Thank You For Smoking (Reitman, 2006)

In "Thank You For Smoking," a film based on the book of the same name, Nick Naylor (Aaron Eckhart, fresh off of 2003's horrendous camp-fest "The Core") is a lobbyist for the tobacco industry -- an industry that kills over a thousand people everyday. Nick finds it a breeze talking his way out of any situation, even when confronted with a teenage cancer patient on a daytime talkshow, whose life was ruined by cigarettes.

For all his charisma, though, Nick can't resist the charms of a pretty investigative reporter (Katie Holmes), and he tells her absolutely everything about his job -- the death toll, his personal feeling towards cigarettes, even the details of his meetings with other members of the MoD (Merchants of Death) Squad. When the slanderous story hits the press, Nick has to deal with the consequences of spilling the beans and come to terms with himself and his reltionship with his son (Cameron Bright).

"Thank You For Smoking" is a wonderfully crafted film -- it's fun and smart, riddled with wry humor and satire. Eckhart is great as the professional BSer, a charismatic but troubled individual who thinks of his job as a necessary evil (as he puts it, "You gotta pay the mortage"). There's also a slew of fantastic supporting performances from the likes of William H. Macy, Maria Bello and Robert Duvall.

The film is infinitely enjoyable, a very charming piece of cinema. Though Nick works for and supports a corrupt organization, whose products kill millions a year, we can't help but sympathize with him when he gets into trouble. At his core, Nick is a good guy -- a loving father, a caring friend and a smart individual. Much like 2005's "The Weatherman," we're supplied a flawed leading man who finds himself through the course of the film and accepts who he is.

"Thank You For Smoking" is a hilarious film with great dialogue and amazing performances. It's a breath of fresh air among the oncoming wave of summer blockbusters.

The Final Verdict: 7/10