Liked it, thought I would love it.

Rating: 7/10 (1 December 2009)

I attended an industry screening in LA on Nov 24, a small group, 30-40 people. I was surprised by the lack of excitement at the end of the screening. It didn't seem like anyone was bowled over with the film. I enjoyed it, always enjoy George Clooney, and I think he did an excellent job on this film, particularly when he portrayed some vulnerability. I didn't particularly care for the two female leads. Competent actresses, but I didn't spark to them or their characters. I enjoyed the plot and appreciated how the subject matter fit into today's economy even though based on a book and with a script that was written prior to the economic free-fall. I guess I just expected to SUPER LOVE this film, and I merely liked it. Maybe on second viewing, I will like it more. So far, Thank You For Smoking remains my favorite Jason Reitman film. I know I'm the odd man out on that!