Review of Tropic Thunder (2008) by Larry Q — 06 Mar 2013

If I could go back in time and take away a half star from Pineapple Express I would. In terms of relativity, this film was a full notch better than that one. This is one hilarious movie. And if you had to choose between the three comedies available right now I'd recommend this one by a wide margin. I was laughing at consistent paces throughout the entire movie. We saw Seth Rogen on the Red Carpet. He has to be ashamed to be going up against this movie this coming weekend. Oh yeah, we also saw Rashida Jones through the fence. So pretty.

The funny thing about this movie was that it has sparked a recent controversy, not for Robert Downy Jr in black face, but for Stiller's portrayal of the character "Simple Jack" and the numerous use of the word, "retard". Upon arrival to the theater, there was a huge crowd, picketing and protesting the movie for it's portrayal of a mentally retarded person. When seeing the scenes in the movie, no doubt you can feel the audience's initial uncomfort with Stiller's portrayal of Simple Jack having been freshly exposed to the protesters outside. I mean, for pete's sake, there were actually mentally challenged people with pickets outside. It was actually quite sad. But it was also sad that they didn't see through the criticism the movie made on the numerous movies that exploit mental retardation for Oscar bait. I mean come on, Radio, I Am Sam, What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Rainman. Don't tell me that it is somewhat sleezy and contrived for an established actor to play a mentally challenged person. Luckily, a few of these movies were actually addressed in the movie. And to be quite honest, I think the movie handled the issue fairly well.

As far as offending people, most of the audience, apparently found RDJ's performance entertaining. And by most, I don't mean everyone because I had the luck of sitting in front of the one black guy who was offended at everything directed at black people. While his wife was laughing her tits off I could picture the guy behind me with his arms crossed everytime they lampooned black culture. And as much as I was annoyed by the added commentary track, it wasn't enough to hamper my enjoyment of the movie. But be forwarned. This movie makes fun of a good chunk of black culture, which has to admit that it is ridiculous at times. They make fun of rap videos, hip hop vernacular, and of course Eddie Murphy. I wonder how he would take it once he sees this movie. He deserves it after releasing pieces of crap like Norbit, and Meet Dave. How dare the man behind me be offended at that. Like they say, "Don't be a hata.".

Onto the movie itself. You will be blessed with the hillarious previews before the actual movie. These are a gem. I can't go into detail without ruining it, so I'll stop right here.

I was afraid going into the movie that it will be a lopsided movie with certain characters outshining the others. Well. It does happen. As expected, Robert Downey Jr steals the movie. But as for the rest of the cast, they all had a fare share of their moments. I couldn't help but to like every single one of the characters to the point where by the end of the movie, I was rooting for every single one of them to survive. Stiller was fairly funny, but has to be commended moreso for his direction of this movie. Jack Black's funniest moment has to be the line he said while tied to a tree. The other characters, I don't know their real names, but Alpha Chino is hillarious as the other black guy. You'll be cheering for him when you see him again in the last scene. And the nerdy looking guy growing a beard in Knocked Up was perfect playing the straight man in a group of ridiculous oddballs.

You know how some movies have cameos just for the sake of having cameos? The ones in here are ridiculously funny. I won't spoil too much for you, but lets just say my faith in a certain actor who have fallen out of the limelight due to his antics will be paid off.

Okay adios. I think my summer movie fest has ended. Tropic Thunder marks my final "must see movie". It has been a pretty good summer. Much better than 2007 by leaps and bounds.