Thank You For Smoking: To See Or Not To See
Movie Gets Off Soapbox, Entertains
By Jan Stetter
QueenCityForum.com Magazine
It would be unpatriotic for anyone who sees the movie Thank You For Smoking to vote for smoke-free restaurants, smoke-free bars, even smoke-free maternity wards in hospitals. At least that is what Aaron Eckhart’s performance as Nick Naylor, the lead character in Thank You For Smoking, would have you believe.
Eckhart plays the affable fast-talking all-American, Nick Naylor with a savvy wit. By day, Nick represents the tobacco industry and holds the title of Vice President of the Academy of Tobacco Studies, (whose purpose is to provide endless statistics that Nick can use in his job as a lobbyist). In his other waking hours, he is the father of a questioning 12-year old son, played aptly by Cameron Bright.
Bright plays his character deftly as a young adolescent trying to figure out what his dad does for a living, if what he does is honorable and, most importantly, he absolutely does not want his father to embarrass him when he comes to speak to his classmates on Career Day.
Thank You For Smoking is a satirical movie that could reflect the current state of affairs in the American political system today. We have all heard of the shady lines of justice many lobbyists cross. Yet this movie does not point fingers or tell a humorous cautionary tale. This movie actually entertains us. It is smart, intelligent and just irreverent enough to make us all want to be friends with the smooth talking Nick Naylor and his fellow lobbyists who meet weekly for lunch.
Nick’s lunch mates, otherwise known as The MOD Squad (Merchants of Death) are deliciously played by Maria Bello and David Koechner. The beautiful Bello plays against type as the righteous voice for the alcohol industry. David Koechner, best known as a comic actor, representing the firearms industry, gives his best performance yet—simply by playing it straight. Meeting these characters and watching their take on the gullibility of the American population is worth the cost of the ticket.
Beyond the smart acting, the ingenious dialogue and the fast talking characters, there is even more to love about this movie. Details such as a poster in the background with a famous American icon pointing and saying America: The Best Government Money Can Buy! and the shot of Nick’s son’s school, St. Euthanasia, are all part of the fun.
Jason Reitman directed this movie and wrote the screenplay. Reitman did a credible job of adapting Christopher Buckley’s novel of the same name into a screenplay.
Be looking to see more of Aaron Eckart in future movies as he nails this part convincingly. His star will be catapulted into more blockbusters. Unless, of course, cigarettes get him first.
Having trouble making decisions about weather a movie is worth it? "To See or Not To See" reviews movies each week on Monday.
Contact: jans@queencityforum.com
By Jan Stetter
QueenCityForum.com Magazine
It would be unpatriotic for anyone who sees the movie Thank You For Smoking to vote for smoke-free restaurants, smoke-free bars, even smoke-free maternity wards in hospitals. At least that is what Aaron Eckhart’s performance as Nick Naylor, the lead character in Thank You For Smoking, would have you believe.
Eckhart plays the affable fast-talking all-American, Nick Naylor with a savvy wit. By day, Nick represents the tobacco industry and holds the title of Vice President of the Academy of Tobacco Studies, (whose purpose is to provide endless statistics that Nick can use in his job as a lobbyist). In his other waking hours, he is the father of a questioning 12-year old son, played aptly by Cameron Bright.
Bright plays his character deftly as a young adolescent trying to figure out what his dad does for a living, if what he does is honorable and, most importantly, he absolutely does not want his father to embarrass him when he comes to speak to his classmates on Career Day.
Thank You For Smoking is a satirical movie that could reflect the current state of affairs in the American political system today. We have all heard of the shady lines of justice many lobbyists cross. Yet this movie does not point fingers or tell a humorous cautionary tale. This movie actually entertains us. It is smart, intelligent and just irreverent enough to make us all want to be friends with the smooth talking Nick Naylor and his fellow lobbyists who meet weekly for lunch.
Nick’s lunch mates, otherwise known as The MOD Squad (Merchants of Death) are deliciously played by Maria Bello and David Koechner. The beautiful Bello plays against type as the righteous voice for the alcohol industry. David Koechner, best known as a comic actor, representing the firearms industry, gives his best performance yet—simply by playing it straight. Meeting these characters and watching their take on the gullibility of the American population is worth the cost of the ticket.
Beyond the smart acting, the ingenious dialogue and the fast talking characters, there is even more to love about this movie. Details such as a poster in the background with a famous American icon pointing and saying America: The Best Government Money Can Buy! and the shot of Nick’s son’s school, St. Euthanasia, are all part of the fun.
Jason Reitman directed this movie and wrote the screenplay. Reitman did a credible job of adapting Christopher Buckley’s novel of the same name into a screenplay.
Be looking to see more of Aaron Eckart in future movies as he nails this part convincingly. His star will be catapulted into more blockbusters. Unless, of course, cigarettes get him first.
Having trouble making decisions about weather a movie is worth it? "To See or Not To See" reviews movies each week on Monday.
Contact: jans@queencityforum.com
posted by Queen City Forum Mag @ 12:21 PM
1 Comments:
At 12:24 PM ,
RC said...
oh thank you for smoking is a definite to see...you could see it in the theater or in rent it...but i agree it's good.
--RC of strangeculture.blogspot.com
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