Tropic Thunder (2008) Movie Review

Tropic Thunder is an uproarious and raunchy satire of the Hollywood culture that is one of this summer’s fresh surprises. Ben Stiller not only stars in the film, but also produces, co-writes, and directs as well. However, he is the weakest of his comedic cast, which includes a unique and risky laugh-a minute funny performance from Robert Downey, Jr.

The film opens with hilarious trailers of the film’s four main Hollywood celebrities of the story. Now all are involved in a massively budgeted Vietnam action film that is the real-life account of a grumbled war hero named Four Leaf Tayback (Nick Nolte). Tugg Speedman (Ben Stiller) is playing Tayback in the film, and was once a Hollywood action star, but lost creditably to his numerous sequels and a dramatic departure playing “Simple Jack,” who is a challenged man that can thoroughly communicate with animals. Jeff Portnoy (Jack Black) is heroin addicted comedic actor that has made his money through expressive toilet humor and believes this project will have audiences accepting him more than as a one-note actor. Alpa Chino is a successful black rapper that also has his own energy drink and bars is also a part of the cast, while Kevin Sandusky (Jay Baruchel) is making his acting debut. The final member of the cast is a 5 time Oscar winning method actor known as Kirk Lazarus (Robert Downey, Jr.). He has undergone a pigment alteration to his body, making his skin black so that he can play his role as an African American soldier. Lazarus is so embedded in his role that he states he will not break character until after he completes the film’s DVD commentary. Also involved in the production are an energized explosives effects expert named Cody (Danny McBride). All are under the supervision of a London stage director named Damien Cockburn (Steve Coogan), who is making his feature film debut under much stress. Wasting millions and not getting any help from his uncontrollable actors, Cockburn’s career is on the line. In steps Taybeck, who collaborates with the director on dropping his actors in the middle of the Vietnam jungle and leaving them to find their own way back to their spoiled lives. The director has rigged the entire jungle with hidden cameras to catch the actor’s real emotions and energy. However, the plan changes when the cast’s lives are threaten by Vietnam heroin producers who think they are DEA agents, and the actors believe it is all a part of the big picture that Cockburn has cooked up.

Tropic Thunder pokes fun at all sides of Hollywood, including actors, directors, studio executives, etc. The film also sheds comedy on stereotypes, violence, sexuality, egos, language barriers, and small group communicative styles. Stiller along with co-writers Justin Theroux and Etan Cohen do not hold back any punches with this satire. More than anything the film is smart and funny, even though it is a bit too long. Stiller blends psychical comedy and explosive action well, with ultimately the characters being the strength of the film. The entire idea behind the Robert Downey, Jr. character of Kirk Lazarus and his dedication to playing a black character is a risky card to play. However, Stiller never lets it become offensive, in which interjects the real black character of Brandon T. Jackson’s Alpha Chino to question the character’s motives and drive. The interaction between this two is some of the best moments of the film. The idea becomes quickly accepted and is really just poking fun of actors who embedded themselves a little too much in their roles. Stiller himself has come under fire from other groups about his portrayal of a mentally-challenged character in the film, which included a proposed boycott of the film. The made-fun of characters in Tropic Thunder are all those associated in the black hole of Hollywood, which is a area that Stiller should be a expert at, he has had huge box office hits (There is Something About Mary) and disasters (Duplex). Another surprise is the arrival of the foul-mouth, hot-tempered studio executive named Les Grossman, who is played in a fat-suit, bearded and bald by Hollywood star Tom Cruise. This character is sort of reflective of Joel Silver or Harvey Weinstein and is an absolute comedic force each time he is on the screen.

Cruise inhabits the role well and has not dropped this many f-bombs since his role in Magnolia. He seems to have a ball with the role, and it is just funny to see a big star like Tom Cruise full of hair and so greedy for a box office hit. Stay through the credits to see more of another of Cruise’s talent that he brings to the role. The film is single-handily stolen by Robert Downey, Jr. as Lazarus. His charisma, prescience and characterization are near perfect and proves he is one of the most gifted actors in Hollywood. It would not be surprising if he does not at least receive one Oscar nomination this year for either his role in Tropic Thunder or in Iron Man. Stiller fares mildly doing his usual Ben Stiller routine, but his contribution to the film is behind the camera and as a writer, not as Tugg Speedman. Jack Black delivers one of his gutsy and funniest performances as the heroin addicted Jeff Portnoy, who spends most of the film looking for a fix. Brandon T. Jackson and Nick Nolte are commendable in the supporting turns. Besides Cruise’s small role, Matthew McConaughey also has a supporting role as Speedman’s dedicated agent. As typical with Stiller movies, there are also numerous cameos including Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jason Bateman, and Tobey Maguire.

Tropic Thunder is a funny comedy that is also a smart satire of the Hollywood world. This is a very R rated film, so be warned, but it should be a box office hit. Robert Downey, Jr.’s performance in the film will be talked about for some time to come.