A New Leaf Media

One of the higher profile films of MIFF this year, certain for a healthy release in cinemas soon, is Thank You For Smoking. A killer soundtrack, strong performances and a patchy, yet often funny film, first time feature director Jason Reitman has created entertaining fare.

Based on the Christopher Buckley graphic novel (Aren���t they all these days?), Thank You For Smoking takes a satirical look at the world of big tobacco and one of their slickest spin doctors.�� With standout performances from Rob Lowe and William H. Macey, alongside a cast list that reads as a who���s who of indy and large films alike, there is some good material here. It is disappointed however, by a less than original take on what could have been quite edgy material.

The film seems to sit comfortably in the middle ground, taking potshots at all involved from the do-gooders to the corrupt big businesses, yet never really taking a stance. It fails to persuade us in its convictions because, well, it doesn���t seem to have any. If you go after a topic as hot as the corruption of the ���evil��� tobacco giants, make sure you use it as more than a standard sticky plot.

That aside, the film manages to keep its audience engaged and entertained.�� Keen to offend no-one, but amuse all, it delivers some genuinely funny moments and plods an interesting narrative throughout. It aims for slick, which is well met, but doesn���t rise above to really satisfy as a film offering just a little more than average. Good to entertain, but frustrating for unrealised potential.