Scatter Gun tactics mostly hit the target

Rating: 8/10 (17 October 2008)

A few reviews of this film had said the funniest part of it was the "mock" trailers at the beginning, used to introduce the main characters. I thought they weren't THAT funny and began to think I mightn't enjoy the film that much. Thankfully I was wrong. The first half hour is pretty slow as the completely ridiculous plot is set up but once the action gets into the jungle it rattles along. Jokes come at you at a frequency not seen since the Naked Gun movies. Obviously they aren't all funny but I thought that most of them were.
I have to mention the "re-enactment" by Stiller's character's of one of his film roles at the "request" of the Thai drug gang. I was doubled over with laughter.
I really like Ben Stiller. You have to admire someone who makes himself look utterly ridiculous in nearly every film he's in. Jack Black and Robert Downey Junior follow Stiller's example by not having a problem looking silly. The supporting cast are also excellent. Tom Cruise goes so far against type as the movie executive you wonder is he in on the joke!
And even if you go to see a bald Cruise in a fat suit doing "that" dance during the closing credits you'll think it was money well spent.
There are a few comments going around that the film could be seen as offensive to African Americans of people with mental disabilities. I have a family member who is mentally disabled and the film was in no way offensive to me. I'd be surprised if African American found the Downey's character offensive as that joke is aimed the acting profession.
Definitely a must see!