious lobbyist for the tobacco industry. Often called “The Sultan of Spin,” Naylor prides himself on the ability to twist any argument in his favor. With a wink and a smile, he can convince anyone smoking is not only harmless, but can actually save lives.
When not being paid to talk, Naylor hangs at the bar with Polly Bailey (Maria Bello, A History of Violence), a lobbyist for alcohol, and Bobby Jay Bliss (David Koechner, Anchorman), a lobbyist for guns. Calling themselves the MOD Squad (“Merchants of Death”), the trio frequently argues over whose employer has killed the most people. Although portrayed as immoral, it is impossible not to love every minute of their scenes.
Like the MOD Squad, every character in this movie is hilarious. The ever-amazing J.K. Simmons (Spider-Man) plays Naylor’s tough-as-nails boss, while legendary Godfather actor Robert Duvall portrays the grandpa of the tobacco industry, simply known as “Captain.”
These two send Naylor on a variety of outings, including an attempt to bribe the original Marlboro Man (Sam Elliott, Hulk), who is now dying of cancer and eager to renounce tobacco. Naylor also visits an eccentric Hollywood agent (a hilarious cameo by Rob Lowe) to try to put more cigarettes in films.
Rounding out the movie’s cast are Holmes (Batman Begins) as a reporter willing to do anything for a scoop on Naylor, and William H. Macy (Fargo) as the Vermont senator and token anti-tobacco liberal.
As Naylor, Eckhart is great. He exudes the charm and confidence to make you love watching him, but also shows a human side, particularly in scenes with son Joey (Cameron Bright, Ultraviolet). Everyone else is equally wonderful in their roles. Even the weakest actors – ahem, Holmes – manage to shine here.
There are a lot of great blink-and-you’ll-miss-them jokes in the film. For instance, Lowe’s agent works for a company named EGO (Entertainment Global Offices). Reitman’s attention to detail is astounding and every single in-joke earns a laugh.
Aside from its precise comedic timing and stellar cast, Smoking’s best attribute is it doesn’t preach to the audience. Rather than being caught up in who’s right, the film steps back and sneers at the absurdity surrounding the “war on tobacco.”
Neither the industry nor its liberal opponents are safe from the film’s mockery. With lines such as, “If you want an easy job, go work for the Red Cross,” it’s obvious this movie does not submit to political correctness.
The humor is never stuffy or dry, as one might expect from a film about politics. The plot is almost entirely fictional and so absurd, it’s practically fantasy, but it provides pure satire at its best.
Reitman’s biggest flaw as a director is he can be overzealous. Because this is his first major feature, some MTV-style flashiness is to be expected. Particularly at the beginning, he likes to speed up the frames, or randomly film a scene on video. But as the movie gets moving, the story takes center stage.
Do not watch this film expecting a Michael Moore-style attack on corporate tobacco. It is a reality-based fantasy with a constant stream of light-hearted humor. Smoking does not ask you to question your morals, but simply aims to entertain with a healthy level of intelligence. Whether you are pro- or anti-tobacco, you will be laughing from the opening to the closing credits.
Movie: Thank You for Smoking | Verdict: A
Contact reporter Heather Seebach at seebachdbk@gmail.com.
