Clever Hollywood parody but Downey's role was poorly thought out

Rating: 5/10 (24 August 2008)

Ben Stiller's satire on the movie industry is a very entertaining, if somewhat troubling movie. I say somewhat troubling because I do find the famous decision to have Robert Downey Jr.'s character (typically excellent as high-minded Australian actor Kirk Lazarus) be made-up to appear black. This does not seem right to me. While the intent may have been to parody the pretentiousness of actors who believe there is no role which they cannot depict. Perhaps Stiller intended Downey Jr.'s part as mocking arrogant actors, but many viewers will see simply broad satire by a white man made up to look black and which might bring to mind the idea of minstrelsy. I do not think it was a good idea while I don't believe that Stiller really intended offense.
This major reservation aside, the film itself is quite a well-directed parody at many sacred cows of Hollywood, including self-important, rather strange agents (Matthew McConaughey having a great time playing against type), egomaniacal, profane studio moguls (Tom Cruise also enjoying mocking the power of which he is a prominent symbol), dopey movie franchises (don't miss the fake trailers at the beginning of the film, they are hilarious), drug use among stars (Jack Black's character, Jeff Portnoy is a serious drug addict and star of some very dopey films and whose habits lead to some very inventive, funny, scenes relating to his effort to beat the addictions), the extravagant demands of stars on shoots, stars sad efforts at serious movie roles, and many other Hollywood institutions ripe for satire.
There are quite a few pointed, self-mocking cameos which elicited some of the biggest laughs of the film. I found Cruise quite funny in his role but I am perhaps not as impressed at his turn parodying power because his role in "Magnolia", nearly 10 years ago, was not terribly different. That said, the parody of the many elements of Hollywood directed by Stiller is very well-done. Jack Black is funny as the aforementioned irredeemably drug-addicted action star. Downey Jr. is, as mentioned, typically excellent, in spite of the offensiveness of the material. Nick Nolte also enjoys his part as the soldier whose exploits the crew were attempting to bring to the screen before the movie production, to the ignorance of some of the cast, became a real battle.