Original but not as funny as one may expect.

Rating: 6/10 (30 January 2009)

From the moment I heard of Tropic Thunder I thought that this had the potential to be a film of real originality and zest. I was rather excited about the premise, a premise which if well executed could be a real satirical success.
Tropic Thunder unfortunately does not hit the mark enough, or provide the kind of satirical or comedy impression that I was seeking. Tropic Thunder really revels in slapstick, over-the-top escapades and every so often gets it right.
Out of the named cast Jack Black is the least impressive. Black plays an uninspiring character that from the outset, that hideous film trailer does not bode well for Black, as he shouts his way through the film and grates rather too much to make his appearance enjoyable. Ben Stiller is the most impressive of the cast, and produces the most laughs that this film has to offer. Robert Downey Jnr is good, however it is sometimes hard to decipher what he is saying and rather surprising that he has been given an Academy nomination for his performance.
Tom Cruise cameo's as Les Grossman, the film magnate who only speaks in diatribes, is a character you will either love or find too offensive to enjoy, I think he just about gets away with it. If nothing else Les Grossman's dance moves at the end to Ludicrous 'Get Back' will put a wry smile on your face.
Tropic Thunder is over-the-top, and does push the boundaries with its crude and excessive language. Essentially, Tropic Thunder relishes its moment in the spotlight too the point where some may find it rather uncomfortable . It is not all that bad but it is not the comedy of laughs that I assumed it would be.