Fans of Aaron Eckhart's earlier films such as In the Company of Men and Your Friends & Neighbours won't be disappointed by his latest turn, in Canadian born director Jason Reitman's Thank You For Smoking which had its world premiere last night at the Ryerson Theatre.

This often hilarious film tells the story of a smooth talking lobbyist for the Tobacco Industry (Eckhart) who is out to pay off his mortgage and in so doing convince the world that Big Tobacco companies really aren't so bad. Rob Lowe, Cameron Bright and Adam Brody give standout performances while William H Macy, Robert Duvall and even Katie Holmes more than hold their own.

Most of the principals were in attendance - including producer and Pay Pal founder David O Sacks - although Holmes was a notable exception. Good thing too as gauging by the audience reponse when they clapped as the opening credits rolled, she wasn't a crowd favourite. For the record, Macy received the loudest ovation by a mile.