Fridae

If you've seen enough episodes of The West Wing, you would
know what "spin" is. Spin is the art of manipulating public opinion
through the clever use of words. Spin experts often deceive the
public by labeling something bad with something neutral or positive.
For example, US President George Bush calls the death of innocent
lives in Iraq "collateral damage" instead of "civilian deaths",
because the former term would presumably provoke less outrage.

Thank You for Smoking is a first-rate satire on the women
and men who make a living out of supplying the words to fool the
public. Aaron Eckhart plays a completely immoral person who thinks
the truth is irrelevant. As the spokesman for the Academy of Tobacco
Studies, he blithely ignores scientific facts of the cancerous effects
of smoking and insists that cigarettes are good for you.

His peer Maria Bello defends the alcohol industry, while another,
David Koechner champions gun makers. As the three float their lies
through a sea of crusading politicians, wily media personnel and
conscientious lobbyist, Thank You for Smoking offers a
very amusing and relevant satire on the art of spinning.

Of course, this is the sort of movie that requires you to appreciate
fine wit and smart dialogue. If your IQ is higher than 120, Thank
You for Smoking is a must-see. But if you are the sort of moviegoer
who eagerly anticipates the next Scary Movie spoof or Adam
Sandler comedy, skip this.