The Ultimate Satire of Hollywood

Rating: 9/10 (22 August 2008)

At first glance, you would think this is just a screwball comedy with no substance. But in a rarity in his career, Ben Stiller has managed to create an extremely funny and satirical stab at Hollywood by combining vicious amounts of gore and lovely touches of black humour. A few down and out prima donna actors sign up for a war film to reignite their careers. But there is more to shooting this film then the actors realise.....
Stiller plays a down and out action hero named Tugg Speedman who has come out of a very unsuccessful film role playing a retarded farm boy, thus tarnishing his reputation. Jack Black is hilarious as an overweight, drug addicted comedy actor who's only seen as funny when he farts in his famous film franchise (I won't give further info, you have to see for yourself).
The stand out of the film is Robert Downey Jr who plays Kirk Lazarus, an Australian method actor who is so lost in his roles that he forgets who he actually is. I have never seen such a funny role in any comedy film I have seen. Supporting roles by Matthew McCoughney as Speedman's manager and Brandon T. Jackson as rapper/actor Alpa Chino also add fuel to the fire. A surprise inclusion in the film is an extended cameo by Tom Cruise, who plays an overweight Diet Coke loving studio executive. I have more respect for the man after seeing him in this film, and you will find out why if you have not seen it.
'Tropic Thunder' is surprisingly one of the funniest comedies I have ever had the pleasure of seeing, blending graphic violence with humour with the right measurements to give this film such a unique status. This film should definitely not be missed. 10/10