Genres

Visitors Review

2012-05-22 23:23:48

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!)

2012-05-22 13:30:14

The Yuppie Nuremberg Defense

"I just need to pay the mortgage. Aside: The Yuppie Nuremberg Defense." - Nick Naylor in Thank you for SmokingBecause 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/2008Thank You for Smoking (Widescreen Edition)Thank You for Smoking (Full Screen Edition)

Benthesteve 2012-05-16 21:58:31

Delightfully enjoyable

I have to say by far Thank You for Smoking is the best movie I haveseen this year to-date. I had first had my doubts thinking this moviewould be one, which the viewer sits through two hours of a biasespolitical statement showing how Hollywood feels if a person is willingto spend $8.50 on a movie ticket. Then the viewer is willing to listento $8.50 worth of worthless propaganda. My doubts were disproved whenthe movie in a very satirical manner showed the ludicrous ideas behindthe witch-hunt people in the U.S. find themselves in trying to stoppeople from smoking, along with that of the smoking companies trying toprove that it is not a dangerous product. Overall if you can laugh at amoving skillfully poking fun at the peoples' shortcomings, and canhandle a bit of vulgarity, anyone would enjoy this movie.

2012-05-16 02:37:59

Skull and crossbones for Vermont cheddar cheese!

Thank You for Smoking! Reality or fiction? Whether you realize it or not, we are constantly bombarded with messages about what is cool, or hip, or deadly, or immoral.This is a fictionalized account of one such battle: smoking tobacco. When the evidence is so clear that smoking harms both the smoker and others inhaling the smoke, why is smoking tobacco still legal? It is because there is a cadre of professionals whose job it is to make sure we hear and absorb certain messages, like the government wants smokers to die so that agencies can get larger budgets, while tobacco companies want smokers to live because smokers are their best customers (example taken from the movie)!This film is very entertaining, with a number of great, great actors. Rated PG-13, and highly recommended. I give this film 4 stars instead of 5 because the sex scenes (admittedly limited) and language will keep younger children from seeing this film... and I'd like to see more people, not less, view this film.

electriccucumber 2012-05-13 06:05:56

Unfiltered Comedy

While "American Dreamz" is the more mainstream, more accessiblemockumentary of the moment in Hollywood, "Thank you for Smoking"clearly blows it out of the water with its endlessly quotable dialogueand brilliant characters. You cannot help but root for Aaron Eckhart'ssmarmy tobacco lobbyist Nick Naylor, as he embarks on a one-man tobaccocrusade. Naylor does not lack in self-confidence, as he tells theaudience "Michael Jordan plays ball. Charles Manson kills people. Italk." Some priceless moments include his negotiations with thecancer-stricken Marlboro Man, and his assault on the cheese-eating,Birkenstock-clad William H. Macy, who plays a clever Vermont senatorwho tries to stand tough on tobacco. Featuring similarly shiningperformances from Rob Lowe and Robert Duvall, "Thank you for Smoking"delivers boatloads of unfiltered fun for all.

yournewfriendsam-1 2012-05-12 20:38:11

Satire at Its Finest

In a divided world of smokers and non-smokers, there is little hope ofharmony between these two groups of people. Constant conflict oversecond-hand smoke and smoking in public places fires up both sides.Nick Naylor, lobbyist for Big Tobacco, spokesman for the Academy ofTobacco Studies, member of the M.O.D. Squad (Merchants of Death), andan all-around jerk can talk his way out of any pickle. From wrigglingout of a national-television attack on the Joan Lunden Show to stoppingthe cancer-ridden Marlboro Man from bashing cigarettes, Nick has atalent. His talent lights up brilliantly in a film that dares to testthe boundaries concerning cigarette smoking and the world of spin.Naylor never had trouble being the most hated man in America. Sure,being a "mass murderer" and a "profiteer," oh, and a "yuppieMephistopheles," can take its toll, but Naylor nevertheless happilydefends an industry that kills 1,200 people a day. Even when his son,Joey, begs of him at his school's career day, "Please, don't ruin mychildhood." On the other side of the issue is Senator Finisterre ofVermont, who dedicates his life to condemning Naylor and his work. Hisendeavor has him packaging all cigarettes with a poison labelrepresented by skull and crossbones. The warning claims to be "areminder of the dangers of smoking." Naylor agrees. And since heartfailure is the number one killer in the United States, Naylor alsofeels cholesterol-filled Vermont Cheddar Cheese should carry the labelas well. Reporter Heather Holloway also has some flexible morals of herown, as she employs her rather evident sex appeal in an exclusiveinterview with Nick Naylor. Exposing most of his darkest secrets in herpoignant article, Naylor is unable to defend his ruined reputation. ButHolloway, like all evil villains, is eventually brought to justice. Anincredible cast, featuring Aaron Eckhart, Robert Duvall, William H.Macy, Katie Holmes, Rob Lowe, Maria Bello, David Koechner, Adam Brody,and Dennis Miller, shines under the directorial genius of JasonReitman. Reitman, son of film director Ivan Reitman (Ghostbusters,Kindergarten Cop, & Evolution), provides an originality to the picturenecessary for color and a satirical tone. Reitman creates a uniquestyle of humor throughout the picture. A film with a message and wittydelivery is rare to come by in modern motion pictures. The screenplaywas adapted from the 1993 novel, Thank You for Smoking, by ChristopherBuckley; also an amazing read and maybe funnier than the film.

TROYBOY575 2012-05-07 17:16:01

Thank You for Smoking

Aaron Eckhart can do no wrong in my book. He was amazing in the filmsIn the Company of Men, Your Friends and Neighbors, Erin Brockovich,Nurse Betty and Possession. Of course, he also stared in The Core, TheMissing, Paycheck and Suspect Zero, which were awful films, but I won'thold that against him. No sane film aficionado could hold it againsthim. He still pulls out all the punches in his films and succeeds inbeing a brilliant actor even if he's in a less than brilliant film.Thank You for Smoking is not a brilliant film, but Aaron Eckhart isbrilliant in it. Actually, the film is quite good – it's cleverlywritten and, for the most part, expertly acted. But, alas, AaronEckhart is better than the film, and that becomes utterly clear when hehas scenes opposite the inferiorly talented Katie Holmes, who, untilrecently, seemed like a bankable up-and-coming actress. (If you saw Goor Batman Begins, you know she's succeeded before. She's had hermoments in the past, but apparently Tom Cruise has not only taken awayher mind, he's taken away her talent as well.) Eckhart delivers such aperfect performance as Nick Naylor, the lead spokesperson for "BigTobacco", that you can't take your eyes off of him. He effectivelyspins any negative conversation about the dangers of smoking into apro-tobacco semantics-fest. Nick and his two pals, an alcohol lobbyist(Maria Bello) and a firearms lobbyist (David Koechner), make up theself-referential M.O.D. squad (Merchants of Death). They have lunchtogether and hilariously compare death rates of their respectivecauses. Satire doesn't get much better than it is in those scenes. Thenyou add in a scene where he convinces an elementary school class thatthey should try smoking before they speak bad of it, while the teachersits, horrified, staring at her class without an idea of how to stopNick, and you have another unforgettable film moment. In the end,though, Thank You for Smoking is only occasionally biting, occasionallywitty, and its inconsistency is a bit of a shortfall. Then you add in atepid subplot about Nick and his relationship with his son, and thefilm starts to fall flat. It doesn't quite get flat, but it gets closea couple of times. Of course, as I stated above, if you are an AaronEckhart fan, he will get you through the film, shortfalls or not. Ican't wait to see what film he chooses next. It's always a surprisewith him. He defies typecasting. He will, eventually, get an AcademyAward – mark my words.

2012-05-07 05:08:13

The Keen Nicotine Machine

I was warned by an acquaintance that this movie was a flop. Wrong, wrong, wrong. This is a sparkling, wittily clever effort about spokesmen, and a tobacco spokesman in particular. There's the pompous anti-tobacco congressman, the pretty and underhanded newsreporter, the so-called tobacco victims, the whole gang in fact. And everyone gets skewered in the end, but not before the tobacco man turns the tables on his foes, confounds the anti-smoking puritans repeatedly, and who in general combines slickness with a quick wit informed by arguments the health nazis never see coming.There aren't any really good guys in this show. But if you want to see how a demonized industry can be put in a good light, and how hard it would be to debate a top-notch lobbyist, this is the place to stop. This was a funny, enlightening film. I suspect I was given a negative review by a person who didn't think smokers should be so well represented in a movie.

Robert_Hearth 2012-05-04 08:56:07

"We Sell Cigarettes. And They're Cool And Available And Addictive. The Job Is Almost Done For Us!" --- Budd "BR" Rohrabacher (J.K. Simmons)

"Thank You for Smoking" (2005) Directed By: Jason Reitman Starring: Aaron Eckhart, Maria Bello, Cameron Bright, Adam Brody, SamElliot, Katie Holmes, David Koechner, Rob Lowe, William H. Macy, J.K.Simmons, Kim Dickens, & Kim Dickens MPAA Rating: "R" (for language and some sexual content) "Thank You for Smoking" is a satirical look at the tobacco industry,corporate America, the media, and just about everything you canimagine. Aaron Eckhart stars as Nick Naylor--one of the most hated menin America--the tobacco industry lobbyist. Called the "Sultan of Spin",Naylor is famous for twisting logic to turn arguments in his favor andbelieves that simply proving his opponent wrong (by changing theargument completely, no less) is enough to prove him correct. And thistheory must be correct, as it has propelled him to success andconsiderable wealth. For example, Nick is asked to attend his son'sschool's career day. One little girl says that her mommy says thatcigarettes can kill you. Ignoring his son's request to "not ruin hischildhood", Nick cross-examines the young girl, asking "Is your mommy adoctor? A scientific researcher of some kind?" The little girl says"No", to which Nick says, "Well then she's hardly a credible expert, isshe?" One could almost say that anyone could manipulate a young childand that Nick is nothing special…until you realize that he canmanipulate anyone, young or old, just as easily. As Nick so eloquentlystates: "That's the beauty of argument, if you argue correctly, you'renever wrong".The health hazards of cigarettes have become widely-publicized. Peopleare no longer as unknowing about the dangers of tobacco as they oncewere. Nick Naylor's job is seemingly impossible: promoting cigarettesin a time when almost everyone knows that cigarette smoke can cause amultitude of health problems. Constantly trying to balance his work andhis son, Joey (Bright), Nick begins to find his job more and moredifficult. Nick meets with members of the MOD (Merchants of Death)squad, which consists of the alcohol lobbyist, Polly Bailey (Bello),and the firearms lobbyist, Bobby Jay Bliss (Koechner), once a month todiscuss new techniques for promoting their different products. Theyoften argue about which of their products kills the most people. When asexy reporter, Heather Holloway (Holmes), wins Nick's trust and takesadvantage of it for the sake of the perfectly controversial article,Nick's world begins to tumble down around him. But, always thecalculating thinker, Nick prepares for his ultimate comeback.One of my favorite scenes in "Thank You for Smoking" features NickNaylor as a guest on "The Joan Lunden Show". Sitting next to him isRobin (Eric Haberman), a fifteen-year-old cancer victim. The audienceapplauds when Joan says that Robin has stopped smoking and they boowhen she introduces Nick. You would think that this is Nick's downfall.How could he turn such a damaging situation in his favor? Did I mentionthat the other people on the stage are all anti-smoking campaigners?Well, they are. Anyway, Nick, smiling confidently, says that it is inthe smoking industry's best interest to keep Robin alive, healthy…andsmoking, of course. Why would they not care whether or not he lived ordied if he is their customer--the source of their financial security?This seems reasonable enough (although, we all surely know that this ismerely hogwash). Next, Nick looks straight into the audience, piercingthem with his firm stare, and he says that the anti-smoking people arethe ones who want Robin to die, because they get more and more supportwith every casualty. The audience seems completely taken aback for afew moments and then they realize that Nick's attack is completelyunderstandable. We, of course, know that this is simply ludicrous…butthere is just something about the way Nick says it. You just cannothelp but, at least, consider the idea that he is telling the truth.This scene is a testament to Aaron Eckhart's talent and could very wellbe the highlight of a career-defining role.When this movie ended, I felt completely satisfied. It revels in itsoften subtle humor and trying to catch every little joke the first timearound is next to impossible. It one of the most politically-incorrect,bold, inspired, and effective comedies of the year. I often criticizecomedies for being too safe when deciding what to joke about. "ThankYou for Smoking", on the other hand, is a movie that seems as thoughthe filmmakers decided what was too safe to joke about and cut it allout, leaving everything that could be considered offensive in the finalcut. Thank God for that! It is about time filmmakers decide thatoffending some people doesn't matter. If an audience member is soeasily-offended, then they shouldn't be watching a satire to beginwith. "Thank You for Smoking" is not a movie made to entertaineverybody. It was made to entertain the people who would like it,ignoring everyone else. Nick ends the movie by saying, "Michael Jordanplays ball. Charles Manson kills people. I talk. Everyone has atalent". I quite like that line. Everyone does have talent and,clearly, for these filmmakers, their talent is making a movie that iscourageous and completely hilarious.Final Thought: "Thank You for Smoking" is one of the best comedies ofthe year.Overall Rating: 10/10 (A+)

alysseumwarrior 2012-05-04 02:03:00

Clever, witty, laugh out loud fun.

"This movie isn't about smoking, it's about spin" - Jason Reitman. Ijust saw the film tonight and had a Q&A with Jason Reitman. The moviewas brilliant and funny - good twists, good laughs, and very goodwriting. Jason Reitman's Q&A was very delightful after the movie and hestayed to sign autographs for the entire group. I also got to speakwith the co-producer Daniel Brunt. Daniel was very friendly and hadsome funny stories about the shoot.Great movie that isn't about the smoking issues, it is about fasttalkers, and spinning the truth - its about the balance of lies andlies, truth and truth. Go see it, you wont be disappointed.

event-horizon-2 2012-04-26 10:40:32

What was that all about?

I watched the movie, laughed out loud but comes the end of the show andI look at my mate and both of I are trying to puzzle out what was thatabout. Is it a satire on how the cigarette industry behaves - no, notreally. Is it about spin - not really.After some thought I think it is about us. We know that what Nick isdoing is not right but in some way we all want to be Nick. We admirehim because he is smooth and generally gets what he wants. As much aswe like to be idealists we all make pragmatic decisions in life to "paythe mortgage." Nick, I think just, does it in style. Maybe that is whatthe writer is telling us.The movie will make you laugh but will be something different from whatyou expect. Go and see it and then spend countless hours discussingwhat it was about with your friends.

arieliondotcom 2012-04-25 20:59:30

Hazy on its own premise

This film is a savvy if cynical take on the world's hypocrisy overattacking the bad habits it so richly (in every sense of the word)enjoys. There are some laughs at wry moments and bitter ironies. Thepart of the worldly wise precocious son is very well played and shouldhave been used much more prominently.But the only problem is that the plot so often errs from the wholepremise of the film, that the main character can talk himself into orout of anything, at will. But we see over and over again that's nottrue. Now, is that the intent of the film, that his braggadocio isfalse and he is self- deluding? Maybe. But that's not clear. So ittakes away from the plot when you find out he has a divorce he couldn'ttalk his way out of, doesn't have sole custody of his son, gets screwedin more ways than one by several folks...One is never clear whetherthese are the fault of the character or the writing and it'sdistracting.In the end, with all the smoke rings of the premise and plot, it's anamusing movie that will make you look at your own foibles and those ofsociety with a smile, if a little discomfort.

MadBluntz 2012-04-25 15:32:59

Funny at times but a bit boring

Rated R for language and some sexual content.I saw Thank You For Smoking yesterday on the movie network.I had heardsome great things about this film.Its a satire about the tobaccoindustry and it shows how one Representative of the industry smoothtalks people into thinking that cigarettes are okay, there are otheranti-smoking groups trying to stop him, even going as far as trying tokill him.the film also shows the relationship with his son and how heis trying to make his son understand him.Pretty much like any tobaccoindustry Representative.The storyline seems interesting and there aresome very funny parts in the movie.But the film was a bit boring in myopinion and overall just mediocre.Watch it if you like the subjectmatter.

arthurmauk 2012-04-25 05:27:33

Flexible Morals

It's not often that a budding director manages to secure a film thatsets a high standard for all future films – much less a comedy, sinceall comedies nowadays seem to fall under the categories of: A) soppy,cheesy, romantic comedies with the predictable Happily Ever Afterending; or B) teen comedies with gross-out moments and crammed full ofgratuitous nudity. But Jason Reitman has achieved this impossible. Hemust've learned from his father Ivan's mistakes and decided to go inthe opposite direction. The result is astonishing: a hilarious send-upof all that is politically correct. Neither side of the smoking debatewas safe from the film's scathing wit. And that is the star of theshow: Reitman's screenplay (adapted from Christopher Buckley's novel)is sheer genius. The comedy is smart and sophisticated. The cleverone-liners came thick and fast, all delivered deadpan by a castcomprised of indie stars. Here is another strong point of the film. Theensemble cast is flawless and not one of them drops the torch whichcarries the consistent tempo throughout. Of course Aaron Eckhart (NickNaylor on-screen) is the hero here. He steals the show with suchcredibility as the smooth-talking, charismatic charmer and manages tocoax us into empathising with him, despite being the "villainprotagonist" of the film. He personifies the perfect spin doctor; hisoratorical rhetoric is practically intoxicating. It was simplyempowering and inspiring to watch a master at work, triumphing in theface of all odds in a way that makes you wonder "How the hell did he dothat?" minutes later. His supporting cast does exactly that - support. Each of themsymbolises someone unique attached to his life and everyone managed toextract the maximum amount of laughs out of their roles, no matter howshort their screen time was. Maria Bello and David Koechner providedthe perfect backseat commentary to the film – a much needed relief whenthe plot accelerates to a terminal velocity. Rob Lowe manages to supplya parallel to Nick, an equal that hints at what the film would be like,had the subject of satire been Hollywood rather than the tobaccoindustry. William H. Macy as Senator Finistirre is Nick's opposition,destined to trip up against our protagonist and to have his ass handedto him with style. J.K. Simmons was pitch-perfect as the disgruntledboss, Cameron Bright served as the inquisitive product of his father,and Katie Holmes was irresistible enough for us to believe her as theyoung, seductive reporter who manages to tease the information out ofour seemingly-impervious Nick, by the common weakness to all men. The plot itself comes secondary to the artistic style, unsurprising dueto the sheer brilliance of it. Nick's life takes various twists andturns while he juggles a threat at work and fatherhood. The soundtrackis a collection of golden oldies from the 1940s and 50s. It gives asolid backbone to the story, especially when Nick spends some timealone to reflect upon his life. A joy to watch and highly recommended if you're looking for one and ahalf hours of entertainment. Just sit back and bask in the glory of itsdry and witty script, perfectly executed and enough to send theaudience into a state of mesmerised euphoria.

2012-04-24 02:00:53

A gem, expertly cut and brilliant

This review is from: Thank You for Smoking (Widescreen Edition) (DVD) Simply said, Thank You for Smoking is one of the best movies I have ever seen. The script is brilliant and all the actors are well cast and do a fabulous job. As an extra plus the exploration of spin and its effects is a real education. Don't miss this one!

2012-04-23 08:39:00

a cool Satire

I watched this film the other night after hearing about the hype. it has it's moments. it tackles on the Ciagarette business. it uses the media for it's on purposes Pro&Otherwise. the Humor is cool early on&then there is a Part of he film that sorta starts to drag along. the casting was cool,but there were points of the film where you are starting to hope they get a bit quicker to the end. I dug the Narration element to the film though. it was a interesting Satire nevertheless.

2012-04-19 20:05:21

Be prepared to laugh and think....

The film, Thank you for smoking, is an indie classic. It really sheds light on this country's obsession with image and spin control. The film is hilarious but yet makes the viewer think. It's a nice change of pace compared to the normal Hollywood formula. The writing is tight and always moving forward. Dialogue is also very well done and keeps the viewer's interest. The casting was very interesting and all did great jobs with their performances. Aaron Eckhart is a perfect fit for the main character. One of the subplots is the development of a great relationship between him and his son that was very heart warming. I also enjoyed the acting of Katie Holmes. Ultimately, I feel this movie is about individual choice and free will and does a great job of presenting it.

abisio 2012-04-19 10:25:21

One of the few times where an excellent film is an American film

If you are old enough; you should to remember when American movies werebrave a use auto critic as a way to educate and change society.Of course, that is something you do not see very often lately. You canprobably find a few independent projects with barely known actors doingsome denounce; but not seen by many people; and sometimes just becausethey did not deserve public either. Or you can find some Michel Moore(or similar) political statements, that target a current situation butnever go really deep in the cause of American's society illness.Well, here it is. A movie, a comedy but really an statement. A deep(and cruel) analysis of the cancer affecting American people is hereand should be seen by everybody.No, this is not a movie against Tobacco industry as the title suggest;is about the manipulation of the people by corrupts industries,politics and media. The hypocrisy that is killing our minds and bodies."Thank you for Smoking" is about a spin doctor for the Tobaccoindustry; a guy that can use a parent's talk in his son classroom topublish cigarettes among kids. If you think he is the Demon itself youare quite wrong. As the history progress he is far from being the worstguy.The movie attacks everybody; politicians looking for media (andpolitical) attention through stupid and unnecessary crusades,prostitution of the media and the corruption of the corporateenvironment.Jason Reitman (the director) does not go for the easy target. If youwant to blame American's decadence, is not the fault of impersonalindustries, but the ambition and corruption of the people that controlinformation, law or money. People like you and me, but with more powerand using for their own profit.In brief; see this movie. Pay very good attention to the impressive andintelligent dialogs. Open your mind enough to laugh about the thingsyou are seeing every day and after that; try to find a way to changeall this. I am sure, this movie is a good first step to make thingsbetter for everybody.

stodruza 2012-04-19 10:30:30

What's wrong with this film?

This year (2008), about 565,650 Americans are expected to die ofcancer, more than 1,500 people a day. Cancer is the second most commoncause of death in the US, exceeded only by heart disease. In the US,cancer accounts for 1 of every 4 deaths. 1 in 3 people will develop cancer during their lives. -American Cancer SocietyThis film is a piece of crap. It's simple: the subject matter is notavailable for comedy. Americans would like to think that everything isopen to a big joke, but it's not. The statistics prove this. There arejust some subjects that are off limits. This is one of them. Movies like this will keep being made for the simple reason that 1)Hollywood is a greedy, capitalist juggernaut by its nature. 2.) lack ofgood judgment from very good actors to participate in projects likethis thus ennobling them with high production values, and 3) did Imention the cyclopean monolith who lumbers blindly ahead withoutdiscernment on its wayward bacchanal to resounding applause withoutdecency, laughing, growling, celebrating the energy of sex and money atthe expense of everyone else? Interesting that many of the one starreviews start off with "Didn't make me laugh...." Cancer?

bitcetc 2012-04-19 02:47:00

Inhale

You'll need to inhale, then exhale slowly and relax before plunginginto the world of Nick Naylor (Aaron Eckhart), lobbyist and bag man forthe Tobacco Industry. The laughs are some of the best abdominalexercise I've ever had at the movies. Thank You for Smoking is far andaway the best satire to come out of Hollywood in years. The lastattempt I remember was WAG THE DOG. This film is far better at truesatire, its wit biting do-gooders and do-badders alike. It has been toolong since Satire and the Politically Incorrect Sense of Humor havebeen allowed to point out the absurd in all sides of an issue. If youdon't laugh out loud, your sense of humor has become a casualty ofmalpractice by the Doctors of Spin and the Nursemaids of PoliticalCorrectness.Young Jason Reitman's direction and screenplay are deft and light. Heis never heavy-handed, or worse, condescending (as may have happenedmore than once in WAG THE DOG). Based on a novel by Christopher Buckley(the son of William F. Buckley), the script is the star here. Thedouble, triple, and sometimes quadruple entendres are spokenconversationally by a star-studded ensemble cast, who clearly revel ingreat material and great lines. Every reviewer opines that this will beAaron Eckhart's break-out role. With his Dudley-Do-Right face and "thatguy who always gets the girl----- on crack" charm and glibness, hisNick Naylor is the ultimate purveyor of the spin doctor's prescription:"the means justify the end".The casting director should be congratulated in the same breath as thedirector. Rob Lowe as the "genius" behind Hollywood "EGO", a consultantfirm which helps raise financing for movies with strategic productplacement, is note-perfect in a "small role". With William H. Macy, theVermont Senator who takes on the tobacco industry, Maria Bello, afellow Merchant of Death lobbyist, and Robert Duvall, the "Captain" ofthis particular industry--- the cast is jaw-dropping, and sublimelyfunny. Katie Holmes, pre-TomKat, is gorgeous, seductive, and completelybelievable as the reporter who stops at nothing to get her story.Nick Naylor's relationship with his son is the lens which focuses Nickon his own behavior. Even that relationship is not treated as a cliché,or completely reverently by the satirist, who remains true to the lastframe to the goal of letting the air out of our self-righteousness. Itis a breath of fresh air. I not only recommend it, I intend to see itagain.