Way Better than that OTHER summer flick!

Rating: 8/10 (13 August 2008)

I have to say it. "Tropic Thunder" has so much more of a message for the real world than that big blockbuster film this summer (you know, the "dark" one). Fakery, self-righteousness, egotism, you name it--they all take a whooping in this film. The script is smart and consistent. It has a few surprises that come out of nowhere, hit you out of rhythm and, consequently, lend a sense of authenticity. The acting is good. Downey and Cruise are marvelous. A few times, though, I felt the acting+script were going to explode (figuratively speaking), but they quickly resumed a more normal height of inspiration. The level of criticism aimed at this film over retard ("never go full retard") is unwarranted. IMHO the movie makes a valid point, in that people don't go to the movies to see complete incompetence--there has to be redemption or no one cares. In acting, just as in "real life," it's possible to try too hard. And if you're not genuine, it's perfectly fair for people to call you on it--and then you move on. Over all, "Tropic Thunder" was great fun.