The first thing that catches your attention about Tropic Thunder is Ben Stilleras the director. At lease that is what made me groan the first time I heard about the movie! Having endured his last directorial attempt: Zoolander, I feared the worst for Tropic Thunder. Still what I saw in the trailers and read in the previews somehow comforted me that maybe, just maybe, this time it would be a different experience.
It was thus with fingers crossed that I went to see Tropic Thunder and I am happy to report that it did manage to tickle my funny bone here and there.
I didn’t walk out with the confidence that TT (Tropic Thunder) will be the funniest movie of the season. Nothing against Ben Stiller but it is way too early in the year for such declarations. Let’s not confuse my verdict on The Dark Knight. We all know TDK was a league apart. TT, however, just might have the potential to be a comical giant for 2008.
The cast stands strong behind Ben Stiller. Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal as Kirk Lazarus was good. It is an understatement to say he’s a genius no matter what role he takes up. But did he really have to be a white man playing an African American? Don’t get me wrong. He plays the character to perfection but there is a lot left wanting from someone as classy as him. Not his fault though. Maybe it’s the Tony Stark charm that I am still smitten with but in all honesty, this idea looks great in the beginning of the movie and then sort of drags through to the end. Jack Black’s expertise at fitting in to any comical role comfortably shines through here too. He is up to his usual antics and after a certain point also becomes too predictable. You can only laugh at fart jokes for a certain time you see.
Now to the movie itself. It starts off with sheer brilliance. And by brilliance, I meant to imply funny and a very unpredictable start. The sort that makes you sit up and say, “Hey this promises to be good after all!” It fuses elements from every war movie ever made. The plot is funny, the characters are funny, the jokes are funny and, well you see where I am going with this. It’s a funny movie and it does bring out many laughs from the start to the end. Then why did I feel a tad bit tiresome with the funny all around me? Tropic Thunder is one of those movies where you know its funny and the feeling becomes all too predictable. You know it will make you laugh and somewhere down the road, the element of surprise gives away. The ending is the real cherry on the top for Tropic Thunder. Might seem a bit over the top but an awesome closure nonetheless!
Tom Cruise as a fat, balding, screaming and ranting studio executive and Matthew McConaughey as Ben Stiller’s agent were wonderful to watch. Theirs can undoubtedly be the cameo roles of the year!
If you are an action movie fan, you will feel a lot more satisfied. There are enough explosions, bangs, and violence to keep you entertained. Bear in mind that his movie is Rated R so it is not advisable for your kids to view this one with you.
All in all, Tropic Thunder is a wacky comedy. If you loved M.A.S.H, you will enjoy this one to the core.
Movielicious Rating: [ 6/10 ]
See image gallery for Tropic Thunder here
August 13, 2008 at 1:07 pm |
My sentiments exactly dear friend. The movie was a lot of fun but had a lot of over the top gag factor. They could have slashed the budget in half, cut down a bit on the second unit shots and still end up with a great movie.
August 13, 2008 at 1:09 pm |
Haven’t seen it as yet but looking fwd to. Thanks for the timely review.
August 13, 2008 at 1:20 pm |
Sounds good. Will see it soon.
August 13, 2008 at 1:29 pm |
[...] This cup of tea was served by: | Movielicious | [...]
August 13, 2008 at 1:41 pm |
I’ll watch it only for Tom Cruise if nothing else. I’ve heard he has outdone himself in the movie.
August 13, 2008 at 1:57 pm |
Cyber Hermit, you can say that again. That is one pointer I guess I should have mentioned in the review. Thanks.
Selina, you won’t leave the theater disappointed with what Cruise has to offer
August 13, 2008 at 2:03 pm |
How could you NOT like Zoolander and praise Tropic Thunder at the same time! They basically follow the same theme.
August 13, 2008 at 2:06 pm |
Funny movie. It’s been a while since I laughed so much that my stomach hurt. Must watch fellas
August 13, 2008 at 2:08 pm |
If you wait through the credits, you get one last joke in the fine print: The actors shot the whole movie in Hawaii, on the fabulously lush island of Kauai. So while they were shooting a story about indulged prima donnas, they were working themselves in one of the most tourist-friendly spots on Earth. You’ve gotta smile at that.
August 13, 2008 at 3:55 pm |
Simply loved how they made fun of the industry itself. Stiller shows visible signs of maturity behind the lens with this one.
August 13, 2008 at 6:52 pm |
Chances are this might do really well at the box office. So far I only see Pineapple Express as a competition.
August 27, 2008 at 3:37 am |
Robert Downey Jr. cracks me up… he’s got a knack for not taking himself too seriously