"Tropic Thunder" Film Review

Tropic Thunder was said to be the funniest film of the year. I’d have to agree.

Tropic Thunder is a 2008 comedy action film directed, produced, starred, and co-written by Ben Stiller. The film also stars Robert Downey Jr., Jack Black, Jay Baruchel, Brandon T. Jackson, Tom Cruise, Nick Nolte, Matthew McConaughey, Danny McBride, Steve Coogan, and other several cameos from various actors.

Ben Stiller is a genius. The plot twists are all predictable comedic camp, but to be honest, who would watch this film for the oh-so significant plot? The fun in watching Tropic Thunder is the fact that it’s absolutely and shamelessly mindless, in a good way of course. The satire is quick and relentless, and the attack on typical actor melodramas are every bit as entertaining as it could be. Although there are some parts that call for those pity laughs, wherein you’re forced to smile at the desperate attempts at humor, but they’re easily overwhelmed by the good parts. Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Kirk Lazarus, a white method actor portraying a black war veteran, is brilliant. His shift from an Australian slang to a stereotypical jive lingo is seamless. Surprisingly enough, I was pleased with Jack Black’s part in this movie. Maybe it’s because his character was constantly suffering, and I couldn’t help but chuckle whenever he was writhing in pain. Ben Stiller’s character, Tugg Speedman, loves pandas above all else, and therefore he is awesome. Tom Cruise was a great surprise, and he was intensely devoted to his foul-mouthed character.

Overall Tropic Thunder delivers to the hype it generated. The movie is funny even before it starts, and even up until after it finishes, you can’t help but still watch. Of course, Tropic Thunder isn’t perfect, some awkward overacting are apparent, and I would have preferred it if there was a representation of the other half of the world in the movie, i.e. women. Still, Tropic Thunder is one of the best comedies around, infinitely better than other pathetic satirical films, like the Scary Movie series and its spin-offs. And even if it’s not your type of comedy, it’s still a pretty good action film.

Tugg Speedman: "There were times while I was playing Jack where I felt... retarded. Like, really retarded."
Kirk Lazarus: "Damn!"
Tugg Speedman: "In a weird way I had to sort of just free myself up to believe that is was ok to be stupid or dumb."