There are numerous set pieces and sketch-type scenes, which for a film of such tidy economy (95 minutes) is refreshing.  Mr. Reitman's film works best this way, keeping things moving, and snapping along very nicely.  The pacing, comic timing and occasional thought-provoking material leaves you wanting more at the end.  The writing is always witty and very sharp.  There is the weekly meeting of three representative lobbyists who share tales of woe, fun and dilemmas.  Along with Nick is Maria Bello, as the alcohol lobbyist Polly Bailey, and the firearms lobbyist Bobby Jay, played by David Koechner (from "Anchorman") who is hilarious at times.  Then there are the exchanges with Robert Duvall, in a cameo role, some of which are priceless.  Ever the consummate professional, Mr. Duvall effortlessly and convincing sinks into his role and nails the target.  There is the cameo of Sam Elliott as the Marlboro Man, who claims that he has been stiffed of the royalties that he is owed, and that now he is coming down with lung cancer.  "I always smoked Kool's," Elliott says, in a cheekily revelatory moment. 

 

The opening of "Thank You For Smoking" is rollicking, and rip-roaring fun, from the opening credits that are skillfully executed, to the song that plays over them, right to the opening scene.  Simply put, when viewing most of the scenes it is clear that Mr. Reitman knows how to get the most out of his actors.  In a film that could have been  wildly overacted and over produced, there is a remarkably laid-back and assured tone to the film.  This solid ensemble cast includes Rob Lowe in a very funny appearance and Katie Holmes as a Washington, D.C. reporter who tries to get the goods on Naylor when he's at his most vulnerable.  Joan Lunden even shows up as a talk show host.  It is almost easy to forget William H. Macy as an erstwhile senator from Vermont -- not because he's not good -- he's very good here as he always seems to be -- but because Mr. Macy fits so seamlessly into the masterful brew that Reitman orchestrates that anything that he or any of the other actors do performance-wise, is pure gravy.  Mr. Reitman's direction is not over the top, but it is busy and sometimes frenzied, which clues in the shrewd satire that permeates nearly every line.