Thank You for Smoking

"Based on Christopher Buckley's acclaimed 1994 novel of the same title and adapted for the screen by Jason Reitman, Thank You for Smoking is a fiercely satirical look at today's 'culture of spin.'

"The hero ... is Nick Naylor (Aaron Eckhart), chief spokesman for Big Tobacco, who 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 (William H. Macy) 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 (Rob Lowe) to promote smoking in movies.

"Nick's newfound notoriety attracts the attention of both tobacco's head honcho (Robert Duvall) and an investigative reporter for an influential Washington daily (Katie Holmes). Nick says he is just doing what it takes to pay the mortgage, but the increased scrutiny of his son (Cameron Bright) and a very real death threat may force him to think differently."

That, of course, is Fox Searchlight Pictures' spin on their movie, which does appear to offer seasoned audiences sardonic stimulation above the drone of the average comedy.

More fun. Less tar.

Inhale the coming attractions trailer and the image gallery at the official site. Free email Spin-Cards for your mixed messages are also available, as is Jason Reitman's "Director's Blog."

Light Up: Thank You for Smoking