Tropic Thunder

Tropic Thunder is a 2008 parody film and is amongst the funniest films of the 2000s without a doubt.

The humour doesn't shy away from what is deemed to be politically incorrect nowadays, but looking past all that it's a very funny film.

The self awareness provided throughout is entertaining and the dialogues pack a punch. The all-star cast all embody their characters really well and do a great job at satirising the hollywood film industry.

The story, like a lot of other comedies is not the film's strong point, and some of the film's scenes aren't overly funny but many are.

So many great lines in here too. Worth a viewing.

This is hands down Ben Stiller's best movie. It has great action, great dialogue, great acting, great music and great humor. This movie is filled with quotable lines and works very well. The performances I have to single out for praise are Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr, Jay Baruchel, Matthew McConaughey, and Tom Cruise. I feel like this movie approaches it's themes in a way similar to Blazing Saddles but Blazing Saddles has a lot more slapstick. The Tugg Speedman character is not as memorable as Derek Zoolander but this movie is far better than Zoolander is. This is my favorite Ben Stiller movie alongside Meet The Fockers, Zoolander, Starsky and Hutch, and Night At The Museum 1 and 3 but I still haven't seen There's Something About Mary. I honestly prefer Robert Downey Jr as Kirk Lazuras over him as Iron Man but they are both fantastic performances. Tom Cruise is awesome as Less Grossman. He owns his character that is very different from everything else he has done. I hope Ben Stiller is proud of this movie because to me this is his best one.

"Tropic Thunder" (2008), directed by Ben Stiller, is a satirical comedy that brilliantly skewers the film industry, celebrity culture, and the absurdities of war movies. The film boasts an ensemble cast, including Stiller, Robert Downey Jr., and Jack Black, who deliver hilarious performances, elevating the movie to cult classic status.

One of the standout features of "Tropic Thunder" is its meta-narrative. The film follows a group of self-absorbed actors who find themselves in a real-life jungle war zone while filming a war movie. Stiller's portrayal of the narcissistic action star Tugg Speedman, Downey Jr.'s method actor Kirk Lazarus, and Black's over-the-top comedian Jeff Portnoy create a trio of memorable characters, each a caricature of Hollywood archetypes.

Downey Jr.'s performance is particularly noteworthy, as he plays a white actor who undergoes surgery to darken his skin for a role, adding a layer of satire that addresses issues of race and cultural appropriation in Hollywood. The film cleverly navigates these sensitive topics through its comedic lens, sparking both laughter and reflection.

The screenplay, written by Stiller, Justin Theroux, and Etan Cohen, is filled with witty dialogue and clever humor. The film's self-awareness and willingness to lampoon Hollywood conventions contribute to its comedic success. The over-the-top action sequences and absurd situations parody the clichés often found in war films, creating a comedic commentary on the genre.

"Tropic Thunder" also benefits from its supporting cast, including Tom Cruise in an unrecognizable and hilarious role as the eccentric studio executive Les Grossman. Cruise's performance is a scene-stealer, adding an extra layer of comedic brilliance to the film.

The cinematography captures the chaos of the jungle setting, and the use of practical effects in the action sequences adds to the film's authenticity while maintaining its comedic tone. The soundtrack, featuring classic rock hits, complements the humor and enhances the overall viewing experience.

In conclusion, "Tropic Thunder" is a sharp and irreverent satire that lampoons Hollywood excesses and war movie conventions. With a stellar ensemble cast, clever writing, and a willingness to tackle controversial subjects, the film remains a standout comedy that continues to entertain audiences with its humor and social commentary.

Great movie in all aspects but this performance by Robert Downey jr is proof that the Oscar's are all political and the voters have NO clue what an ACTUAL great performance is!!! NONE , his performance was incredible, he stays in character and it's his character nobody to copy. Everyone is exceptional in this movie, great cast not original story but fun to watch I've seen this movie 5 times and it hasn't lost any luster!! Buying the bluray was a no brainer!!!

Tropic Thunder was met with acclaim and commercial success in 2008, and met with INTENSE controversy over Robert Downy Jr.'s now infamous blackface performance in the film (not to mention Simple Jack). Yet it was PART OF THE POINT the film was making regarding the lengths some creatives will go when making feature films that will impact the world further down the track.

Man: the world today feels like a totally alien place compared to 2008's landscape of global-warming preaching and 9/11 still being a very recent tragedy, and the Wii, PS3 and Xbox 360 being the then-cutting-edge game consoles, and gay jokes that would possibly be considered homophobic or some such rubbish (comedy's meant to be funny, not taken as literal demeaning mockery of real people). SO much has changed since the 2000s; fast forward to 2024 and so many of the film's jokes ARE triggering all the wrong people further proving the film's point and jokes.

It's kind of sad and funny that Tropic Thunder's mockeries of Hollywood have basically come true; today's industry is playing EXACTLY like how those fake trailers framed the industry (except for the lack of animation representation) what with the tired action franchises and comedy films, and of course mid-budget indies being awards-bait films. Ben Stiller knew what he was doing when he committed to directing this metafictional mockumentary of modern American Cinema.

It's funny stuff, and sadly something cinema of the 2020s seems terrified to tackle with 'crude nuance', ie South Park. Meta-comedies can be refreshing and necessary critiques for what they're mocking, and Tropic Thunder was a real treat for 2008's crowded blockbuster landscape (seriously 2008 was an ENORMOUS year for the movies).

Tropic Thunder gets 8/10 IMDb points. 4/5 stars. It's still a riot. Just don't show this one to easily triggered fellas (or you can still, what the hell).