Playing a Big Tobacco lobbyist, Aaron Eckhart puts his golden news-anchor good looks and smooth conviction to better use than in any pic since his breakthrough film, "In the Company of Men."
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
As sleek, clever and cocky as its anti-heroic protagonist, Nick Naylor (Aaron Eckhart), a hard-driving lobbyist for the tobacco industry who can turn the most unpromising PR quagmire to his own advantage with a few well-turned lies posing as rational argument.
ReelViews by James Berardinelli
Despite its many strengths, Thank You for Smoking hovers around mediocrity, and its lasting impression is like a puff of smoke that is dissipated by a strong gust of wind.
The Hollywood Reporter by Kirk Honeycutt
The movie is amusing and clever but only skin deep. It lacks the acidity and rage of a satire such as "Network."
Entertainment Weekly by Lisa Schwarzbaum
Cynical and cheerily merciless.
The New York Times by Manohla Dargis
Glibly funny and eager to please.
Village Voice by Michael Atkinson
Instead of hitting the gas and allowing the scenario to rock 'n' roll with g-forces, Reitman keeps his movie small, unvaried, slack, and deliberately and oddly, completely smoke-free.
Christian Science Monitor by Peter Rainer
Snarky and enjoyable, but it could have been a ferocious black comedy. No Thank You For Playing It Safe.
Rolling Stone by Peter Travers
Both sides of the political fence will feel royally skewered. All that's lacking is a warning from the Surgeon General: This film will make you laugh till it hurts.
Much like his father Ivan (Ghostbusters), first-time director Jason Reitman has a broad, anything-goes comedic sensibility that allows silly gags and incidental humor to sneak in alongside the satirical barbs.