There are valuable lessons everywhere.....

So normally I don't really do the whole movie review thing, but I saw a movie over the weekend that really struck a chord. No, it wasn't in the theaters, since I almost never go to the movies anymore (ADD). It actually just came out on dvd, and is definitely worth seeing. I was actually shocked about how many of my coworkers hadn't even heard of it- I know all of you have.
Anyways, "Thank You For Smoking" is probably one of the best movies I've seen all year. The character development (with the exception of Katie Holmes- she was terrible) and plot were great, and the writers/producers were successful at developing a character who, while you are disgusted at what he does, you can't help but love. It's a movie I could watch over and over again.
It's also somewhat inspiring. The main character, Nick Naylor, is the most hated man in the country- a lobbyist for big tobacco. Yet he is able to win anyone over, including a 15 year-old with cancer, just by his words. To someone who often stumbles through speeches and never argues; not because I don't believe in my point of view, but because I am horrible at convincing others of my point; this guy is a hero. He even manages to be a great role-model to his son by teaching him to debate, and to always question authority.
The movie definitely teaches you how to win an argument- basically, you never have to prove your point, as long as you can disprove the other person's point. The best line in the movie (and something I am going to try to remember): "That's the beauty of argument, if you argue correctly, you're never wrong." There are so many memorable (and hilarious) lines in this movie, that even my mom (who is VERY anti-smoking) even loved it. Take, for instance:
Kid #3: My Mommy says smoking kills.
Nick Naylor: Oh, is your Mommy a doctor?
Kid #3: No.
Nick Naylor: A scientific researcher of some kind?
Kid #3: No.
Nick Naylor: Well then she's hardly a credible expert, is she?

Anyways, I highly recommend this movie, and will probably run out and buy it this weekend.