THE GOOD
A terrific, smart comedy that knows how to throw the right punches.
THE BAD
It is hard to find a negative. However, I would have liked to hear from novelist Chris Buckley on the commentary track.
THE FEATURE
There are many ingredients that go into making a solid comedy. However, one of the strongest factors is taking a taboo topic and making it funny. Take for example cigarettes. The little sticks crammed with tobacco have caused controversy for decades. People left and right are afflicted with lung cancer leading to death, or throat cancer leading to the use of an electronic voice box. Their addictive appeal is causing the deaths of loved ones everywhere. Therefore cigarettes are not funny. Or are they?
Thank You For Smoking takes America's tobacco issues to a humorous level, and pulls it off successfully. In fact, the protagonist is even a pro-tobacco lobbyist that we the viewers are asked to sympathize. The film is flickering proof that almost any risqué topic can be strategically placed to evoke laughter.
Nick Naylor (Aaron Eckhart) is the chief spokesperson for the tobacco industry. With cigarettes causing nothing but loss and misery for many Americans, Nick is rearing to be one of the most unlikable men in America. In accepting the difficult position of defending tobacco use, Nick must be prepared everyday with the flawless ability to improvise BS arguments and spin questions from righteous anti-tobacco advocates. However, while clearly promoting something so deadly, Nick also faces the challenge of being the proper role model for his adolescent son (Cameron Bright).
While there is an underlying plot throughout Smoking, the film is basically the month-in-the-life of a cigarette spokesperson, and the consequences that could inevitably ensue. Nick's career places him in Washington where he is forced to publicly tango with a Virginia Senator (William H. Macy) hell-bent on labeling cigarettes as poison. The escapades of his job also take him to Hollywood where he collaborates with an Asia-obsessed Hollywood exec (Rob Lowe) about the profitability of cigarette placement in blockbuster films. As if there is not already enough on Nick's plate, he must also contend with a cancer-inflicted Marlboro Man (Sam Elliot) and a hot-to-trot reporter with a seductive side (Katie Holmes).
Unlike other comedies of recent years, Thank You For Smoking somehow manages to succeed. In fact, I would go so far to say this is one of the best films of 2006. One thing that the cinema lacks is smart comedy. By this I mean films that people actually collaborate on and put onto paper. Smoking is a comedy that works because it is slick in every move it makes. As opposed to other comedies that find a great gag that is overplayed the entire film, Smoking throws unexpected punches making for an array of well-developed jokes. Every minute, it presents a new, unique way to make us laugh.
As far as performances go, the film manages to showcase an ensemble of talent including Maria Bello, Adam Brody, Sam Elliot, Robert Duvall, and William H. Macy among others. However, it is Eckhart who really shines. The man better known for playing second fiddle in blockbusters or playing lead in Neil LaBute's art comedies finally gets the credit he deserves. While his line delivery is classic in its rat-a-tat-tat form, Eckhart primarily becomes Nick Naylor non-verbally. The man has the natural face of a smooth-talking jerk that loves his job. He essentially embodies a used car salesman with an arsenal of charisma. The rest of the cast does not carry the film as much as Eckhart, but instead appear in 5-10 minute doses of pure comedic bliss. Adam Brody is especially winning as an ass-kiss Hollywood intern, and Rob Lowe is unpredictably hilarious as an odd Hollywood agent.
THE EXTRAS
Commentary Tracks
This disc comes included with two commentary tracks. The first is by writer/director Jason Reitman by himself. Of course this track is intended to offer information on the filmmaking process, the comedy's conception, and casting choices. Reitman comes prepared with loads of trivia, but doing the track alone is rather different. If you are more interested in a populated track, Reitman returns on the second along with actors Aaron Eckhart and Dave Koechner. Poor Reitman even makes a comment about the exhaustion of coming up with information for two tracks. Luckily, he keeps a steady stream of insight with the actors backing him up. Koechner is unsurprisingly joking with his comic background.
Deleted Scenes (with optional commentary by Jason Reitman)
Most of the time, deleted scenes are completely worthless, but I actually found some value in these. There include some funny scenes left on the cutting room floor, extended sequences, an alternative ending, and the rough draft of the opening credit sequence. Frankly, I am impressed at this arrangement, and I suggest giving them a view.
The Charlie Rose Show
An interview segment from the popular series includes Jason Reitman, Aaron Eckhart, producer David Sacks and the novel's author Christopher Buckley. This is mostly the characters discussing the making of the film, and the characters. Much detail is revealed about the picture, so I highly recommend not watching this before actually seeing the film.
Unfiltered Comedy: The Making Of Thank You For Smoking
This is further discussion of the film. Some of it is already covered in the previous interview. However, there are more cast interviews discussing how specific characters were developed into the plot. I think this is unique enough from the other features to merit viewing.
America: Living in Spin
What I love is when DVD-makers think outside the box. This particular feature looks at the wide practice of spinning. Spinning is the practice of not answering a question directly, but re-working the truth so that the interviewee sounds credible. This featurette is brief, but a very necessary commentary on today's media that is potentially full of lies.
THE AUDIO
5.1 Dolby Digital Surround. This comedy of satirical nature isn't exactly fit for a surround sound experience. However, the film utilizes sound effects and a fitting soundtrack to heighten the viewing experience. Turn on the Dolby for this one.
THE PACKAGE
Standard DVD keep case. The case features a picture of Eckhart showcasing a Zippo lighter, with the ensemble cast listed above him.
THE FINAL WORD
Thank You For Smoking is definitely the best comedy this year, and one of the best films of 2006. Jason Reitman really knows how to hit the nail on the head with a flawless casting job and impeccable comic timing. In addition to the film, all of the special features are actually designed with the audience in mind. Even the deleted scenes work! If you like your comedy sharp, then you should take the chance of blind buying this title. Comedies like these are few and far between.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars.
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