756 reviews
This is hands down Ben Stiller's best movie. It has great action, great dialogue, great acting, great music and great humor. This movie is filled with quotable lines and works very well. The performances I have to single out for praise are Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr, Jay Baruchel, Matthew McConaughey, and Tom Cruise. I feel like this movie approaches it's themes in a way similar to Blazing Saddles but Blazing Saddles has a lot more slapstick. The Tugg Speedman character is not as memorable as Derek Zoolander but this movie is far better than Zoolander is. This is my favorite Ben Stiller movie alongside Meet The Fockers, Zoolander, Starsky and Hutch, and Night At The Museum 1 and 3 but I still haven't seen There's Something About Mary. I honestly prefer Robert Downey Jr as Kirk Lazuras over him as Iron Man but they are both fantastic performances. Tom Cruise is awesome as Less Grossman. He owns his character that is very different from everything else he has done. I hope Ben Stiller is proud of this movie because to me this is his best one.
When asked, what's your favorite movie? I use to take pause and have a hard time answering, but not anymore...Tropic Thunder!!!
The last enjoyably offensive and unapologetic comedy from planet earth.
To all involved making this film, thank you for making the world a better place.
The last enjoyably offensive and unapologetic comedy from planet earth.
To all involved making this film, thank you for making the world a better place.
- clintmoran
- Mar 29, 2021
- Permalink
"Tropic Thunder" (2008), directed by Ben Stiller, is a satirical comedy that brilliantly skewers the film industry, celebrity culture, and the absurdities of war movies. The film boasts an ensemble cast, including Stiller, Robert Downey Jr., and Jack Black, who deliver hilarious performances, elevating the movie to cult classic status.
One of the standout features of "Tropic Thunder" is its meta-narrative. The film follows a group of self-absorbed actors who find themselves in a real-life jungle war zone while filming a war movie. Stiller's portrayal of the narcissistic action star Tugg Speedman, Downey Jr.'s method actor Kirk Lazarus, and Black's over-the-top comedian Jeff Portnoy create a trio of memorable characters, each a caricature of Hollywood archetypes.
Downey Jr.'s performance is particularly noteworthy, as he plays a white actor who undergoes surgery to darken his skin for a role, adding a layer of satire that addresses issues of race and cultural appropriation in Hollywood. The film cleverly navigates these sensitive topics through its comedic lens, sparking both laughter and reflection.
The screenplay, written by Stiller, Justin Theroux, and Etan Cohen, is filled with witty dialogue and clever humor. The film's self-awareness and willingness to lampoon Hollywood conventions contribute to its comedic success. The over-the-top action sequences and absurd situations parody the clichés often found in war films, creating a comedic commentary on the genre.
"Tropic Thunder" also benefits from its supporting cast, including Tom Cruise in an unrecognizable and hilarious role as the eccentric studio executive Les Grossman. Cruise's performance is a scene-stealer, adding an extra layer of comedic brilliance to the film.
The cinematography captures the chaos of the jungle setting, and the use of practical effects in the action sequences adds to the film's authenticity while maintaining its comedic tone. The soundtrack, featuring classic rock hits, complements the humor and enhances the overall viewing experience.
In conclusion, "Tropic Thunder" is a sharp and irreverent satire that lampoons Hollywood excesses and war movie conventions. With a stellar ensemble cast, clever writing, and a willingness to tackle controversial subjects, the film remains a standout comedy that continues to entertain audiences with its humor and social commentary.
One of the standout features of "Tropic Thunder" is its meta-narrative. The film follows a group of self-absorbed actors who find themselves in a real-life jungle war zone while filming a war movie. Stiller's portrayal of the narcissistic action star Tugg Speedman, Downey Jr.'s method actor Kirk Lazarus, and Black's over-the-top comedian Jeff Portnoy create a trio of memorable characters, each a caricature of Hollywood archetypes.
Downey Jr.'s performance is particularly noteworthy, as he plays a white actor who undergoes surgery to darken his skin for a role, adding a layer of satire that addresses issues of race and cultural appropriation in Hollywood. The film cleverly navigates these sensitive topics through its comedic lens, sparking both laughter and reflection.
The screenplay, written by Stiller, Justin Theroux, and Etan Cohen, is filled with witty dialogue and clever humor. The film's self-awareness and willingness to lampoon Hollywood conventions contribute to its comedic success. The over-the-top action sequences and absurd situations parody the clichés often found in war films, creating a comedic commentary on the genre.
"Tropic Thunder" also benefits from its supporting cast, including Tom Cruise in an unrecognizable and hilarious role as the eccentric studio executive Les Grossman. Cruise's performance is a scene-stealer, adding an extra layer of comedic brilliance to the film.
The cinematography captures the chaos of the jungle setting, and the use of practical effects in the action sequences adds to the film's authenticity while maintaining its comedic tone. The soundtrack, featuring classic rock hits, complements the humor and enhances the overall viewing experience.
In conclusion, "Tropic Thunder" is a sharp and irreverent satire that lampoons Hollywood excesses and war movie conventions. With a stellar ensemble cast, clever writing, and a willingness to tackle controversial subjects, the film remains a standout comedy that continues to entertain audiences with its humor and social commentary.
- lucasstupar
- Nov 19, 2023
- Permalink
I saw this movie in theaters and fell in love with it. I've seen it many times throughout the years and have noticed most people either don't know or don't care for this film. After rewatching it yesterday, I just had to write about it.
The casting was incredible in my opinion. People think of Ocean's Eleven or The Departed as movies with dream casts. I think Tropic Thunder holds its own. Tom Cruise and Matthew McConaughey are solid minor/supporting characters. I'm not a fan of Tom Cruise, but I find myself quoting all of his Les Grossman lines consistently. Nick Nolte, Steve Coogan, Bill Hader and Danny McBride are great additions. Jay Baruchel is his usual self, Brandon T Jackson was a solid part of the mix and the three main leads really deliver. Special mention to RDJ, by far my favorite performance. It's ridiculous how many layers there are to his character. At some point he's an Australian actor playing a Black guy playing an Asian farmer.
Almost every single scene has a quotable line. The action is very well done and the story's so wonderfully over the top.
I think the biggest win is how well it has aged in my opinion. Movies like The Hangover were really funny when they came out, but I find there's no replay value. The jokes don't work well the second time around. The same goes for something like Deadpool. On the other hand, films like Borat, Anchorman and Tropic Thunder still make me laugh regardless of how many times I've seen it.
I wish Ben Stiller would go back to doing stuff like this. A Les Grossman sequel would've been absolutely incredible!
The casting was incredible in my opinion. People think of Ocean's Eleven or The Departed as movies with dream casts. I think Tropic Thunder holds its own. Tom Cruise and Matthew McConaughey are solid minor/supporting characters. I'm not a fan of Tom Cruise, but I find myself quoting all of his Les Grossman lines consistently. Nick Nolte, Steve Coogan, Bill Hader and Danny McBride are great additions. Jay Baruchel is his usual self, Brandon T Jackson was a solid part of the mix and the three main leads really deliver. Special mention to RDJ, by far my favorite performance. It's ridiculous how many layers there are to his character. At some point he's an Australian actor playing a Black guy playing an Asian farmer.
Almost every single scene has a quotable line. The action is very well done and the story's so wonderfully over the top.
I think the biggest win is how well it has aged in my opinion. Movies like The Hangover were really funny when they came out, but I find there's no replay value. The jokes don't work well the second time around. The same goes for something like Deadpool. On the other hand, films like Borat, Anchorman and Tropic Thunder still make me laugh regardless of how many times I've seen it.
I wish Ben Stiller would go back to doing stuff like this. A Les Grossman sequel would've been absolutely incredible!
- FlashCallahan
- Jun 5, 2024
- Permalink
How far we've come in 15 years. This movie barks at and pokes at and makes fun of every genre, class, society, movie, race, etc. It's fantastic and gets better every watch. Probably because these jokes wouldn't fly today.
A comedy cloaked in a war movie cloaked in a war movie being made. Pure gold.
Cast is amazing. You'll catch more jokes the more you watch it.
Offensive? Sure. Don't come into this trying to be offended. If you're tough skinned, you'll still be offended. Comedy at its best should do this. It should poke holes. And make fun. Comedy should shine light on the dark areas. The best always have and continue to be.
I hope you enjoy, I always do.
A comedy cloaked in a war movie cloaked in a war movie being made. Pure gold.
Cast is amazing. You'll catch more jokes the more you watch it.
Offensive? Sure. Don't come into this trying to be offended. If you're tough skinned, you'll still be offended. Comedy at its best should do this. It should poke holes. And make fun. Comedy should shine light on the dark areas. The best always have and continue to be.
I hope you enjoy, I always do.
'Tropic Thunder' is the sharpest, nastiest, and most honest parody of Hollywood since Altman's 'The Player'.
If Doweny Jr. in black face, the script's use of "retard", or the politically incorrect humor offends you, you're missing the point.
Only Russel Crowe, Robin Williams, and Harvey Weinstein should take offense. The parodies of their personalities, their films, and their business tactics are downright cruel. (But, so, so true, and so brilliant.) I must credit every actor -- particularly Downey Jr. and Cruise -- for their performances, and for making their characters more than stereotypes for cheap laughs.
The more you know about Hollywood, the more you will appreciate the film. If not, just go and laugh at the genre. It takes balls to leave in a scene discussing how Blue-Ray conquered HD-DVD (and expect anyone to fine it funny). But it is funny.
To utterly relish the insanity, brush up on 'Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse'.
They got it so right. So, so, so right.
If Doweny Jr. in black face, the script's use of "retard", or the politically incorrect humor offends you, you're missing the point.
Only Russel Crowe, Robin Williams, and Harvey Weinstein should take offense. The parodies of their personalities, their films, and their business tactics are downright cruel. (But, so, so true, and so brilliant.) I must credit every actor -- particularly Downey Jr. and Cruise -- for their performances, and for making their characters more than stereotypes for cheap laughs.
The more you know about Hollywood, the more you will appreciate the film. If not, just go and laugh at the genre. It takes balls to leave in a scene discussing how Blue-Ray conquered HD-DVD (and expect anyone to fine it funny). But it is funny.
To utterly relish the insanity, brush up on 'Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse'.
They got it so right. So, so, so right.
- if-i-could-stay
- Aug 13, 2008
- Permalink
Originally saw "Tropic Thunder" in theaters, that was fun! Gargantuanly hilarious and witty; quite memorable too. Tom Cruise was gold, so was Danny McBride, Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr, Matthew McConaughey, Nick Nolte, and Jay Baruchel. Almost never get tired of watching this epic movie probably seen it 30 times since release! Hope this gets remembered for many years, sorry I didn't review it sooner.
- UniqueParticle
- Jun 17, 2019
- Permalink
Tropic Thunder is a 2008 parody film and is amongst the funniest films of the 2000s without a doubt.
The humour doesn't shy away from what is deemed to be politically incorrect nowadays, but looking past all that it's a very funny film.
The self awareness provided throughout is entertaining and the dialogues pack a punch. The all-star cast all embody their characters really well and do a great job at satirising the hollywood film industry.
The story, like a lot of other comedies is not the film's strong point, and some of the film's scenes aren't overly funny but many are.
So many great lines in here too. Worth a viewing.
The humour doesn't shy away from what is deemed to be politically incorrect nowadays, but looking past all that it's a very funny film.
The self awareness provided throughout is entertaining and the dialogues pack a punch. The all-star cast all embody their characters really well and do a great job at satirising the hollywood film industry.
The story, like a lot of other comedies is not the film's strong point, and some of the film's scenes aren't overly funny but many are.
So many great lines in here too. Worth a viewing.
- comedyfan71
- Jan 11, 2024
- Permalink
This is one of those movies that you will be quoting for the rest of your life with your friends! Tropic Thunder is a great satire that I was honestly expecting to be terrible.
The story was actually perfect to make fun of action movies and Hollywood. The situational comedy was genius as these actors were forced to actually survive a war like setting. The action scenes themselves resembled really action movies and were nicely done. They added the action in with the hilarity, and all of it worked perfectly.
There were two characters that really stand out. Robert Downey Jr and Tom Cruise were both comedic gold! You won't recognize either of them, but they fit the roles fantastically. Some people find Downey's character to be inappropriate, but please take it for what it is supposed to be. Downey Jr was making fun of method acting and taking that concept to a completely new level with this role. I didn't realize Tom Cruise was in this until the credits. He is in a role that I never thought I would see him in. He is outrageous and over the top. His scenes are some of the most memorable from the movie.
I don't want to give too much away since I don't want to spoil any of the comedic gold. Just know that you will be kept laughing the entire time, and the movie will just keep getting better. This is a great watch and definitely worth your time; 8/10.
The story was actually perfect to make fun of action movies and Hollywood. The situational comedy was genius as these actors were forced to actually survive a war like setting. The action scenes themselves resembled really action movies and were nicely done. They added the action in with the hilarity, and all of it worked perfectly.
There were two characters that really stand out. Robert Downey Jr and Tom Cruise were both comedic gold! You won't recognize either of them, but they fit the roles fantastically. Some people find Downey's character to be inappropriate, but please take it for what it is supposed to be. Downey Jr was making fun of method acting and taking that concept to a completely new level with this role. I didn't realize Tom Cruise was in this until the credits. He is in a role that I never thought I would see him in. He is outrageous and over the top. His scenes are some of the most memorable from the movie.
I don't want to give too much away since I don't want to spoil any of the comedic gold. Just know that you will be kept laughing the entire time, and the movie will just keep getting better. This is a great watch and definitely worth your time; 8/10.
- samfischer88
- Feb 23, 2016
- Permalink
Since god knows how many years it has been rotting in one of the corners of my watchlist; today was the day (finally) for me to put it out of that cursed, miserable place (yes watchlists can be a vicious place, trust me) and now I am thinking to myself why I didn't do it any earlier?
Now coming back to the film...
It is hilarious, it's one of those rare comedies that make you laugh out loud, make you crack up like a youngster. The Action on the other hand provides more than was expected of it. Some of the action pieces were stupendously done, could not have possibly asked for more.
Yeah, the middle segment did hold back the movie quite a bit, the charm was misplaced for a limited amount of time but it gets back on its feet not long after!
Moving on to the Performances...
To be honest, everybody was incredible, they all played their parts with utmost sincerity and dedication. Two of them, however, were the uncontested standouts, and I know you have already guessed the names, yes one of them is a barely recognizable Tom Cruise as one of if not the most ridiculous characters he had ever portrayed and the other one is RDJ as Kirk Lazarus.
He was the one who made my stomach hurt on so many occasions. His accent, his get-up, the way he conducted himself, and delivered his lines, every minute thing about this man was outright ludicrous and I fu@king loved it.
Now coming back to the film...
It is hilarious, it's one of those rare comedies that make you laugh out loud, make you crack up like a youngster. The Action on the other hand provides more than was expected of it. Some of the action pieces were stupendously done, could not have possibly asked for more.
Yeah, the middle segment did hold back the movie quite a bit, the charm was misplaced for a limited amount of time but it gets back on its feet not long after!
Moving on to the Performances...
To be honest, everybody was incredible, they all played their parts with utmost sincerity and dedication. Two of them, however, were the uncontested standouts, and I know you have already guessed the names, yes one of them is a barely recognizable Tom Cruise as one of if not the most ridiculous characters he had ever portrayed and the other one is RDJ as Kirk Lazarus.
He was the one who made my stomach hurt on so many occasions. His accent, his get-up, the way he conducted himself, and delivered his lines, every minute thing about this man was outright ludicrous and I fu@king loved it.
- SoumikBanerjee1996
- Oct 31, 2022
- Permalink
- bob the moo
- Oct 14, 2008
- Permalink
Saw this at the Washington, DC screening on the 10th.
And Got Some I did. A comedy that is not Apatow's is refreshing nowadays. A relentless hard R comedy that fuses elements of practically every famous war film ever made. Beginning with trailers a la Grindhouse for every major character was already a sign of a hilarious film. While most of the humor was "funny-but-i'm-not-laughing" the same amount of laugh out loud humor and gags was provided as well, courtesy of mostly Stiller and Downey Jr. Who I wholeheartedly feel - stole the show. I can't say I've ever seen any character like his in a film of this genre, which already I feel will enter the classics. What's refreshing about Thunder is that it's actually original in certain aspects of the storyline; such as when they decide to shoot the film guerilla style in the jungle only to have the director of the film....- I'll leave this at that. A spoof of war films that isn't tireless or idiotic like the recent Epic/Date films... which do not even deserve to be called "spoofs". And be prepared for Cruise, who plays the most radical role of his entire career.
And Got Some I did. A comedy that is not Apatow's is refreshing nowadays. A relentless hard R comedy that fuses elements of practically every famous war film ever made. Beginning with trailers a la Grindhouse for every major character was already a sign of a hilarious film. While most of the humor was "funny-but-i'm-not-laughing" the same amount of laugh out loud humor and gags was provided as well, courtesy of mostly Stiller and Downey Jr. Who I wholeheartedly feel - stole the show. I can't say I've ever seen any character like his in a film of this genre, which already I feel will enter the classics. What's refreshing about Thunder is that it's actually original in certain aspects of the storyline; such as when they decide to shoot the film guerilla style in the jungle only to have the director of the film....- I'll leave this at that. A spoof of war films that isn't tireless or idiotic like the recent Epic/Date films... which do not even deserve to be called "spoofs". And be prepared for Cruise, who plays the most radical role of his entire career.
- TermlnatriX
- Jul 11, 2008
- Permalink
Great movie in all aspects but this performance by Robert Downey jr is proof that the Oscar's are all political and the voters have NO clue what an ACTUAL great performance is!!! NONE , his performance was incredible, he stays in character and it's his character nobody to copy. Everyone is exceptional in this movie, great cast not original story but fun to watch I've seen this movie 5 times and it hasn't lost any luster!! Buying the bluray was a no brainer!!!
An over-the-top, in-your-face satire of Hollywood and it's obsession with war movies. Stellar performances from all the actors and the story was a lot of fun. The funny thing was, I was watching this on a ClearPlay DVD player so a lot of this film was muted. :)
- cricketbat
- Jan 3, 2020
- Permalink
Best comedy movie ever.
Funniest line i heard.. i am a dude playing a dude disguised as another dude.
RDJ was hilarious. So as Tom cruise and Ben stiller. Loved every bit of this movie and watched it many times since it released.
Funniest line i heard.. i am a dude playing a dude disguised as another dude.
RDJ was hilarious. So as Tom cruise and Ben stiller. Loved every bit of this movie and watched it many times since it released.
- paraenterprises
- Aug 24, 2022
- Permalink
If you're after a film that does nothing but make fun of big budget Hollywood films and actors then this is for you. Great camera work and great dialogue will leave you laughing your guts up.
Mentions for Tom Cruise (whom I don't usually have much time for) and Jack Black, add nothing but hilarity to this cracker of a movie!!
Mentions for Tom Cruise (whom I don't usually have much time for) and Jack Black, add nothing but hilarity to this cracker of a movie!!
- fletcherhutchison
- Dec 15, 2019
- Permalink
Tropic Thunder is one of the defining films of late 2000s comedy, and it shows. Many of the jokes present in the movie are ones that anyone raised after that time period would find offensive like the use of the "r-word" and the many stereotypes of Southeast Asian stereotypes, but that shouldn't hinder anyone from checking out this film. Even anyone born after 2008 will find this offending, they are definetly going to have a laugh. From the fake movie trailers as the cold open to the performance of Tom Cruise, there are many gags that won't age in the hearts of moviegoers. Suffice to say, even if the movie can be called outdated, anyone can find something to enjoy with this one, with the movie being further elevated by the performances of Ben Stiler, Jack Black, and Iron Man himself Robert Downey.
- savarinman
- Feb 7, 2021
- Permalink
"Tropic Thunder" is a very stupid movie but has some great funny moments. In particular Robert Downey Jr., Jack Black and Tom Cruise steal the show giving excellent performances for what their role needed to be. The rest of the cast is solid and the direction by Ben Stiller is good. "Tropic Thunder" has its problems but is a fine movie if you want to see a short film (about 100 minutes) and have some laughs. It's not a masterpiece but it does his job.
I couldn't believe the lack of wit or of genuine new ideas. It targets the lowest possible denominator and it succeeds. The moronic objective, presumably, is to make you laugh with a shallow parody of Hollywood and war movies, celebrity and all the rest. The whole thing may have worked for me if it hadn't been so jarringly self conscious. I like Ben Stiller as an actor and as a director and even here he has a couple of moments but I was depressed by the outcome. It may just be me, I grant you that, people laughed like crazy all around me. Every fart provoked loud guffaws. Robert Downey Jr in black face and Tom Cruise bald and with a pot belly. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- katiemeyer1979
- Sep 4, 2008
- Permalink
This could never be made today in the woke dystopia in which we live.
This movie is Actually pretty funny.
I love that Robert Downey Jr. Got nominated for an Academy Award by being in black face and 12 years later he would be canceled for it.
This parody of Vietnam movies is very clever and doesn't give a flying F if you are triggered.
Dear God, please let us go back to a time like this - where our society is not controlled by a bunch of woke psychopaths.
This movie is Actually pretty funny.
I love that Robert Downey Jr. Got nominated for an Academy Award by being in black face and 12 years later he would be canceled for it.
This parody of Vietnam movies is very clever and doesn't give a flying F if you are triggered.
Dear God, please let us go back to a time like this - where our society is not controlled by a bunch of woke psychopaths.
Awesome movie, great comedy that could never be made in this time. This is one of those movies that you will be forever grateful got made. Absolutely over the top entertainment comedic genius.
- jtags-84059
- Mar 31, 2020
- Permalink