Sunday, December 13, 2009

Michael Jordan plays ball. Charles Manson kills people. I talk. Everyone has a talent.


Hello I am the movie encyclopedia and if no one else will see it, I will.

They just don't make films like these like they used to. A political/socio-economical movie that is a true tongue satire that pushes the limits of what is appropriate or not. Granted its not Clerks 2's donkey show scene (horrible memories) but a film that puts you deep into enemy grounds and almost makes you FEEL for them is something special-especially if its lobbyists and smoking. We all know someone that smokes (for the most part) and we probably have known someone who knew someone that died from smoking. Ever since the Surgeon General cracked down on cigarettes and their safeness, cigarettes have become taboo in films (at least in America) and never glorified if they MUST be in it. Me? I could care less. I don't smoke nor do I ever plan on it but if its in a movie I could care less.

Thank You For Smoking takes that hatred for the cigarette companies as well as the lobbyists that help them and turns it into a smart, witty comedy that had me laughing at every minute. Aaron Eckhart (a brilliant actor) plays Nick Naylor, a top lobbyist for big Tobacco. He is that guy who can sell ice to a polar bear and who can get any girl at any time. He is at the top of his game and can talk his way out of any situation. He does have cracks in his armor however. His wife (Maria Bello) left him and his son Joey resents him. On top of that his boss BR (JK Simmons) is riding him and a senator (William H Macy) wants to put a skull and crossbones on cigarette packages. Its up to Nick to balance all of these together.

Its never sappy, always snappy and really isn't afraid to poke fun at anything. Eckhart is great in this role and delivers every line with the conviction of a real lobbyist. Its one of those films where everything comes together without being hokey in its conclusion. From minute one till the last line it is a very tongue in cheek, brilliantly written film.

If you like political films, dark comedies/satires or are just interested in the mindset of a lobbyist than this is the film for you. In my opinion everyone should at least see this one once. Its a great film.

MY VERDICT: TOP FILM




1 comment:

  1. My favorite Jason Reitman film(although I haven't seen Up in the Air yet).

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