Tropic Thunder

[culturedog]

Yet another very funny summer comedy that's also remarkably different from the style of Pineapple Express or Step Brothers. At first I feared that the fake trailers that open the film would be the funniest part of it all, but it really gets going after a while and keeps the insanity level high.

As expected, Robert Downey Jr. is fantastic (and is indeed a dude playing a dude disguised as another dude), but the biggest surprise is that Tom Cruise comes very close to stealing the show with his over the top, hip-hop dancing movie mogul (stick around during the end credits for some hilariously goofy moments). It was also nice seeing Danny McBride again so soon after his hilarious turn in Pineapple Express.

And yes, between Tugg Speedman's footage from "Simple Jack" and a lengthy conversation about "going full ******", there's some controversial stuff present. And a ton of filthy, filthy language, mostly coming out of the mouth of Cruise. If you're easily offended, go see Brideshead Revisited instead.

Ben Stiller doesn't get much credit for being a good director, but his films are way more visually inspired than most comedies. There's some excellent framing here, and the colors and contrast make this a great looking 'war' movie. Definitely worth the money to check out on the big screen.

"I'm a lead farmer, muthaf***er!!"

[OSTATEKING7]

should this movie be getting flamed over people being about the r***** parts.

Is it as bad as people are saying?

[Mex]

I can't wait to see this. Robert Downey Jr. is awesome.

[HiAperture]

I thought it was a great movie. First movie I was able to laugh most of the way through in a long time.

[culturedog]

should this movie be getting flamed over people being about the r***** parts.

Is it as bad as people are saying?

I don't think it's anything worse than in any other raunch comedy. The "r" word is dropped alot in one conversation between Stiller and Downey Jr., but in the film the characters using the word are ignorant actors being lampooned.

There's also the faux trailer for the "r" film Simple Jack, but again it's poking more fun at Hollywood than disabled people. It skewers people like Sean Penn who think they'll get an instant Oscar if they play someone with a learning disability.

I think it's funny that all the time leading up to the film's release everyone was expecting Robert Downey Jr.'s character to generate the most furor, but then this twist happened!

In any event, all of this protest probably means that the box office draw will be even bigger, and it should easily topple Dark Knight for the weekend. Everyone needs to rewatch the "Timmy and the Lords of the Underworld" episode of South Park and relax!