Satire on the rebound
A good satirical comedy is a dime a dozen. To hit that right kind of humor without going over the top, while maintaining a sense of realism in a story, is difficult. The writers of “Thank You for Smoking” hit it right on the head, or rather the butt, of the cigarette. When it comes to mastering the art of spinning, Nick Naylor (Aaron Eckhart) has it down to a science. Whether it’s facing the sleazy reporter (Katie Holmes) or going onto a talk show and taking down all who fight against his industry, Naylor must dodge bullets and kidnappers while proclaiming himself as a “merchant of death.” Eckhart’s portrayal of Nick Naylor is the kind of performance that can confuse audiences. People may find themselves liking, maybe even rooting for this tobacco spin-doctor. In the end, you feel guilty for mentally fighting against such good guys like Vermont senator and leader of a anti-tabocco campaign Ortolan K. Finistirre (William H. Macy) and the original Marlboro Man (Sam Elliott) as they fall prey to Naylor’s charm. Through the trouble he faces with his job, he finds support with his “dream team” friends, firearms (David Koechner) and alcohol (Maria Bello). In a competitive market, the three of them feel the need to boast and brag about the number of deaths in their particular field. While they banter on the screen, audiences find themselves having an unpredicted shocked, yet amused, reaction to the scene. Writer and director Jason Reitman comes from a family of great writers and directors. Son of “Stripes” and “Ghostbusters” director Ivan Reitman, comedies and satires practically run through his blood. Only the second politically-oriented movie in his career, his first was the short documentary “Uncle Sam.” Reitman tested the waters while adapting this novel by Christopher Buckley. Filled with witty and intelligent lines shooting against politics and ethics, “Thank You for Smoking” fights for what so many fight against. Leave your opinions at the door and open your eyes to see what’s on the other side of the fence, the smoking side of the fence. “Thank You For Smoking” is now playing only at Regal Fox Tower Stadium 10 in Portland and is rated R for language and some sexual content.
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