Tonnerre sous les tropiques

I saw this movie in theaters and fell in love with it. I've seen it many times throughout the years and have noticed most people either don't know or don't care for this film. After rewatching it yesterday, I just had to write about it.

The casting was incredible in my opinion. People think of Ocean's Eleven or The Departed as movies with dream casts. I think Tropic Thunder holds its own. Tom Cruise and Matthew McConaughey are solid minor/supporting characters. I'm not a fan of Tom Cruise, but I find myself quoting all of his Les Grossman lines consistently. Nick Nolte, Steve Coogan, Bill Hader and Danny McBride are great additions. Jay Baruchel is his usual self, Brandon T Jackson was a solid part of the mix and the three main leads really deliver. Special mention to RDJ, by far my favorite performance. It's ridiculous how many layers there are to his character. At some point he's an Australian actor playing a Black guy playing an Asian farmer.

Almost every single scene has a quotable line. The action is very well done and the story's so wonderfully over the top.

I think the biggest win is how well it has aged in my opinion. Movies like The Hangover were really funny when they came out, but I find there's no replay value. The jokes don't work well the second time around. The same goes for something like Deadpool. On the other hand, films like Borat, Anchorman and Tropic Thunder still make me laugh regardless of how many times I've seen it.

I wish Ben Stiller would go back to doing stuff like this. A Les Grossman sequel would've been absolutely incredible!

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.

When asked, what's your favorite movie? I use to take pause and have a hard time answering, but not anymore...Tropic Thunder!!!

The last enjoyably offensive and unapologetic comedy from planet earth.

To all involved making this film, thank you for making the world a better place.

An over-the-top, in-your-face satire of Hollywood and it's obsession with war movies. Stellar performances from all the actors and the story was a lot of fun. The funny thing was, I was watching this on a ClearPlay DVD player so a lot of this film was muted. :)

"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.