Tropic Thunder

Rating: 8/10 (12 October 2008)

"Get Some"
Ben Stiller's satirical look at Hollywood, Tropic Thunder concerns the production of an epic Vietnam War film that quickly derails thanks to the giant egos of everyone involved in the production. Stiller stars as Tugg Speedman, an action hero trying to segue out of that genre. Jack Black plays Jeff Portnoy, a drug-addicted fat comic also attempting to change his image by taking on such a serious film. They star alongside Kirk Lazarus (Robert Downey Jr.), one of the world's most awarded actors, and a man who insists on immersing himself totally in a role. In this case, that means Lazarus has had his skin dyed in order to portray an African-American soldier. After their outrageous behavior lands the film's director, Damien (Steve Coogan), in very hot water with producer Les Grossman (Tom Cruise), Damien takes the advice of grizzled Vietnam vet Four Leaf Tayback (Nick Nolte); in order to gain control of his performers, Damien drops the actors off in the jungle, planning to film the movie guerrilla-style with hidden cameras. When the group stumbles upon a heroin production camp, the actors are unaware that they are in very real danger.
One of 2008's funniest movies and a hilarious yet, almost true parody of the way Hollywood works. One of the best parodies I've seen in a long time well for one thing, the parody/spoof genre has been infested by the street trash that is Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer and their puke-inducing movies so I'm really glad that someone stepped in to save the already dying genre. And not only somebody but funny man Ben Stiller who's been making us laugh since he accidentally zipped his Wang between his zipper.
Ben Stiller stars and also directs this movie along with Robert Downey Jr. and Jack Black to take on a movie in a movie they're starring in. In this case, a war movie but not really a war movie when it all becomes real so the 'movie' factor is taken out and the results are hilariously catastrophic. There are two things that stole the show, first is Robert Downey Jr, playing Kirk Lazarus playing a black platoon Sargent in the fake movie. Every word he says is golden, I couldn't control myself from laughing out loud. I mean, he doesn't even have to do anything, all he needed to do was stand there and at least try to act like a black guy and the hilarity will ensue.
Second is Tom Cruise in a fat suit as mogul producer Les Grossman. His potty mouth plus the fat suit and top to that a hilariously awkward dance routine to the beat of a rap music. You couldn't get any better than that. The others of course were not left out of the spotlight, Jack Black is in his usual form, an obnoxious yet lovable funny man and Ben Stiller also in his usual form as an ignorant schnozzle.
Solid deliveries, a hilarious script and hysterical scenarios are what makes this film a comedic gem. If you want to have a good laugh, this movie is highly recommended.