Genres

Visitors Review

king_nick_the_1st 2012-05-18 22:57:36

Maverick from Top Gun

Tropic Thunder is an interesting experience to say the least, becausewe get to see all of these different "chops" of actors who have anacting skill set playing roles that are not usually shown, but are ondisplay in this movie. Ultimately we see an experiment that is somewhathit or miss at times, but more often than not it is a hit. Though themovie's story, jokes, and what not are fairly decent, what makes thismovie shine are the actors turning in these performances that are justso out what they would typically play.Robert Downey Jr. for beginners, who starred earlier this year as IronMan and is having an incredible comeback into the film business, nowputs his sites into playing an Australian character actor Kirk Lazarus,who goes so into character he turns himself into an African-American.The best way to gauge if you'll find this funny or not is to just watchthe trailer, if anything gave you the slightest smile, then hisperformance throughout the rest of the movie will no doubt sell you onhim as a great comedic actor. As far as those who are actually naiveenough to believe this is a racist gesture? Swallow your pride and pullyour head out if your back door; though also you people who feel thisway, shouldn't even be watching the movie in the first place.As for the other two great performances in this movie they come fromMattew McConaughey playing out of his typical chick-flick character asBen Stiller's agent, who has few laughs throughout the film. Perhapsthough the best surprise in the movie is Tom Cruise, who is covered inprosthetics to become the hairy business mogul that is financing themovie. This character is so vulgar, and disgusting it's enjoyable. Ifanyone else played this character it wouldn't have been the same, butthe fact that it is Tom Cruise, Maverick from Top Gun, playing him justmakes it so precious. Jay Baruchel (from Knocked-Up), Brandon Jackson,and Steve Coogan (Hamlet 2), not memorable, but still solid supportingperformances to round out the celebrity filled cast. Oh yeah, and NickNolte is in it, and is decent too (just thought I would throw that inthere). Then you get characters like Ben Stiller, Jack Black, and DannyMcBride, who play the typical characters that they play in every othermovie, which really doesn't make them all that memorable. On anothernote Danny McBride, who was not too long ago in Pineapple Express, Ipersonally deplore this guy, he's not funny and is stupid, much likeDane Cook... and like Dane Cook, will probably end up with anundeserved career.Perhaps though the weakest point of the movie all together, aside fromMcBride, is just the concept of the movie. It doesn't know what kind ofmovie it is. It's not silly and funny enough to be an excellent comedymovie; and while the action and special effects for the most part areexcellent, the action is just too silly (which I know it is trying todo), to be a good war/action movie. Which can fall flat at timesbecause it just feels like a half-hearted attempt at being a goodcomedy movie, and a good action movie, but not an exceptional ofeither. Though, it is obvious what kind of attention they were tryingto accomplish.Ben Stiller, definitely has some ability behind a camera and forwriting a script. Even though he did make Zoolander, and the underratedCable Guy, neither of those were as good as this movie. For the mostpart the movie looked polished, the script flowed well, and thecharacters were fantastic. I would love to see him turn more moviesout, and possibly try his hand at a dramatic movie.Pros: Downey Jr., McConaughey, Cruise, all deliver stand-outperformances, and are well written characters. Tons, of littlecelebrity cameos make it worth watching just to recognize throughoutthe movie. Has good polished Hollywood charm to it that you can't quiteput your finger on. Also kind cool to see what Ben Stiller is reallymade of behind a camera. Faux movie trailers at the beginning werefunny also.Cons: Stiller and Black turn out regular performances that aren't bad,but aren't anything new either. Danny McBride is a talentless bore.Isn't a really good comedy movie, isn't a really good action/war movieeither.Overall: Definitely worth the theatre, just so you can nudge yourfriend during the movie and point out a certain celebrity cameo, andalso the explosions and action should warrant some big screenattention. Better than Step-Brothers and Pineapple Express.

Jason Heck 2012-05-18 14:03:37

Tropic Thunder hits more than it misses, due in large part to its charismatic cast of well-known faces. Stiller's mugging doesn't get old, and Jack Black ... well, can anyone do hysterical heroin withdrawal better than Jack Black?

paudie 2012-05-10 22:32:26

Scatter Gun tactics mostly hit the target

A few reviews of this film had said the funniest part of it was the"mock" trailers at the beginning, used to introduce the maincharacters. I thought they weren't THAT funny and began to think Imightn't enjoy the film that much. Thankfully I was wrong. The firsthalf hour is pretty slow as the completely ridiculous plot is set upbut once the action gets into the jungle it rattles along. Jokes comeat you at a frequency not seen since the Naked Gun movies. Obviouslythey aren't all funny but I thought that most of them were.I have to mention the "re-enactment" by Stiller's character's of one ofhis film roles at the "request" of the Thai drug gang. I was doubledover with laughter.I really like Ben Stiller. You have to admire someone who makes himselflook utterly ridiculous in nearly every film he's in. Jack Black andRobert Downey Junior follow Stiller's example by not having a problemlooking silly. The supporting cast are also excellent. Tom Cruise goesso far against type as the movie executive you wonder is he in on thejoke!And even if you go to see a bald Cruise in a fat suit doing "that"dance during the closing credits you'll think it was money well spent.There are a few comments going around that the film could be seen asoffensive to African Americans of people with mental disabilities. Ihave a family member who is mentally disabled and the film was in noway offensive to me. I'd be surprised if African American found theDowney's character offensive as that joke is aimed the actingprofession.Definitely a must see!

buckypeeknatyou 2012-05-10 10:02:54

Few laughs, Overdone gags

1. Black face is not funny, but I do have to say, that Robert Downey Jrwas VERY convincing. The other black character also had his say and ATLEAST showed the other side of this societal issue, unlike.... 2. The"retarded" element. Horrible! I am sensitive to this issue, so atfirst I thought that I was the only one shocked and slightly offended.That is, until I listened to the silence in the audience. Not funny.The laughs were there, and they were hardy, but they were too littletoo late. The cameo rolls were over done, especially MR. Less Grossman.Overall, Jack Black was the shining star in this film... but again, hisbest lines don't happen until you have already given up on the film.One to catch when it comes out free on OnDemand. Sorry guys

2012-05-08 18:49:18

I'm a LEAD FARMER!

This movie was pretty good but not as good as I thought it would be. It had some funny lines and take offs on Viet Nam genre and a heck of a cast. Robert Downey Jr and Tom Cruise stole the show totally. Ben Stiller was ok but just ok like he is in most of his movies. The movie was pretty good but not the over the top laugh fest I thought it would be.

Tez20 2012-05-08 06:29:34

Best Comedy in A Long Time

I had been anticipating this movie for a long time before it wasreleased in the theater and it did not disappoint at all. This came tobe one of the funniest movies I have ever seen and it is highlyentertaining. The cast is, of course, ridiculous. Ben Stiller's moviesare always enjoyable to me. That includes both his acting anddirecting. The controversial "retard" scene was blown way out ofproportion and context. Don't people understand what the point of thatscene was? Robert Downey Jr. was completely hysterical. How he stayedin character cracked me up and even the more subtle things he did andfacial expressions were very humorous. Jack Black had a lot of funnystuff as well as a drugged out wacko. The scene where he is tied to atree was quite hilarious. All the other supporting cast did a greatjob. I didn't even realize Les Grossman was played by Tom Cruise untilhalfway through the movie. I finally bought the DVD and watching themovie again knowing that it was Tom Cruise made it even funnier, ifthat was possible. It was great to see him play a role like that and itmakes me wonder why he does not do more comedy because I was seriouslysurprised and impressed. Overall, I really think people that areoffended by this movie needs to examine what this movie is reallyabout. The actors in this movie are almost poking fun at themselves andHollywood in general. It's about the personalities, egos, and overblownproduction of big Hollywood movies. So I do not understand peopletaking offense to the movie, but if you truly just did not enjoy themovie, then that's your opinion. Though, I do not see how that would bepossible. Some other reviews mentioned this movie had both smart humorand "dumb" humor. This is absolutely true and was a big reason why themovie worked so well for me. It had both obvious and blatant jokes aswell as many subtleties. So if you want to see one of the funniestmovies that has come out in a very long time and can enjoy the moviefor it was supposed to be, you are in for many laughs and a real treat.I give this one a 10.

diana3688 2012-05-07 08:08:19

I refuse to support this film

I will not see this movie, ever. I refuse to support and give money topeople who choose to write such an offensive plot. "Simple Jack"??Really? Cmon. I've been both a Ben Stiller and Jack Black fan up tothis point, but from now on I really can't say that I am anymore. Ifoffensive words are ever used in a movie they draw attention and morepeople believe that it is acceptable to use these words. I just want tosay that it is not acceptable to use the "r" word, especially when itis used to make a cheap punchline. People, especially children, arehurt everyday by being called the "r" word. Obviously, Ben Stiller,Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr., and the rest of the cast didn't careabout who they hurt as long as they got a bunch of teenagers to laughand are able to make a quick buck.

j-burke-2 2012-05-07 00:38:37

Home Run

This movie will go down as a classic.The leading trio of Ben Stiller, Jack Black, and Robert Downey Jr. wereall on their A-games. Stiller proves to be an excellent director. Thedialogue was hilarious. The characters were masterfully carried out bythe actors.But, Tom Cruise steals the show. His character is so hilariously overthe top funny, everyone else pales by comparison. I was totally blownaway by his ability to be self-deprecating and immerse himself in sucha character that has absolutely no redeeming qualities. I couldn't stoplaughing every time he was on the screen. He even sent me out of thetheater laughing out loud. Great movie, but definitely earned its Rrating. I will see it again and buy the DVD.

Jason Zingale 2012-05-05 06:09:00

Though Tropic Thunder never gets so wild that it forgets about the story it's trying to tell, it's just wild enough to make the whole experience unforgettable.

Gary Wolcott 2012-05-04 21:37:52

In a nutshell: Tropic Thunder is snarfing, drool running down your chin, hurt-you-kind-of funny.

jimmylace 2012-05-02 08:18:08

If you're British, you just won't get this. AVOID.

Being from the UK I'm assuming I'm missing something here. This filmsounded like it had all the ingredients for a great Saturday night atthe cinema but in the end I was left annoyed and feeling cheated of anight.I came close to walking out (I still remain undefeated and never have)but a hell of a lot of other people did. To put it simply - the humourhere just doesn't translate overseas.This film was like watching Stiller and his rich friends in theirliving room making crap industry-insider jokes and patting each otheron the back. This was barely a film at all.I think it would be unfair for me to say the film is terrible (the faketrailers at the start are great) but the above rating really applies tomy experience watching this - I'd strongly recommend any Brits to givethis one a miss.Aside from Downey Jr and his advice to 'never go full retard,' I foundthe jokes unfunny and the editing incomprehensible. For some reason most of the cast seem to think that 'louder = funnier'and the more they overact the louder the laughs will be. Jack Black isreally intolerable here. Too many insider jokes, too many Americanreferences that go understood and the dialogue is very hard tounderstand at times.Cruises cameo does raise a smirk here and there but the ending creditsare cringeworthy - the man is clearly desperate to be loved. Again, ifyou're a Brit, avoid this as the stateside humour is lost intranslation - I did warn you.

2012-05-01 20:34:26

One of the best movies this year

This was a big year for movies. You had your Iron Man's and Dark Knight's but when you just want to sit back with your friends and laugh out loud, this is a great experience. This movie stars a great cast with people such as Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Tom Cruise and Robert Downey Jr. and they all do their job. I love how the movie gave some background on the characters in the beginning. The story is pretty much how they were trying to bring the book "Tropic Thunder" to the big screen and trying to do so, they get lost in the jungle and try to survive. The thing was a huge turn on for me, was that this movie was very controversial. The more it gets people pissed off, the happier I get. That's just my personal opinion. Anyways if you're familiar with any of Jack Black's movies then definitely check this on out.

Lisa Kennedy 2012-04-30 12:33:20

At its best, mouth-agape moments, Tropic Thunder offers some insanely incandescent riffs on performance.

2012-04-29 22:42:36

What was all the hooplah about. This movie is unbearable!!!

I attempted to watch this movie w/ 4 other adults. we could not even get past the first 30 minutes. I t was absolutely horrible. Whats up with all the rave reviews from critics. I am glad that I only paid a dollar to see it out of the redbox machine. It's not even worth a 1 cent rental fee. This is a new low for GAYLORD FOCKER-his real name is escaping me at the moment!

2012-04-27 07:51:21

Tropic Thunder DVD

This pre-ordered Christmas item was received from Amazon pretty promptly upon release and in great condition. It is also noted that they credited our account with an extra $2 because it released at a lower price than we were initially charged.

2012-04-26 20:56:16

Tropic Thunder

A group of self-absorbed actors set out to make the most expensive war film. But after ballooning costs force the studio to cancel the movie, the frustrated director refuses to stop shooting, leading his cast into the jungles of Southeast Asia, where they encounter real bad guys. This movie is a knockout of a comedy that keeps you laughing and laughing constantly. Very, Very entertaining.

rushevents 2012-04-21 06:03:03

This one caught me by surprise

I went to this movie expecting a standard Stiller"disconnect-your-brain-at-the-door" movie. What I got was a fun andunpredictable comedy full of great jokes, twists & turns & unexpectedgreat acting from the entire cast.Downey is amazing but Ben Stiller, Tom Cruise & Matt M. kick the movieinto a higher gear. Their writing is actually quite clever and TomCruise is an amazing(ly funny) dancer.There are a few "Do Not's" I would like to share: Do not miss thismovie. Do not take your kids! Do not be overly sensitive to profanity!Do not miss this movie! (It was worth mentioning a second time)

Gene Crokus 2012-04-20 16:56:50

Tropic Torpor

"Tropic Thunder" was, unfortunately, a small disappointment. The recenthype, critical reviews and even the original trailers had in my mindmade this a sure-fire hit.Well, it probably does warrant hit status, content notwithstanding.Truthfully in the laugh meter department there aren't more then threeor four outright funny moments. In truth, some grins and chuckles arefound here and there (I noticed the audience reaction was verysubdued), but not enough to elevate this to the next level - a six isthe highest grade it can be awarded. It is disappointing that thepremise and mix of action and satire didn't make for a better score.

native_girl333 2012-04-19 05:58:20

Treat of a Film Freak

Tropic Thunder is sharp, funny and very entertaining comedy which givesno mercy to the actors or the people involving to the film making.Opening sequence gives many laughs. It doesn't really mock the greatwar movies but ables the film makers to show how great parts can beused again with funny spices in the mix. The rest is the big party ofgreat performances. The plot has been thought very well. There is a oneaction star, one funny man and of course you have to have a methodactor. Robert Downey Jr hits the home run as the serious drama, methodactor from Australia (Hmmm... I wonder who have they had on theirmind?) who takes the acting on the whole new level. It isn't no wonderDowney Jr. was noticed by the Academy Awards and for a such a funnyperformance! Tom Cruise parties in the role of a producer with a meanmouth. Other cast is also in the order.In the movie there is so much great stuff that a great movie buff canreally enjoy. I am a great fan of the Academy Awards and it is alwaysfunny when someone questions the criteria what movies or performancesgets the nominations.Tropic Thunder is one of the most funniest movies in the of 2008! Irecommend to watch it!

Ram Anand 2012-04-18 17:54:20

Brilliant!

I hardly even bothered to consider this flick at the first placebecause I literally thought this will be yet another over-hyped comedy,knowing that almost all of the big-budget comedies (Zohan, Dollitle toname a few) of the past year have been in truth middling films. But'Tropic Thunder' may have just earned my earnest respect as being thebest comedy I have seen in a really long, long time.Whats good about Tropic Thunder is that the plot is not dumb orlaughable. Its the actors and events within the plot that makes youlaugh. The thought about having five real-life actors caught in areal-life war situation sounds serious, and Ben Stiller treats thisboth seriously and also with comedic panache. Not to mention the sightof Steve Coogan saying 'oh oh' and being blown to pieces after steppingon an old-mine freaked me out even more than horror movies in recenttimes, but how Ben Stiller tries to lick the blood mistaking it for aprop hilarious.The fake trailers was a masterstroke, especially Kirk Lazarus' 'Satan'Alley' fake trailer and the music which appears when Tobey Maguiretouches Robert Downey Jr. That said and done, it is Robert Downey Jr.and Tom Cruise who really steal the show in this film. I have become abig fan of Robert Downey in recent years (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang being themain reason), now he will go down as one of my utmost favorites withhis performance here. His performance as Osiris and absolutely weirdcomments such as 'I don't read the script, the script reads me' givesyou a 'wtf' reaction to boot with. Don't to forget his Chineseinteraction with the terrorists where he mixes a 'paddy field' and a'poppy field'. Cruise, surprisingly, has earned my utmost credit as anactor through this film. I never doubted Cruise's ability to act, butthe downside is that Cruise has not taken up enough films to show offhis flexibility as an actor. Weirdly enough, a superstar like himtaking up a role like Les Grossman's in a film like 'Tropic Thunder' isgood news for Cruise critics. Cruise was absolutely convincing in hisrole, and his satirical dancing and incessant bad words spurting out ofhis mouth in novelty (Cruise has probably cursed more in this film morethan his entire career put together). That toned-down 'Go F***yourself' is notorious.Jack Black and Ben Stiller follow up with good performances, but notactually excellent. Stiller instills brilliant laughter at times (thepanda scene), but is pedestrian in most. Jack Black meanwhile is anactor whom I personally thought would be better off doing serious roles(he was convincing in King Kong) rather than comedic roles, where hecomes across a tad too self-conscious, forced humor. But in this film,Jack's style of humor comes across as a perfect suit, him being theabsolute nuisance who distracts the whole unit. The 'I'll suck yourdick' comment after learning of Alpa Chino's sexual identity isbrilliant timing. Jay Baruchel is good and fits his role to the T butMathhew McConaughey seems a little out of place with his role.Ben Stiller's brilliant direction and some great artwork and actiondirection makes Tropic Thunder the most epic comedy I have seen in mylife.