Thank You for Smoking (2006)

	Directed by: Jason Reitman	COUNTRY USA GENRE Comedy/Political/Satire NORWEGIAN TITLE Thank You for Smoking RUNNING TIME 92 minutes
	Produced by: David O. Sacks
	Written by (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 inept at political satire himself (Dave), son Jason makes his directorial debut in a manner that confirms the apple hasn't fallen far from the tree. He makes good use of his inspired ensemble cast, delivering an approach that feels both fresh and quite oblivious to political correctness. Unfortunately, Thank You for Smoking ultimately isn't quite as unscrupulous and irreverent as its protagonist, remaining a tad too neat and tidy. But along the way, the film is filled with clever and well-balanced humour. The satire is aimed in every direction, which gives the film spontaneity and freshness. Aaron Eckhart is a solid and sympathetic driving force in the lead, and there are also stand-out performances by William H. Macy and Rob Lowe – the latter in a role that brings him back to his '80s roots. His Jeff Megall suggests how Skip from Class might have turned out as an adult.