Post by Boz on Jan 22, 2007 0:33:56 GMT
Thank You for Smoking 
(2006/Reitman)
Originally Written 4/15/06)
Starring Aaron Eckhart, William H. Macy, Robert Duvall, Katie Holmes, Rob Lowe, Sam Elliot, and Maria Bello.
I had fairly high expectations going into this film as it's getting pretty solid reviews all across the board and it sports a stellar cast. I was happy that I was able to go into the film knowing not much more than that though, so I had a fairly open mind.
The film wasn't exactly what I thought it'd be. A kind of strange cross behind an outright satire and a regular dramatic piece, the film seemed as though it couldn't make up its mind as to which direction to go, and this versatility didn't make it any better.
I was happy with Aaron Eckhart's performance in the first film I've seen him in. And I thought the rest of the cast was pretty perfect for their parts as well. I especially liked the inclusion of David Koechner who I recognized from Anchorman.
Duvall was in excellent form. He seems to be fully embracing his status as senior statesman of Hollywood. His scenes were good but I felt he was somewhat under-used. Reitman's direction was nothing fantastic to speak of. Solid but not spectacular, with a few inspired moments here and there.
One unintentionally funny moment in the film was our introduction to Katie Holmes' character. Before we ever see her, she is described as being amazingly gorgeous, great body, simply stunning, etc, etc. And then after all that build-up, we get plain little Katie Holmes, who I've never found that attractive. Seems as though the writing didn't quite fit her exactly.
Overall, the film was just ok. It got a bit too moral and cutesy at times with the storyline with Eckhart's son, but it all came out alright in the end.
(2006/Reitman)
Originally Written 4/15/06)
Starring Aaron Eckhart, William H. Macy, Robert Duvall, Katie Holmes, Rob Lowe, Sam Elliot, and Maria Bello.
I had fairly high expectations going into this film as it's getting pretty solid reviews all across the board and it sports a stellar cast. I was happy that I was able to go into the film knowing not much more than that though, so I had a fairly open mind.
The film wasn't exactly what I thought it'd be. A kind of strange cross behind an outright satire and a regular dramatic piece, the film seemed as though it couldn't make up its mind as to which direction to go, and this versatility didn't make it any better.
I was happy with Aaron Eckhart's performance in the first film I've seen him in. And I thought the rest of the cast was pretty perfect for their parts as well. I especially liked the inclusion of David Koechner who I recognized from Anchorman.
Duvall was in excellent form. He seems to be fully embracing his status as senior statesman of Hollywood. His scenes were good but I felt he was somewhat under-used. Reitman's direction was nothing fantastic to speak of. Solid but not spectacular, with a few inspired moments here and there.
One unintentionally funny moment in the film was our introduction to Katie Holmes' character. Before we ever see her, she is described as being amazingly gorgeous, great body, simply stunning, etc, etc. And then after all that build-up, we get plain little Katie Holmes, who I've never found that attractive. Seems as though the writing didn't quite fit her exactly.
Overall, the film was just ok. It got a bit too moral and cutesy at times with the storyline with Eckhart's son, but it all came out alright in the end.