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Thank You For Smoking (2006)

Director:
Jason Reitman
COUNTRY
USA
GENRE
Comedy/Political/Satire
NORWEGIAN TITLE
-
RUNNING TIME
92 minutes
Producer:
David O. Sacks
Screenwriter (based on a novel Christopher Buckley):
Jason Reitman


Cast includes:

CHARACTER ACTOR/ACTRESS RATING
Nick Naylor Aaron Eckhart ½
Rod Goode Todd Louiso ½
BR J. K. Simmons
Joey Naylor Cameron Bright ½
Polly Bailey Maria Bello
Bobby Jay Bliss David Koechner ½
Jill Naylor Kim Dickens
Senator Ortolan K. Finistirre William H. Macy ½
The Captain Robert Duvall
Heather Holloway Katie Holmes
Jack Adam Brody
Jeff Megall Rob Lowe ½
Lorne Lutch Sam Elliott ½

 

Review

With father Ivan not inapt at political satire himself (Dave), son Jason makes his directorial debut in a fashion which secures the apple falling adjacent to the trunk, making good use of an inspired ensemble cast and an approach that lurks about as fresh and oblivious when it comes to political correctness. Unfortunately, Thank You For Smoking ultimately isn't quite as selfish and neverminded as its protagonist - as it turns out, Reitman remains a tad too neat and tidy. But along the way, this film is filled with intelligence and well-balanced humour. The satire is pointed in every which way, which gives the film spontaneity and freshness. Aaron Eckhart is a potent and sympathetic driving force in the lead, whereas other stand-out performances are given by William H. Macy and Rob Lowe. The latter in a role which brings him back to his eighties roots. His Jeff Megall gives us a clue of how Skip from Class would have turned out as an adult.

Copyright © 9.1.2007 Fredrik Gunerius Fevang

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