Tropic Thunder

Tropic Thunder (2008)

Directed by Ben Stiller

Starring Robert Downey Jr, Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Steve Coogan

My favorite comedy in years. A movie about the making of a war movie that goes haywire, a bungle in the jungle. I've seen it over a dozen times and still can't get enough. John Toll's photography and Jeff Mann's production design alongside amazing performances and sharp funny dialogue makes this film stand out. I'm telling you this movie is so funny, every line is memorable. It's a little gory too, a lot gory in fact.

This film was Stiller's baby for years and it shows. I was seriously well-over Stiller before this came out, but Tropic made me a believer again. It's worlds apart and the cast is perfect; Tom Cruise gives his best turn in years. Downey Jr is remarkable in blackface, the funniest actor in the film for sure; he was nominated for an Academy Award for this performance and I think he should have won. Stiller plays a fantastic dumbed down version of himself but my favorite is Steve Coogan as Damien Cockburn, the erratic clueless director who dies in the first 20 mins.

Maybe this is a guy flick, I'm not sure, most of my buddies love it. Maybe its because Im in the business that I found it relevant and so funny. I think there is something for everyone, even the soundtrack is tops. I could go on all night but my words don't do it justice. The dvd has great commentary and lots of features including making of and behind the scenes. A must own..