Even WITH Ben Stiller, this movie was great!

Rating: 8/10 (7 September 2008)

Ben Stiller's very presence irks me. I cannot stand his constant mugging for the camera, his "i could crack up at any moment" smirk and his inability to emotionally engage me. That being said... Tropic Thunder was STILL really really funny. Of course, Robert Downey Jr. stole the show, but there can be no doubt that Steve Coogan gets the assist on this one - as well as (and I hate to say it) Tom Cruise. Who would think that a movie with so many people I hate would be so damn funny?! Tom Cruise seems to do his best in roles that do not require his glibness to be in every frame of every shot (ie "Magnolia", for one). When he has the ability to let loose with the pressure of a starring role off his back, he can do some great things. And Steve Coogan! Two hits this summer for Steve Coogan! It is about time audiences outside the UK woke up to this man's comic genius.
The plot of TT? A movie is being made about a "true" Vietnam story. The actors are brought to 'Nam and the production is failing. In an effort to rescue the film, the Director sends his Prima Donna actors into the jungle to shoot the movie "guerilla-style" (HA!!) But, of course things go bad in the real jungle and the actors are forced to engage in real battles... but with fake guns.
Come to think of it, I'm not much of a Jack Black fan either... In fact, he may be one of the most annoying celebs out there. (Does he have on OFF button??) But, once again, he was just perfect in TT. How do you explain all that was working against it just making it stronger??!!