Thank You for Smoking

2006

Thank You for Smoking

Critics Consensus

Loaded with delightfully unscrupulous characters and and a witty, cynical script, Thank You For Smoking is a sharp satire with a brilliantly smarmy lead performance from Aaron Eckhart.

86%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 179

87%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 258,507
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Movie Info

Nick Naylor, chief spokesman for Big Tobacco, makes his living defending the rights of smokers and cigarette makers in today's neo-puritanical culture. Confronted by health zealots out to ban tobacco and an opportunistic senator who wants to put poison labels on cigarette packs, Nick goes on a PR offensive, spinning away the dangers of cigarettes on TV talk shows and enlisting a Hollywood super-agent to promote smoking in movies. Nick's newfound notoriety attracts the attention of both tobacco's head honcho and an investigative reporter for an influential Washington daily. Nick says he is just doing what it takes to pay the mortgage, but the increased scrutiny of his son and a very real death threat may force him to think differently.
  • Rating:
    R (for language and some sexual content.)
  • Genre:
    Comedy, Drama
  • Directed By:
    Jason Reitman
  • Written By:
    Jason Reitman
  • In Theaters:
     wide
  • On Disc/Streaming:
  • Box Office:
    $24,800,000
  • Runtime:
  • Studio:
    Fox Searchlight

Cast

Aaron Eckhart
as Nick Naylor
Maria Bello
as Polly Bailey
Katie Holmes
as Heather Holloway
Mary Jo Smith
as Sue Maclean
Sam Elliott
as Lorne Lutch
Adam Brody
as Jack
Rob Lowe
as Jeff Megall
William H. Macy
as Senator Ortolan Finistirre
Robert Duvall
as Doak `The Captain' Boykin
Kim Dickens
as Jill Naylor
Connie Ray
as Pearl
Todd Louiso
as Ron Goode
Marianne Muellerleile
as Teacher
Joan Lunden
as Herself
Eric Haberman
as Robin Williger
Dennis Miller
as Himself
Cameron Bright
as Joey Naylor
David Koechner
as Bobby Jay Bliss
J.K. Simmons
as Budd `BR' Rohrabacher
Jeff Witzke
as Kidnapper
Alex Diaz
as Kid No. 1
Rachel Thorp
as Christine
Jordan Garrett
as Kid No. 2
Courtney Taylor Burness
as Kid No. 3
Jordan Orr
as Kid No. 4
Daniel Travis
as Brad
Katie Winslow
as Jeanette Dantine
Richard Speight Jr
as Trainee
Eric Maldonado
as Tobacco Club Host
Renee Graham
as Tiffany
Timothy Dowling
as EGO Assistant
Melora Hardin
as Interviewer
Terry James
as Ski Mask No. 1
Marc Scizak
as Ski Mask No. 2
Karen Harrison
as Nurse
Aaron Lustig
as Doctor
Michael Mantell
as Dr. Meisenbach
Tonyo Melendez
as Mr. Herera
Spencer Garrett
as Senator Lothridge
Earl Billings
as Senator Dupree
Nancy O'Dell
as Herself
Roy Jenkins
as Debate Moderator
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Critic Reviews for Thank You for Smoking

All Critics (179) | Top Critics (45) | Fresh (154) | Rotten (25)

View All Critic Reviews (179)

Audience Reviews for Thank You for Smoking

  • Apr 10, 2012
    Lying's not murder, is it ... and that's the popular wisdom, a thought that guides many existences, but in this flush comedy the lead proclaims, no, sneers that Genghis Khan's got nothing on him as he's the charming and suave mouthpiece for big tobacco. A quick, smart script and smooth direction round out this very enjoyable visit to the darkest of dark sides while admitting, with a smile, no wrongdoing.
    Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
  • Mar 09, 2012
    [img]http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/user/icons/icon14.gif[/img] A piece of brilliantly black comedy with direction from the great Jason "Juno" Reitman is the comedy Thank you for smoking which has unfortunately been forgotten in more recent years. Reitman has always been a film maker about covering up stupid humour to look hilariously clever and smart and there literally isn't a better example than this movie. Also, with a tremendously likable cast and the unmistakable ring of truth in it's subtext, this hugely witty yet under rated film deserves a bit more credit than it gets and is a fun movie that's black humour isn't actually that stupid.
    Directors C Super Reviewer
  • Jan 18, 2012
    Aaron Eckhart is so legit in this movie. Excellent script, excellent direction -- one of those movies that you enjoy so much you don't mind getting preached to a bit.
    Jason R Super Reviewer
  • Nov 29, 2011
    In terms of pure satire, "Thank You For Smoking" is the best I have ever seen. It is also one of the funniest. Much, much of the film owes itself to its script, which was based on the novel of the same name. The dialogue is clever and bites at nearly everyone involved in the War on Cigarettes with razor-sharp teeth. But "Thank You For Smoking" also has charm, and that charm mostly comes from its lead, played by Aaron Eckhart in a great comedic performance.
    Stephen E Super Reviewer
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