Terrific war/action movie spoof

Rating: 8/10 (8 September 2008)

In order for a spoof to be a good spoof it has to be aware that it is a spoof. This however is a fine line as many recent spoof movies were a little to aware of the fact and presented simply a string of scenes each drawing obvious references and ridiculing other movies. I am not going to name names here and I am pretty sure that I don't have too.
"Tropic Thunder" is a spoof that finds itself on the good side of that line and that basically means it works are a stand alone movie. It is not a 90 minute string of pop culture references. It is more a spoof of the war/action genre (a la "Commando" with Schwarzenegger) than a group of movies. The opening scene does include a direct parody of a tragic scene in "Platoon" (which makes it hilarious), but the pretentiousness of non-stop simple gags is never felt. The film has its own storyline and characters and takes you on its own little film experience, rather than a re-run of previous films. In fact, as far as spoof movies go, this film does for war/action macho flicks what the brilliant "Hot Fuzz" did for cop action movies. It is funny by itself and is a real treat for genre fans.
"Tropic Thunder" in an interesting move also makes fun of the business of making big action movies as story here is about people making a film called "Tropic Thunder" only to find out that it becomes a reality. Tom Cruise has what is one of his best roles as a profanity spouting executive frustrated over the lack of progress in his ultra expensive epic production. And this is not just a cameo, this is a full fledged supporting role that is right by Robert Downey Jr's hilarious turn as a token tough talking fearless platoon sergeant (like the one in Aliens). In fact, virtually ever character and story element here is a stab at the genre and that is why it all works. --- 8/10
BsCDb Classification: 13+ --- violence, profanity