I couldn't find any threads on here for "TYFS" which I had the absolute pleasure of seeing last night. It's the funniest movie I've seen in a long time. That it will struggle to make $20 million while a movie like "The Benchwarmers" is pushing $50 million is depressing--I saw this movie with another adult and two teenagers and we all laughed out loud several times, as did the rest of the audience. It seems to appeal to many.

Those who have been avoiding it thinking it's just an anti-smoking campaign will be pleasantly surprised. In fact, it's about Public Relations and could have been made about any number of subjects. It skewers big corporate lobbyists, weenie liberal politicians, and even the Hollywood machine itself. The script is so smart and funny and its execution by the cast and director so flawless, it reminded me of great modern comedies such as "Election," "Tootsie," and "Office Space." Highly recommended.

Definitely one the year's funniest movies thus far.... (and probably the smartest, too)

http://themovieboy.com/directlinks/06thankyou.htm

It's only out in limited release. Will probably be out on DVD by August.

I've heard good things about this from one or two people who've seen it. I'm waiting for the DVD, though.

larry

I watched a couple of weeks ago. Wish I can watch it every week. Make me feel a lot better about my job :)

Good stuff, though maybe too clever (better than the alternative, I suppose). Kinda like if NPR made movies! Some really great laughs...

A very funny film, but it had no chance at commercial success due to the popular dislike of the anti-smoking campaign. Those anti-smoking commercials are so widely mocked and reviled that I think they've created a negative association which can easily unfairly blanket films like this one.

Saw this one now that it's out on DVD. It's very funny. It's kind of a very dark comedy that's never presented in a dark way. And it's also quite topical. The real subject of the movie isn't smoking or cigarettes, it's really about 'spin culture'.

it's really about 'spin culture'.


Didn't know that...

Picked this up Tuesday and put it in my collection without viewing.
Guess I will watch it sooner rather than later. :)

It's a treat. Totally irreverent.

Did anyone else notice that no matter how much of the movie was about smoking, and how many of the characters were smokers there was not a single cigarette smoked on film?

I loved this movie.

Did anyone else notice that no matter how much of the movie was about smoking, and how many of the characters were smokers there was not a single cigarette smoked on film?



Now THAT is interesting...

Did anyone else notice that no matter how much of the movie was about smoking, and how many of the characters were smokers there was not a single cigarette smoked on film?
I noticed this, in particular with the main character who for most of the movie I assumed was smart enough not to actually be a smoker but who is in fact a smoker. I think his character would have been more interesting had he been a non-smoker.

The head of the tobacco agency is shown in numerous scenes with a cigar however.

Intelligent movie, especially the scene in the classroom.

--Kids, research the facts before you smoke, don't just take your teachers word for it. Then the teacher pushes him out.--

Classic take on propaganda. :) The movie in the end just tells you to think, it never takes a particular side.

Liked the movie but did not think it was that funny to me. Oh well

FWIW it's now available at Netflix (just added it to my qeue)

A very funny film, but it had no chance at commercial success due to the popular dislike of the anti-smoking campaign. Those anti-smoking commercials are so widely mocked and reviled that I think they've created a negative association which can easily unfairly blanket films like this one.

Huh?? There has been a marked decrease in teen smoking in states which have conducted a comprehensive anti-smoking campaign. When money for the programs dries up, smoking rates again begin to rise. The value of these campaigns is not in question.

I don't know anyone, including smokers, who greet anti-smoking efforts with the distain you describe. Since most smokers want to someday be non-smokers, primarily due to the truth about the health effects of smoking finally getting out there, these campaigns are usually greeted with praise by the general public. Certainly, anything that slows the growth of a nasty habit that kills half a million Americans a year can only be described as a good thing.

I actually think a lot of people do laugh at the stupidity of the anti-smoking spots. Since a huge chunk of them are funded by the tobacco lobbies they are an absolute joke.

Besides this movie isn't really about smoking and that's plain as day to see, as already mentioned its about the spin culture. And if too many people are too stupid to see past the spin on their news networks then of course they aren't going to flock to a movie mocking it. I can see this being a huge cult movie a few years down the road when more people finally get the wool pulled from their eyes but I doubt the producers of this film ever saw this being a blockbuster anyway.

I actually think a lot of people do laugh at the stupidity of the anti-smoking spots.


Probably less than the anti-drug messages... ;)




Oh, and I agree 100% with your point, Arch.

I don't know anyone, including smokers, who greet anti-smoking efforts with the distain you describe.

I've never met anyone who wasn't completely annoyed by the obnoxious "thetruth.org" spots & the "stand" ones aren't much better.

I've never met anyone who wasn't completely annoyed by the obnoxious "thetruth.org" spots & the "stand" ones aren't much better.

I agree with this and am also annoyed when these campaigns use out of context statistics and obvious inflamations to try to make a point. It is insulting the intelligence of the consumer by villifying tobacco. I believe they would have a much larger impact offering the simple facts instead of dramatizing the issue and ultimately lowering the intelligence of their message. This is compounded on the fact that occasionaly what they claim is far from theTruth.

I agree with this and am also annoyed when these campaigns use out of context statistics and obvious inflamations to try to make a point. It is insulting the intelligence of the consumer by villifying tobacco. I believe they would have a much larger impact offering the simple facts instead of dramatizing the issue and ultimately lowering the intelligence of their message. This is compounded on the fact that occasionaly what they claim is far from theTruth.

Oh c'mon. :rolleyes: The truth about tobacco is that smoking related illnesses kill half a million people a year. Nobody disputes that figure anymore, including the tobacco companies. That figure includes my father (and my mother has emphysema and a bout with lung cancer) - both my parents were smokers their entire adult life. As is my sister and, now, my wife. My wife has tried to quit dozens of times, and failed each time; the pull is so strong. I fear the future unless she manages to succeed at some point. This is a dangerous and highly addictive drug that kills far more people than cocaine, heroine, and meth combined. I am as glad as anything else in my life that I never started smoking, or I'd probably be as addicted as the rest of my family.

The truth about the cigarette companies is that they've known of the dangers of their product as used as intended for decades, yet have engaged in the most despicable form of pushing it onto young people, manipulating nicotine levels, etc. There's no need for anti-smoking campaigns to "dramatize the issue"; the truth is surely dramatic enough.

There's no need for anti-smoking campaigns to "dramatize the issue"; the truth is surely dramatic enough.

Which is exactly docmal's point.

The truth about the cigarette companies is that they've known of the dangers of their product as used as intended for decades, yet have engaged in the most despicable form of pushing it onto young people, manipulating nicotine levels, etc. There's no need for anti-smoking campaigns to "dramatize the issue"; the truth is surely dramatic enough.
You're 100% correct about this but I believe you are missing the point about the commercials. They are terrible. Kids can see straight through the BS. When adults try to be hip and edgy to appeal to kids the end result usually backfires. I've always believed that since the commercials are largely funded by the tobacco lobby that they are designed with that effect in mind.

Okay, I see your points I guess. I'm probably so old that I couldn't recognize "hip and edgy" if they bit me on me bum. But that brings up a good question:

What would constitute an effective anti-smoking ad that would persuade kids without pandering to them?

Kids can see straight through the BS. When adults try to be hip and edgy to appeal to kids the end result usually backfires.

This is also one of the reasons parents ‘fail’ in their attempt to be the ‘perfect parent’ (which is impossible). They are too interested in being ‘buddies’ to those children rather than being parents - you have dysfunctional parents being parents. The interesting thing about our society; no one teaches how to be a parent (please, no insulting self-help books by Mr. or Ms. Nobody that saturate our market). One of the most important “jobs,” and we devote no education on how to help our children better the world and themselves – we just wing it. Why isn’t parenthood incorporated into our society at an early age? You don’t want to know what I think, besides, it’s against the rules. :D

What would constitute an effective anti-smoking ad that would persuade kids without pandering to them?
The best ad I can remember seeing featured a girl who was about 23 that looked like she was in her 80s because of smoking related illnesses. It was still a little hokey but far more effective than any recent ad I've seen. Even more effective would be to send people like her out to schools to actually talk to kids first hand and forego the ads altogether.

The best ad I can remember seeing featured a girl who was about 23 that looked like she was in her 80s because of smoking related illnesses. It was still a little hokey but far more effective than any recent ad I've seen. Even more effective would be to send people like her out to schools to actually talk to kids first hand and forego the ads altogether.
The simplest thing to do would be to eradicate tobacco. Gee, I wonder why that hasn’t been done? ;)

It seems to me that anti-smoking campaigns SHOULD be aimed at young people.
Theoretically, they won't have the wisdom that typically comes with age.

Adults (>25 yrs.) are responsible for their own degree of smarts on this issue.
If an adult desires this drug, then it is their choice.
I guess...

I always thought those cards put out by the ALA back when I was in my teens were pretty good. You know - the ones that showed a healthy lung and a diseased, shriveled blackened one due to years of smoking.

I don't know how much of a deterrent they actually were, but they sure were gross to look at. I already had my mind made up that I'd never start, but those things just cemented it for me personally.

The birth of my son 26 years ago was enough for me to quit. ;)

Just watched it. This is hands down one of the hippest, funniest movie comedies ever made.

And it's especially poignant for one who kicked a 40 year long smoking habit only three months ago.

And it's especially poignant for one who kicked a 40 year long smoking habit only three months ago.

Congrats Bob! My wife quit about 6 weeks ago and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this time it will "stick". She's quit at least half a dozen times since I've known her but always ends up falling off the wagon, complete with all the self-loathing that comes with it.

The damn things killed my pop and gave my mom lung cancer (which was caught early enough) and, now, emphysema. She still smokes. I hate the tobacco companies with every fiber of my being. They've, literally, gotten away with murder for far too long. Any other industry with that kind of blood on its hands would have been shut down long ago. In fact, there was a study just released by by the Harvard School of Public Health that shows that they've bumped up the nicotine content in cigs by a whopping 11% over a 7 year period between 1997 and 2005 (read about it here (http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/living/health/16486978.htm)). Guess they decided they need to crank up the addictive properties of their product to counter all the people that are trying to quit these days, and to insure they hook a new generation of kids. It's insidious. :mad:

they grease the wheels, that's how they get away with it.
I don't see how anyone can blame Big Tobacco, when they are only 'allowed' to operate because of weasels and sons of weasels in government for the last 50 years.

anyways, just saw this the other night and I share the same feelings. This was, without a doubt the best movie from 2006 I've seen. Needless to say the funniest too.

Why We Fight was another I saw not too long ago and both these were the cream of the crop of last years releases as far as I'm concerned (haven't seen Who Killed The Electric Car yet, but I've heard thats impressive too).

I too just saw this last night. What a joy. Good acting, good story, good PQ, enjoyed it very much.

Be sure and watch the Charlie Rose Show episode in the special features in which he interviews Jason Reitman (the filmmaker), Christopher Buckley (the book author), Aaron Eckhert (the lead actor) and last but not least, David O Sacks, who sold Paypal for a bilion and a half dollars and used some of the proceeds to produce this movie.

Charlie Rose: "Is satire especially difficult to do on film?"

Jason Reitman: "Totally, it's tricky. Because you need to stick to a very specific tone.
If you fall to the left or right, (in other words) if you go too dramatic, it becomes schmaltzy,
if you go too broad, it becomes silly:.

Glad you liked it Bob! I still think it's last year's funniest movie (although I laughed a lot during "Little Miss Sunshine" too). I have friends who have avoided it thinking it's some kind of esoteric, drab, dark indie comedy. But actually, it's very accessible, quick, and has a quite jovial tone. Many people would like it.

Why do people avoid movies like this? Because they think it's going to be "work" or something to sit through? It's a mentality that has really changed the way movies are made. I was just reading an article today about the Oscar nominees or 1977 that kind of sums it up:"We don't have the big entertainment that deals with serious subjects.

"Today, 'Network' would be an independent film."And probably about as many people would go see it as would go see "TYFS". Sad.

Probably a lot of people think it's some political slugfest about smoking or something, but it's anything but.

Why do people avoid movies like this? Because they think it's going to be "work" or something to sit through? It's a mentality that has really changed the way movies are made.

I know I'm getting off-track, but the above statement is so true and really makes me sad. What's wrong with having to "work" while watching the movie? Heaven forbid we actually invest something into the experience instead of being mindlessly entertained. All of the movies that have really stuck with me over the years are ones that insisted I put something into it. It could be existential musing like in 2001 or raw emotions & sympathy (or pity) like in Requiem For A Dream.

Anyway, we also really enjoyed TYFS. We probably laughed more than at any other movie of 2006.

I just got to see it. Great movie!!!!

As far as the truth.org and their ads, why is it legal to advertise anti-smoking but illegal to advertise pro-smoking on TV? Oh wait, the anti-smoking ads are all paid for by Philip Morris. I live by a smoke free city, and ticks me off to no end that I can't drink and smoke at the same time on private property. If it bothers you that much, go to another damn bar. Try enjoying anything with "Glen" in the name without a Padron or a Diamond Crown.

Anyone know if and when there will be a DVD release?

Anyone know if and when there will be a DVD release?

Of Thank You For Smoking? It's been out on DVD for some months now. Great movie, by the way.

Anyone know if and when there will be a DVD release?

Of Thank You For Smoking? It's been out on DVD for some months now. Great movie, by the way.

I guess I mean a major roll-out for it. It's on the sites for BB and others, but it's nowhere in my local stores.

I guess I mean a major roll-out for it. It's on the sites for BB and others, but it's nowhere in my local stores.You should ask for it--It's not going to roll-out any wider. It's been out so long that it will probably be on cable by March or April. My local blockbuster has already reduced the number of copies on its shelves and moved some to the bargain "pre-viewed" movie purchase bin.

Is it just me, or is this one of the better SD transfers in terms of picture quality that I've seen?

I saw this on the shelf at the video store, and didn't give it a second look after reading the title. I later saw a preview for the movie at the beginning of another DVD and thought it looked quite witty. I then rented it out and really enjoyed it. It is funny that I would have missed out on this great movie if it hadn't been for the preview. It also goes to show you how important the name of a movie is...

For me it was one of those hidden gems. It wasn't publicised too much here and not many people had heard of it, but that didn't mean it wasn't a great film. I found it very smart and funny, it's just a shame it didn't seem to get the recognition it perhaps deserved.

I bought a Hollywood previously viewed copy a good while back, in perfect shape. I've enjoyed it a number of times since then. It's a great flick.

I just watched it this week. While I would dispute how funny others say it was, it was certainly entertaining and very witty.

I loved the one big lesson he gives to his son:

When they were talking about a debate with the ice cream example. He makes the point that he only has to prove the other guy is wrong, not the he is right. He doesn't even have to convince the other guy that he's wrong. He just has to convince everyone else. It's cool, because you actually see a genuine look of realization come over Cameron Bright's face in the scene that was perfect.

What would constitute an effective anti-smoking ad that would persuade kids without pandering to them?

I don't know about kids, but my two favorites are:

- The father who has the pack of cigarettes in the drawer, but keeps a picture of his daughter on it so he sees it every time he thinks to pull the pack out and smoke a cigarette.

- The one that promotes smoking as potentially causing male impotence with the drooping cigarettes as the hot woman walks by.

Honestly, some of the anti-drug ads geared toward kids/teens have been better. Most notibly:

- The girl whose bedroom begins filling up with water and we see her floating under water when it finally fills to illustrate that drugs make your brain feel like it's drowning.

- The "this is your brain, this is your brain on drugs" spots.

I think the key that most of the "bad" spots miss is you can't preach. You have to find a clever way to illustrate how a habit can negatively affect something important to the kid.

There's actually a spray cleaning fluid company that wanted to be sure kids wouldn't "huff" their product. In addition to the typical "brain damage" warnings, they put: "may cause severe facial dysfigurement if inhaled". They figured most teens care more about their looks than their brains. Who cares if it wasn't true - it probably worked.

I haven't seen or read Thank You For Smoking yet, but I just finished reading Buckley's latest novel "Boomsday" and, well, frankly I thought it sucked. It was very poorly written and his attempts at satire felt facile and unrealistic.

Although I like the lead actor, this film was a disaster because it was a 5 minute Saturday Night Live bit stretched out to a full length movie. That never works! The same basic joke repeated over and over and over and over.....

IB

If it was a disaster, then give me more disasters.

Although I like the lead actor, this film was a disaster because it was a 5 minute Saturday Night Live bit stretched out to a full length movie. That never works! The same basic joke repeated over and over and over and over.....

IB
Saturday Night Live should be so lucky to be this entertaining.

I enjoyed the movie very much. The style of humor was right up my alley. It was very funny. They did a lot right with this one.