Tropic Thunder (15)

Film

Comedy

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Tue Sep 16 2008

Don’t be late for ‘Tropic Thunder’, or you’ll miss the second-best bit: the spoof trailers for ‘Scorcher VI’ starring action hero Tugg Speedman, ‘The Fatties 2’ starring gross-out favourite Jeff Portnoy and ‘Satan’s Alley’ starring Oscar-laden thesp Kirk Lazarus. Speedman, Portnoy and Lazarus – played by Ben Stiller, Jack Black and Robert Downey Jr respectively – are the leads in a bombastic Vietnam epic shooting on location in the Golden Triangle. The flailing Brit director (Steve Coogan) sets them loose in the jungle, intending to film their method-fuelled progress on hidden cameras, but they end up facing genuine combat together. Cue machine-guns all round, and then hugs.

The makers of ‘Tropic Thunder’ knew they had a challenge on their hands with the character of Lazarus, who is surgically blacked up to play an African-American soldier, meaning that Downey is too. They did a good job of defusing the issue in the US – they’re parodying Hollywood narcissism, not the black experience, for heaven’s sake! – and were enormously helped by Downey’s terrific, compulsive performance. Equal parts brash, bonkers and perplexed, he’s the film’s best bit. (The mental-health lobby was less than impressed by his bravura monologue about the perils of actors going ‘full retard’ in pursuit of Oscar glory, but that’s another story.)

Certainly, the film works much better as Tinseltown parody than as action flick or character drama; on those terms, which co-writer and director Stiller seems to have taken seriously, it’s pretty ordinary stuff. But its better moments of self-referential snark, such as an ace cameo from Tom Cruise as an obnoxious studio exec, have the feel of a superior end-of-term revue.

Author: Ben Walters

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Fri Aug 1, 2008

Duration:

107 mins

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Comments & ratings

(52 ratings)

i think it's evident from the type of reviewer, what sort of film this actually is. essentially, if you're pretty basic you're gonna love this film. if, however, you quite like suspense or something else to think about, this most definitely won't be your 'cup of tea'. as films go, this was pretty low - a waste of cast, budget and any other resource utilised. to the viewer, a complete waste of time (that is unless you're one of the basic mob). don't take my word for it, see it for yourself.

ben s Tue Oct 7 2008
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Why is everyone raving about Tom Cruise in this film? Oh look Tom Cruise's character is dancing during the end credits how funny is that, or is everyone laughing at Tom Cruise dancing? Another film that was a laugh to make with I guess outtakes on the DVD that are funnier than the actual film.

N Tue Oct 7 2008
Rated as: 2/5
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What a film!!! Tom Cruise is really funny, Downey jr is superb and Ben Stiller killed a panda. What more could you ask for. Don't listen to anyone who says this is crap. They need to lighten up a bit, sit back and enjoy. They probably just need to get laid!!!

colski Mon Oct 6 2008
Rated as: 5/5
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The only funny part was Tom Cruise's dancing over the final credits and the opening credits of spoof trailers. Apart from these rare moments of mild amusement, it was overall difficult to sit through. Nobody laughed out loud and I really struggled to find humour in any of the performances. Just a load of special FX and comedy catering for idiots.

Caroline Mon Oct 6 2008
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We weren't expecting Platoon, we were expecting a decent laugh-your-head-off comedy but it failed to deliver. It's not your fault your part of the 'not-funny-but-you-laugh-out-loud' crowd. And nobody has a pole up their jacksy.

N Mon Oct 6 2008
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Was falling asleep 30 mins from the end..how much are these crtics paid? it's got like 80% positive reviews on RT.com and it's awful.

Luke Sun Oct 5 2008
Rated as: 1/5
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Worst film i've seen all year. Many people walked out, and i should have followed.

Stuart Wed Oct 1 2008
Rated as: 1/5
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A decent film, thanks to Robert Downey Jnr who carries it. Some great stuff in this film I'd have to say, but also some very poor crude, and unfunny stuff. Having said that I noticed a lot of people in the cinema still laughed out loud at it. I guess it depends on what you like. I really can't stand Jack Black but luckily he didn't get too much air time in this film. I used to think you couldn't go wrong with a Ben Stiller comedy. This one has given me reason to doubt that confidence. It get's naff towards the end especially. Anyway, you won't be wasting your money, and you'll have a few good lines to repeat with friends afterwards. Worth a look, not as bad as some people have said but I do understand where they're coming from.

Otis Tue Sep 30 2008
Rated as: 3/5
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I went with an open mind as possible having had a quick read through the mixed reviews. Dear me though, not a good film and I normally think Ben Stiller films are great. I guess there were a few laughs, but honestly go and see something else. I just want to forget this one asap!

Suzy Tue Sep 30 2008
Rated as: 1/5
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To summarize this movie in one word - Weak.

David Tue Sep 30 2008
Rated as: 2/5
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Tropic Thunder (15)

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