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Tropic Thunder (2008) - Footage Included
Make Believe War with Blood, Sweat and Celluliod
Tropic Thunder Poster
Writer/Director: Ben Stiller
Starring: Robert Downey Jnr, Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Nick Nolte, Steve Coogan, Brandon T Walsh, Jay Baruchel, Matthew McConaughey, Tom Cruise, Eric Winzenried
“That's it! I'm going into catering after this!” - Cody
The war comedy Tropic Thunder was derived by creator Ben Stiller to parody the lengths that filmmakers will go to manufacture the illusion of “authentic” combat. A powerful napalm viral marketing campaign served to bring the film, within a film device into the real world before it even had its red carpet premiere.
The film opens with a clever extension of the Grindhouse mocktrailer idea, this time using them to establish the basic character backgrounds of the lead actors. There’s Australian multiple Oscar Winner Kirk Lazarus (Robert Downey Jnr). Tugg Speedman (Ben Stiller) the fledgling action hero stuck in sequel hell plus dick and fart joke comedian Jeff Portnoy.(Jack Black)
“I know what dude I am. I'm the dude playin' the dude, disguised as another dude!” – Kirk Lazarus
The main plot begins in the middle of a massive action set piece for what could be the greatest war story ever shot. Based on a true to life best selling novel, the production comes with a mammoth budget for pyrotechnics the cameras are rolling but the performances are lacking. Over budget, behind schedule, after an onset disaster where 40 million dollars worth of explosives scorch the earth with not a lens focused, the Director decides to take his feuding thespians into a hostile land in an effort to get the mood right.
“I think I can spot a prop head when I see one!” – Tugg Speedman
The Crew
John Doe says:
An exercise in un-PC absurdity, Ben Stiller’s token low brow humour is thankfully circumvented by a sly working knowledge of his subject and the results are some hilarious in jokes. Referencing numerous of the most famous war films ever made (Apocalypse Now, Platoon, Bridge on the River Kwai etc) Tropic Thunder is more smiles than laugh out loud funny, more entertaining than comedic for most of its running time.
Excelling when tackling the crazy Hollywood excesses of its players, JD laughed hardest when the film goes over the top with its recreations. Grand cinematography, a booming sound design and massive set pieces make it easy to see where the nearly 100 million dollar budget went.
The script is clever and witty, the lines quick and humorous but it’s the cast that lift the film out of what could possibly just been yet another mindless Ben Stiller vehicle.
In front of the camera Stiller brings nothing new, again playing his usual schtick but as a Director he maintains an even tone and manages to milk the majority of the gags, even the ones you see coming a mile off.
Robert Downey Jnr is unrecognizable as the dedicated method man willing to dye his skin black for the role. Armed with the best lines the voice is perfect, the mannerism honed and at times Downey Jnr even finds substance in the part. Toying with eerie psychological issues that must have plagued the chameleon like actor over the course of his career.
Playing a drug addled and insecure Eddie Murphy/Chris Farley style comic who is forced to detox in the jungle, Jack Black may have become a one trick pony, but here it works. He happily over plays the part and gets some giggles.
Brit Steve Coogan makes his part of a Director under pressure a memorable one. The much publicised cameos of the film also deliver some surprising rewards. Tom Cruise as a cold blooded and balding studio exec dons a fat suit and cuts loose with a tirade of expletives for his most watchable performance since The Outsiders. It’s easy to believe that the ranting, homophobic, sexist scum he portrays is closer to his real persona than any number of dull heroes.
John Doe has never been a fan of Stiller’s work, with the exception of Royal Tennanbaums he has never managed to make him laugh. (Yep - JD was one of those people who found Zoolander boring and forgettable.) JD only says this for perspective, because he did enjoy Tropic Thunder. Not as good as the hype would have us believe, the film does amuse with its carefully manipulated premise.
The Trailer for Tropic Thunder
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Film & TV on DVD
Yeah, had free tickets so thought I'd cash em in.
I smiled alot more than laughed, but as i said in the review it is entertaining but not hilarious.
For me it was Downey Jnr that lifted it up and offered something beyond the usual Stillerisms. I found some of the Hollywood satire quite clever, again Downey Jnr's lines were the ones that got me laughing out loud.
I wa simpressed that Stiller stayed focused on it being a war film parody and not a political satire, saying nothing about combat but everything about those that play soldier.
Horrorphile
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One I wouldn't miss for the world, but why do I feel that this film will grossly underachieve at the box office for all it's brilliance - only to become a cult movie over the coming years - where here, it will make it's mark financially and thorughout the minds of millions?
These three 'wits' cannot fail in my eyes and your words have left me in no doubt.
*chuckle* I have long thougth Ben Stiller to be a real comedic genius in disguise during his "lesser" moments on film as he "grows" ... although for me, revisiting his work is a daily thing in my mind, where he continues to poke and prod my funny bone through cinematic memories of him during his many scenes and films.
Looking forward to it.
Lilla ...
Film & TV on DVD
Sounds like you have a higher tolerance for Stiller than I do. Knowing that I'm sure you will love the movie. I think your right it is destined for cult classic status.
Good to see you.
Film & TV on DVD
i just commented on your Tropic Thunder post.
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