Consistently Funny

Rating: Null/10 (19 October 2009)

I was surprised by how much I liked this movie. Most modern Hollywood comedies leave me cold; they barely seem to have more than one or two decent laughs each, but this one had me chuckling throughout. The story is complete tosh, but of course it isn't supposed to be taken seriously, and most of the biggest laughs are found in the interplay between the five hapless heroes anyway.
Director and co-writer Ben Stiller stars as Tugg Speedman, waning star of six Scorcher movies, who finds himself abandoned in the middle of some Asian jungle with the co-stars of his latest flick, Tropic Thunder, after the movie's director (Steve Coogan) takes exception to their prima donna antics on set. Unfortunately, their location happens to be slap bang in the middle of territory controlled by a vicious gang of drug smugglers although, as Coogan has told them they will be filmed by hidden cameras as they make their way out of the jungle, it's a good while before they realise the danger they are in is genuine.
The film takes humorous swipes at Hollywood, its movers and shakers and its product with a sure footing and an insider's knowledge. It also has a refreshing awareness of its own precarious position as it adroitly avoids descending into the crass juvenile humour of spoof movies. I liked the way it wasn't afraid to point a finger at the absurdity of its own profession (check out that spoof trailer for Kirk Lazarus's monks-in-love movie in which he is hailed as five time Oscar winner, and Toby Maguire is introduced as winner of MTV best kiss scene of the year award winner – and, of course, Speedman and Lazarus's infamous discussion about the pitfalls of going 'full retard' – to see what I mean), while never turning snide or cynical as it does so. Stiller and his co-writers are extracting the urine for sure, but there's no doubt they're doing it in an affectionate way.
While everyone gives great comical performances, Tom Cruise, somehow getting away with playing an instantly recognisable foul-mouthed megalomaniac movie executive, steals the show in his relatively few scenes. He's got the moves, and he knows how to sell a G5. Where Cruise is over-the-top hilarious, Downey's Kirk Lazarus, barely recognisable under his altered skin pigmentation, is consistently funny in a low-key way as one of those irritating actors who insist on going deep into character. I was still chuckling over his scene with the black guy late in the film ('so are we cool now?' 'No, not really.') when Tom danced us out over the end credits.
This is honestly one of the best Hollywood comedies I've seen in years so even if, like me, you usually steer clear, give this one a go – you won't be disappointed.