Tropic Thunder (2008)

Featured Audience Ratings

• John M

  
  This is the normal Ben Stiller fare. Throw in Jack Black and this is what you get. Downey I liked as the black sgt who is australian but really into his role. Other than that it really did seem like another Stiller flick. Same ol same ol.

• Phil H

  
  So Ben Stiller wants to be in a Nam flick, OK sure, shame he missed the boat for that era, and this is why he made this film im guessing? why? well we all know the outfit of the average grunt in Nam films looks cool, the easy, laid back, dont give a shit style with ammo belts and guns… More
  So Ben Stiller wants to be in a Nam flick, OK sure, shame he missed the boat for that era, and this is why he made this film im guessing? why? well we all know the outfit of the average grunt in Nam films looks cool, the easy, laid back, dont give a shit style with ammo belts and guns hanging of everyone. Just check all the classic war flicks of the time...being in a Nam film was a cool thing and that's the only reason Stiller and co have made this because there's just no other reason for it. Its poor, not funny and just pointless, the film looks good location wise but that's it, the cast is impressive but who cares, Stiller isn't funny, Downey is shit in all his personalities, McConaughey is his usual slimey, embarrassingly bad self and Tom Cruise is just terrible...simply awful. Black is the only person with some decent funny bits but we're only talking SMALL bits. The plot is a total rip of the much funnier and classic 'The Three Amigo's', 'TT' doesn't even compare to Martin, Chase and Short, 'Amigo's' was cheaper and tacky yet its leagues better than this. You never have any real idea where Stiller and co are in the world, who the guerilla's in the jungle are and why, why a child leads them and frankly you dont really care, the film is made in such a way that it comes across as a serious action flick but then remembers its a comedy and throws in some stupid gag or just resorts to mindless swearing hoping that will suffice. The ending is crap and isn't explained (someone just pops up and saves the day) and basically it isn't funny...ever. Tom Cruise cannot do comedy, even in silly makeup...embarrassing ain't the word.

• Sanjay R

  
  A very unique movie with an unforgettable performance by Robert Downey Jr. The whole cast does a great job, but Downey's Oscar worthy performance elevates this movie to another level. The dialogue requires a sharp ear to follow, but is absolutely hilarious if you keep up.

• Scott G

  
  A genuine american hardcore film with the actors having no idea, which creates many good laughs, and jack black addicted to crack.

• Directors C

  
  Tropic Thunder is the rare action comedy in which you can sustain interest for about 2 hours. Robert Downey Jr. steals the show with his Oscar nominated performance as an actor playing another actor who's playing a black vietnam veteran. Tropic Thunder makes the most of its cast… More
  Tropic Thunder is the rare action comedy in which you can sustain interest for about 2 hours. Robert Downey Jr. steals the show with his Oscar nominated performance as an actor playing another actor who's playing a black vietnam veteran. Tropic Thunder makes the most of its cast with each member of the platoon bringing laughs to the clever, witty plotline that's essentialy a satire on everything in Hollywood never breaking the illusion that what were watching is actors playing actors in a movie that is to be honest a very good one.

• Drake T

  
  Too disgustingly hilarious to hate, too shallow to take seriously and too entertaining to critique. Just fun.

• Brad W

  
  Tropic thunder dishes out laugh one by one and it keeps us laughing the whole time. I have heard of few movies as origianl as this, espically a comedy. It has a certain charm with the actors and jokes that maes us want more, and to see these guys again. It has a great setting, it… More
  Tropic thunder dishes out laugh one by one and it keeps us laughing the whole time. I have heard of few movies as origianl as this, espically a comedy. It has a certain charm with the actors and jokes that maes us want more, and to see these guys again. It has a great setting, it disses the real life starts of there own characters, and it makes fun of the movie industry itself. Such a weird situation can only be fit by a hilarious movie.

• Conner R

  
  I might have my reservations with this, but certain elements make this movie a bonafide classic. I think this really could have been the end all, say all of hollywood reflection if Tom Cruise was the Tugg Speedman character because then all the stars would have been self parodies. Now… More
  I might have my reservations with this, but certain elements make this movie a bonafide classic. I think this really could have been the end all, say all of hollywood reflection if Tom Cruise was the Tugg Speedman character because then all the stars would have been self parodies. Now that isn't to say that Tom Cruise doesn't give a tour de force as Les Grossman, it just would've been better had maybe Ben Stiller taken on that role. Throwing Ben Stiller in the Tugg Speedman role is amusing, but it doesn't have the impact it should. What makes Jack Black's performance as Jeff Portnoy so great is the fact that he's done things like this in his career. I think in terms of cinematography and set choices, Tropic Thunder is one of the most well shot and best looking comedies ever made. It really is beautiful. Ben Stiller is a lot better director than most people give him credit for and he even has this really nice signature style. Now the main reason this movie has as high regard for me as it does is for one man, one performance, one stroke of genius. Robert Downey Jr.'s flat out bizarre take on the 70's "black man" is probably one of the funniest things ever thought up. Whether it's a Black Panther get-up, crazy power burns or blatantly stereotyped "black voice", everything seems as though it is natural and amazing in every way. Actually, by the end when Kirk Lazarus comes back, the role becomes even more deeply defined and kind've a really important analysis of the method actor. A role like this is something that should be remembered forever.

• Matt G

  
  So funny. An instant classic. Grade: A-

• Dan S

  
  A very solid comedy which takes skilled jabs at the Hollywood industry. It's a better version of "Bowfinger", when it comes to movies making fun of how movies are made, pretty much. Throw in a masterful turn from one Robert Downey Jr. and good direction by Ben Stiller -… More
  A very solid comedy which takes skilled jabs at the Hollywood industry. It's a better version of "Bowfinger", when it comes to movies making fun of how movies are made, pretty much. Throw in a masterful turn from one Robert Downey Jr. and good direction by Ben Stiller - this thing is just fun. It occasionally gets a little too silly and Jack Black is sort of wasted but overall, I laughed consistently, especially at the beginning of the movie which has hilarious takes on movie trailers.

• Fernando Rafael Q

  
  The usual Stiller elements are present (stupidity, most of all), but luckily, genuine comedy prevails in Tropic Thunder. Ben Stiller has grown into a better director, and even a decent actor. Not common in big-budget comedies, the film has some stunning visuals. The list of players is… More
  The usual Stiller elements are present (stupidity, most of all), but luckily, genuine comedy prevails in Tropic Thunder. Ben Stiller has grown into a better director, and even a decent actor. Not common in big-budget comedies, the film has some stunning visuals. The list of players is great: Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Nick Nolte, Steve Coogan, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride, Brandon T. Jackson, Bill Hader and Matthew McConaughey, all of which make for a solid ensemble cast. The movie certainly belongs to 2 guys you never thought you'd see in a movie like this: Robert Downey Jr. and Tom Cruise. Both give amazing performances worthy of award recognition (yes, they're that good). The stupid dance at the end was too much, though.

• Sophie B

  
  A fairly funny film. A lot of the "funny bits" aren't actually funny but Robert Downey Jr and Tom Cruise made the movie. Hilarius.

• Carlos M

  
  Besides the hilarious first scene and a few other ones that also work very well, there is little else in this film other than stupid, offensive jokes mixed with a lot of tiresome big action scenes - which seem to be there only to entertain those unable to understand the obvious… More
  Besides the hilarious first scene and a few other ones that also work very well, there is little else in this film other than stupid, offensive jokes mixed with a lot of tiresome big action scenes - which seem to be there only to entertain those unable to understand the obvious satire.

• Albert K

  
  Funny... but not as funny as some may say.

• Jeff "

  
  Tropic Thunder is a solid comedy by Ben Stiller. Stiller does a great job an creating another comedy film with a terrific bunch of actors. Also worth noting, this is the only film where Jack Black doesn't suck. Tom Cruise is definitely the highlight of the film in the role of… More
  Tropic Thunder is a solid comedy by Ben Stiller. Stiller does a great job an creating another comedy film with a terrific bunch of actors. Also worth noting, this is the only film where Jack Black doesn't suck. Tom Cruise is definitely the highlight of the film in the role of Les Grosman. A film not for everyone, Tropic Thunder is still a must if you love something thats different (usual Will Farrell bullshit) This a different comedy, with wit and has plenty of laughs to spare. It's not a film that will appeal to everyone, but it's definitely a film thats different from most comedies out there. Tropic Thunder is purely and simply some some wacked out unhinged fun. Tom Cruise and Robert Downey Jr. are Excellent and make this film better than it actually is. Tropic Thunder wouldn't have worked without them involved in the project. Tropic Thunder obviously pokes fun at Hollywood in general, and does a great job at pulling it off. Not everyones cup of tea, but for those who like brainless comedies, then watch this film.If you hate Stiller's work then you'll probably hate this film too. However this is a fun comedy and for what it's worth, it's a well acted film, even considering Jack Black is on board and well told film.

• Mark W

  
  Ben Stiller is on familiar ground with this, in covering the egotistical world of celebrities. He had a go at the fashion models in "Zoolander" and now he has a go at the movie stars in this. Both have similiar results and unfortunately these results are poor. The story is… More
  Ben Stiller is on familiar ground with this, in covering the egotistical world of celebrities. He had a go at the fashion models in "Zoolander" and now he has a go at the movie stars in this. Both have similiar results and unfortunately these results are poor. The story is also on familiar ground and was covered 20 years previously in "Three Amigos". It follows a crew of over paid movies stars who, while filming (in this case a vietnam war film) find themselves involved in a real hostile environment against real enemies. All the while they are oblivious and think it's part of the script and manage to stay in character throughout, despite real bullets and explosions all around them. Stiller has always been a likable, if not entirely hilarious comedic actor. His talents seem to be better served in playing the goofballs (Something About Mary, Meet The Parents) rather than writing or directing them. Unfortunately, he is doing all three in this film and doesn't achieve anything in either role. Instead the plaudits (surprisingly) go to the more serious actors in Tom Cruise and the Oscar nominated Robert Downey, Jr. They are both wildly over the top, adding some much needed fun and respect to this film, which it doesn't really deserve. Jack Black is as irritating as ever and has nothing to do but be Jack Black and when he's got nothing to do, he's even more unbearably irritating. I can't fathom why Matthew McConaughey and Nick Nolte got involved and Steve Coogan should know better. Thankfully though, Cruise and Downey, Jr. are in it for our sake, otherwise this would have been an absolute waste of time. I give this film a star each for both of them but Stiller didn't merit such commitment and excellent performances in this thunderous stinker. A real waste of talent.

• Richard C

  
  this movie is one of the funniest movies i've ever seen. A-

• David L

  
  As a director, Ben Stiller comes up with an awesome amusing satire/spoof that pays homage to classics like 'Platoon', 'The Deer Hunter', 'Rambo', 'Crocodile Dundee', 'Apocalypse Now' and many more. Stiller and co-writer Justin Theroux… More
  As a director, Ben Stiller comes up with an awesome amusing satire/spoof that pays homage to classics like 'Platoon', 'The Deer Hunter', 'Rambo', 'Crocodile Dundee', 'Apocalypse Now' and many more. Stiller and co-writer Justin Theroux have done a good job in the writing department. It's got some of the funniest dialogues I have heard in a long time. It couldn't have been easy to make a spoof using references from so many classics and at the same time remain a smart film but these two do a fine job. The plot might is brilliantly infused with humour and homage. The dialogues, acting, overall sense of humour and satire put it much higher than the usual daft comedy. Clearly their intention was to create something fun and it also looks like the cats and crew had a blast during the making. Contrary to what many have stated, I did not find anything remotely racist or offensive about it. It's a spoof and while some movies of the genre might go a bit too far towards being derogatory, 'Tropic Thunder' stays within the limits and remains funny. Then of course there's the stellar cast that includes Ben Stiller, Nick Nolte, Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr, Tom Cruise, Matthew McConaughey and Steve Coogan, all of whom work together brilliantly. Stiller is pretty much Stiller. He's likable and carries off the lead role well but it is Jack Black and Robert Downey Jr. who stand out. They have the funnier scenes. While goofy comedy isn't anything new to Black, Downey Jr. does an excellent job in playing an Australian actor who plays a fake black man in a war movie. I did a lot of laughing out loud after watching these two. Tom Cruise springs a hilarious surprise as a bald, hairy, vicious, pompous, foul-mouthed film producer and adds to the laughter quotient and Steve Coogan is equally superb as the poor director who is pressured by the studio and who isn't taken seriously by his cast and crew even after his end. Perhaps the script could have been a little tighter if so many things were not left open to interpretation, such as why that particular island was chosen to get the actors to 'act'. But then again, there's plenty of entertainment to let something like that get in the way. Also the TiVo sequences were a bit overdone but McConaughey does a good job making a fool of himself with an irritating performance. I wished that his character would be brutally murdered. A few of the jokes were overdone like Ben Stiller tasting the blood from the decapitated head. I did miss a bit of feminine presence as there is hardly any woman. Overall it is a finely executed film with some sharp camera-work and slick score. The action sequences are well shot. It's a movie to watch with a bunch of friends and have a good laugh.

• Lafe F

  
  This movie rises above many other comedies with its funny-as-hell sophisticated well-written humour, which may offend some namby-pamby politically-correct folks out there - but I was impressed with its daring originality. Some of the jokes haunted me with their hilariaty. Movies like… More
  This movie rises above many other comedies with its funny-as-hell sophisticated well-written humour, which may offend some namby-pamby politically-correct folks out there - but I was impressed with its daring originality. Some of the jokes haunted me with their hilariaty. Movies like this don't come very often.

• Lewis C

  
  This review is so, so easy to write. If you like comedies, go see Tropic Thunder. It has an all-star cast, it's completely hilarious, and it's even fairly original. There are so many great things about this movie, that it would take way too long to list them all. I saw… More
  This review is so, so easy to write. If you like comedies, go see Tropic Thunder. It has an all-star cast, it's completely hilarious, and it's even fairly original. There are so many great things about this movie, that it would take way too long to list them all. I saw Pineapple Express lately, and I thought that was good. But Tropic Thunder is even better! Ben Stiller completely redeemed himself in my eyes by writing, directing, producing, AND starring in this masterpiece. After The Heartbreak Kid, I thought he might have been slipping a bit. I was very, very wrong. I have to mention how excellent the cast is, one more time. It's pretty cool to see some of the unexpected actors who show up here, and they all have spectacular on-screen chemistry with each other. Tropic Thunder works as a comedy just as well as it works as a spoof of actors who submerge themselves to the point of foolishness in their roles, in pursuit of accolades and awards. Heck, it works as a parody of movie-making in general. If you can't tell, I adore Tropic Thunder. This is comedy, my friends.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings