Review of Tropic Thunder (2008) by Tanner B — 19 Jul 2016
Tropic Thunder (2008) C-106m. ?? 1/2 D: Ben Stiller. Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr., Jay Baruchel, Nick Nolte, Steve Coogan, Matthew McConaughey, Tom Cruise. Disappointing big-budget war-film parody about several actual Vietnam war veterans who return to Vietnam to film a Hollywood picture .
. . but nothing goes quite right, mostly since Downey (playing an outrageous black soldier) never goes out of character. A terrific comedy premise has some laughs and an absolutely on-target performance by Downey .
. . but the parts are greater than the whole, and the film goes on too long (particularly Unrated version, which runs two hours). Stiller can be amusing at spots, but Black is given so little to do; opens with four hilarious mock trailers which are by far the best thing about this movie.
Recommended for people who really get a kick out of these actors, or if you've ever wanted to see Tom Cruise bust a move. A mixed bag overall.
This review of Tropic Thunder (2008) was written by Tanner B on 19 Jul 2016.
Tropic Thunder has generally received positive reviews.
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