Dumb gags, over-the-top violence, and a straight shot into Hollywood's heart.

Rating: 8/10 (9 April 2010)

7.5
When I was in my early teens, I was fond of war movies. I would watch any war film I could get my hands on. I couldn't get enough of it. It didn't matter how old they were, or in what setting the films took place in. Just as long as I could get my adrenaline fix. I enjoyed the atmosphere. Twentieth century Europe and Asia all looked vaguely familiar. Perhaps because I have seen it portrayed so many times. But it wasn't until the fireworks show started that things got interesting. As soon as the combat began, as soon as the shells started to land, the grenades started to go off, the rounds were fired, that's when I knew I was watching a war film. And they were really all the same film. Sort of like episodes of the same drama. They took place in different locations and times, and the opposing sides were often switched around, but it was the same thing every time. Men in conflict using (usually) ballistics and explosives to suppress each other.
But, why was it so appealing to me at that age? I felt empathy and sympathy towards the characters, both people and groups of people, such as nations. However, I also really wanted to see them blow each other up. I knew that it was fake, and I also knew that I never really wanted to see something like that in real life. Or did I? Maybe I just didn't want to see it happen to someone I knew. The matter is, Hollywood is permeated with war movies. People of all ages (especially younger ages, I believe) are attracted to these films. After seeing so much violence, one becomes immune to it. He no longer feels any empathy, and soon loses even sympathy. He does not really lose the excitement anymore, but it is toned down. He might start to feel like the violence is fun, or even funny. And in order to gain the former level of excitement, the violence needs to be toned up. Until that reaches the extent of its power.
Cue Tropic Thunder. Ben Stiller, who directed, produced, co-wrote and starred in the lead role, first found the idea for Tropic Thunder while working on Empire Of The Sun, which was released in 1987. He found it funny how actors and artists like to portray war in movies, but that they will probably never understand what true war and combat is like. Tropic Thunder is exactly that. A parody of Hollywood itself, specifically in terms of war movies. In this aspect, it excels. It is funny, yes. Is it violent? Very. Does it successfully paint a picture of Hollywood and its obsession with violent spectacles and combat? I think so. The cinematography in the film is excellent. It looks, sounds and feels like a true war film. It might even be mistaken for one.
However, it's worth nothing that Tropic Thunder is good, but not great. Yeah, I know, anyone can sit here and say that about anybody's hard work. And I admire the hard work of all people involved in film-making. The camera sometimes turns around on the crew itself and films the actual crew of Tropic Thunder, who is supposed to be filming "Tropic Thunder", the film that is being filmed in the movie. This is only mildly ridiculous compared to some things in the movie. Tropic Thunder's plot is very predictable. What you expect this movie to offer you is probably very close to what it actually does offer. It has dumb gags, over-the-top violence, and a straight shot into the heart of Hollywood.
One thing that disappointed me and kept me far away from the film for two years, and also managed to get me to skip the theatrical release, was that the film takes the violent jokes too far. In my taste, probably because I have become so conditioned by my early teen years that what I should be feeling towards the portrayal of war in any medium is empathy and sympathy, it is taken too far. I saw the unrated version, where they take it just a little bit further, apparently. It was a turn off for me, and I really didn't find myself laughing until later on in the movie. This is very important if you are the type of person that is affected by the realistic (in terms of special effects) portrayal of violence and war.
Tropic Thunder is a good movie. It is also a funny movie. However, it has it's shortcomings. It takes the violence a bit too far for some people's tastes. Adding in fart jokes and jokes about retarded people doesn't help either. However, it manages to retain some charm, and deliver at least a laugh or two. In my opinion, the film is at its best when Speedman's agent finds himself in a dilemma as to whether remain faithful to his actor, or sell him out for undeserved riches. That is what I had hoped Tropic Thunder would be, but I guess they just wanted to have fun with this one. But that's alright, and so is Tropic Thunder, considering my expectations of it. It's alright. (Note: The cinematography work done by John Toll is exceptional.)