Tropic Thunder (If Robert Downey Jr. were black he'd be...)

[Wryan]

Well, this, frankly...

http://i27.tinypic.com/15hzu5e.jpg

Ben Stiller-directed Tropic Thunder with Stiller and Jack Black. It's about a movie production of a Vietnam movie.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0942385

"Through a series of freak occurrences, a group of actors shooting a big-budget war movie are forced to become the soldiers they are portraying."

Also starring Nick Nolte, Steve Coogan, Bill Hader.

RDJ's character is so method he undergoes surgery to play his black character's role.

Kinda makes me giddy. I won't lie.

''If it's done right, it could be the type of role you called Peter Sellers to do 35 years ago,'' Downey says. ''If you don't do it right, we're going to hell.''

[Ezee E]

I think this movie will be hilarious.

[Russ]

I smell Oscar nomination.

[Qrazy]

Dolphinplasty.

[Spinal]

So, basically Galaxy Quest meets Platoon?

[ledfloyd]

I love Downey.

[Spinal]

I don't mind Ben Stiller directing this, but I kind of wish he wasn't acting in it.

[Rowland]

I don't mind Ben Stiller directing this, but I kind of wish he wasn't acting in it.Perhaps he'll settle down with that obnoxious persona of his that he's been developing over the years, given the talent he is working with, his position as the director, and what we can only hope is a great script.

[MadMan]

This film actually greatly intriegues me.

[Spinal]

Perhaps he'll settle down with that obnoxious persona of his that he's been developing over the years, given the talent he is working with, his position as the director, and what we can only hope is a great script.

I really hope so. I actually like him, but too often he pushes way too hard. I think my favorite performance of his is Your Friends and Neighbors.

[Ezee E]

So, basically Galaxy Quest meets Platoon?
+ Apocalypse Now.

[Spinal]

+ Apocalypse Now.

Why would you need to add Apocalypse Now to Platoon?

[Watashi]

Damn, Robert Downey Jr. is in everything these days.

I like it.

[Ezee E]

Why would you need to add Apocalypse Now to Platoon?
Er... My bad, I should say the MAKING of Apocalypse Now.

[ledfloyd]

Why would you need to add Apocalypse Now to Platoon?
cause Apocalypse Now > Platoon.

[Sxottlan]

Something of a red band teaser trailer is on the film's website (http://www.tropicthunder.com/site.php). I like the idea of Galaxy Quest meets Apocalypse Now.

Holy cow. John Toll is the cinematographer. Justin Theroux is the co-writer.

I'm definitely there.

[Sycophant]

"Shit blows up" is a most excellent tagline.

[Sxottlan]

Jack Black is almost unrecognizeable here. Sort of looks like a puffy Neal McDonough.

[Sven]

That was awesome! I loves the Nolte.

imdb says this movie also has Tom Cruise, Matthew McConaughey, and Tobey Maguire. :eek:

I think this movie just became my most anticipated movie of the year.

[Rowland]

Damn, I hate these age verifications. Apparently I don't exist.

[Sycophant]

It does scare me that some seventeen-year-old might hear an actor say "fuck." So I'm sorry, Rowls, we're all gonna hafta make some sacrifices.

[number8]

Damn, I hate these age verifications. Apparently I don't exist.

Try different zip codes you've lived in. I had to use the zip code from 3 apartments ago.

[Sycophant]

Wait... are they actually pulling up some kind of registration of names? :eek:

[number8]

Or, usually I just use Dubya's info.

Name: George
Last: Bush
Birth date: 07/06/1946
Zip code: 20500

[number8]

Wait... are they actually pulling up some kind of registration of names? :eek:

Yes, they verify your identity with the data the government have on you from your Driver's License and such.

[Sycophant]

Amazing. Also amazing that this technology is being used on vaguely vulgar movie trailers instead of, like, porn.

[D_Davis]

So I can watch 2girls1cup with only a single click, but I have to fill in 4 fields of information to watch an R-rated trailer?

[Ivan Drago]

This is one of my most anticipated movies of 08. BUT I WANNA SEE THE TRAILER, DAMMIT!

[Henry Gale]

C'mon people, YouTube!

[Winston*]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-LM7DFPKFc


Vietnam wasn't funny. My brother died that way.

[Spinal]

Seeing the trailer, that does seem more Apocalypse Now than Platoon actually.

[Morris Schæffer]

BANZAI!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.joblo.com/newsimages1/tropicthunder2big.jpg

[Raiders]

I was very excited when I saw "Etan Cohen" as I thought maybe it was a joke pen-name for Ethan Coen (y'know, just move the "h"), but apparently not. This is the guy that co-wrote Mike Judge's Idiocracy (which according to some is quite good). Still, this does look pretty great.

And for me, I think I have hated Stiller in every film except Russell's Flirting With Disaster.

[DavidSeven]

And for me, I think I have hated Stiller in every film except Russell's Flirting With Disaster.

Royal Tenenbaums? Thought he was great in that, but in general, yeah, the guy's smug-level is off the charts.

[Sycophant]

Stiller has the capacity for epic smugness, which he taps with frequency. Sometimes it works for his characters, sometimes it doesn't. When it does though, I find it works wonderfully to his benefit (see a lot of The Ben Stiller Show, Dodgeball).

And I loved his more dramatic turns in both The Royal Tenenbaums and Your Friends & Neighbors. Though I think his role in this one will probably be more of the aforementioned comic, epic smugenss.

[number8]

Zoolander is a masterpiece. That is all.

[transmogrifier]

This is the guy that co-wrote Mike Judge's Idiocracy (which according to some is quite good).

It's really, really, really not. I can't believe the free pass it got by so many.

[Eleven]

He's not so bad in Zero Effect, although there are some watered-down hysterical Stillerisms in there.

Idiocracy is sporadically funny and has flashes of genuine focused anger, so I can't begrudge it its minor cult following. But I think Judge's TV work is so far entirely superior to his films.

[ledfloyd]

Idiocracy is sporadically funny and has flashes of genuine focused anger, so I can't begrudge it its minor cult following. But I think Judge's TV work is so far entirely superior to his films.
to Etan Cohen's credit he was a writer on both of Judge's TV shows.

[Acapelli]

New trailer

http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809912814/video/7004235

[Sxottlan]

This looks incredible.

[Acapelli]

It's basically The Three Amigos.

EDIT: Not that that's a bad thing.

[DavidSeven]

"Exactly. Let's use it."

:lol:

OK, sold. Kind of.

[Sycophant]

I really hope this is good. I've never seen Stiller's other directorial stuff. I should check those.

[Spinal]

That was really, really funny.

"This scene is about emotionality!" :lol:

Downey's performance reminds me that his father dubbed over the voice of a black man in Putney Swope.

[number8]

Holy shit, that is hysterical.

[number8]

I really hope this is good. I've never seen Stiller's other directorial stuff. I should check those.

Please see Zoolander immediately.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Awesome.

[Ezee E]

Yeah, the emotionality is the best part of it all.

And despite all that, the helicopter spinning was pretty freaking cool.

[Sycophant]

Please see Zoolander immediately.Netflix will have it to me tomorrow.

[Spinal]

I don't know. Zoolander has two really funny scenes and the rest is kinda uneven in my opinion.

[number8]

I don't know. Zoolander has two really funny scenes and the rest is kinda uneven in my opinion.

There's a remarkable full-immersion in the way Stiller depicts the world of his character that very few comedies of its ilk ever do. What I find most impressive is the way he includes over-the-top elements that are prepostrous and funny, but never feel like it's a reach in the fashion world (like Owen Wilson's entrance to a funeral with a posse, including a DJ playing his theme song), which makes the satire of that world very effective. That's the reason why I keep watching this movie again and again over the years, even though the laugh-out-loud quota isn't as big as other comedies I like. It takes a pretty great eye to devise montage sequences as authentic as the "Orange Mocha Frappucino" and coal mining music videos. Jerry Stiller is probably the worst thing about the movie, but I still consider it a near masterpiece.

[DavidSeven]

Not a huge fan of Zoolander either. I think Stiller, as usual, goes overboard with the character and many of the comedy bits. Wilson is gold though. The Hansel promo video during the awards scene is especially funny.

[Justin]

Zoolander is a film that has grown on me with time. I just don't know about this film though, I really want to get behind it, but a lot of what I saw in the trailer was pretty meh.

[Fezzik]

Zoolander is a film that has grown on me with time. I just don't know about this film though, I really want to get behind it, but a lot of what I saw in the trailer was pretty meh.

Tropic Meh-nder, then? (Sorry, wrong thread)

I think this looks awesome.

"I know who I am! I'm a dude playing a dude disguised as another dude!"

I <3 RDJ

[Qrazy]

Let's not forget how great Stiller is on Arrested Development, perhaps the pinnacle of his comic career.

[bac0n]

David Bowie's entrance in Zoolander makes that film.

[number8]

David Bowie's entrance in Zoolander makes that film.

I object the verdict, but accepts the entry.

[[ETM]]

Zoolander has misses, but most of it is just flat out funny in its bizarreness. I'm totally with number8 on this one, it's strangely rewatchable.

[MadMan]

Zoolander is one of the funniest movies I have ever seen. Its not a great film by any means but its beyond entertaining and yes Stiller is great in it. For the most part I actually think that Stiller works better playing a villian, especially in Dodgeball although he was pretty much channeling his role in Heavyweights. I thought Stiller was great in The Royal Tenenbaums however.

[megladon8]

This "review" is priceless...


Man, I saw this movie twice already, in fact I just got home from watching it for the second time. I just DIGG this movie to much, sooo RADD. Not only is it hella funny but the action sequences kick so much ass. Totally makes me wish I was around in the 70's, totally would have joined the special ops. And the cast, wow so many good people Any ways, I don't wanna ruin this movie for anyone so I'll be very carfull what I say and just give you a quick over view about what this movie is about. This movie is a movie based on a making of a movie based on a book. haa, Still with me? okay, well, In the movie the "Rookie" Director is in desperate need of a solution to save his film making career when his cast can't act, (Ben Steller. When this movie becomes dangerously close to being shut down due to lack of interest from the public and extremely expensive, the director takes some advice from the writer of the book, in which the movie is being based on, and ends up placing all the actors into a jungle in which they believe they will be acting but in reality, those jungles are run by the Dragon...( Dragon something, I can't remember at the moment), A Heroin Drug Lord Family that is responsible for 1/8th of the worlds Heroin, in hopes to get some real footage for the movie. Thats all im going to say, go watch the movie when it comes out, scheduled for some time in August. TRUST ME YOU IN FOR A TREAT!

[baby doll]

Maybe this is a silly question, but why didn't they just cast a black actor? Are there so many roles for minorities in Hollywood that they've had to start casting white people as black characters?

[baby doll]

Let's not forget how great Stiller is on Arrested Development, perhaps the pinnacle of his comic career."Check out my girl Tiagra over there--no, don't look at her! When you look at her, it makes her feel a way that makes me feel uncomfortable. Or do look at her. Whatever."

"I second the sanctuary, but with the clause of silence."

"That's my brother's widow. It's fucked up."

[D_Davis]

Maybe this is a silly question, but why didn't they just cast a black actor? Are there so many roles for minorities in Hollywood that they've had to start casting white people as black characters?

It probably has to do with the film within a film thing going on. I would imagine it is more of a commentary on the director within the film and Downey's character than anything.

[megladon8]

Well, Downey is supposed to be a white actor who is so serious about the role (ie method acting) that he undergoes plastic surgery to become black for the role.

[baby doll]

Well, Downey is supposed to be a white actor who is so serious about the role (ie method acting) that he undergoes plastic surgery to become black for the role.Wouldn't it be funnier to have one actor play him as a white man and another actor to play him as a black man?

[Rowland]

Wouldn't it be funnier to have one actor play him as a white man and another actor to play him as a black man?I don't think so. In fact, that would kinda negate the joke... it still has to be Downey.

[[ETM]]

Wouldn't it be funnier to have one actor play him as a white man and another actor to play him as a black man?

No Oscar in that.

[Bosco B Thug]

I was kind of disappointed finding out upon watching the trailer that within the film he's a white actor playing a black actor and it wasn't an I'm Not There-ish thing.

I have no clue what I was expecting from the film if it was actually pulling that, though, haha. Hmm... :confused:

[Ezee E]

Maybe this is a silly question, but why didn't they just cast a black actor? Are there so many roles for minorities in Hollywood that they've had to start casting white people as black characters?

Are you serious?

[Ezee E]

Wouldn't it be funnier to have one actor play him as a white man and another actor to play him as a black man?

Again, are you serious?

[baby doll]

Are you serious?Downey compares it to Peter Sellers, but the differences is The Party is a vehicle for Peter Sellers, so it's not like they had this idea for an Indian character and then got a white guy to do it--they had a white guy who could do a caricature of an Indian person and went from there. Also, as he says, that was thirty years ago.

This film seems closer to Hairspray in that the advertising around that film focussed almost completely on the stunt casting of John Travolta as a woman, and I think since that worked they'll probably market this film in a similar way: see Robert Downey, Jr. as a black man.

I don't think Stiller was that desperate not to work with a black person that they had Downey sit through hours and hours of make-up each day to avoid having to do that, but it doesn't seem to me there's any artistic reason for all that effort on the part of the make-up team. It's a stunt.

[Sven]

This film seems closer to Hairspray in that the advertising around that film focussed almost completely on the stunt casting of John Travolta as a woman, and I think since that worked they'll probably market this film in a similar way: see Robert Downey, Jr. as a black man.

How is this different from: "Come see Peter Sellers as an Indian!"

?

[baby doll]

How is this different from: "Come see Peter Sellers as an Indian!"

?Because Sellers only wore a little bit of make-up; it's not a complete transformation which required hours and hours of make-up each day before shooting.

[Sven]

Because Sellers only wore a little bit of make-up; it's not a complete transformation which required hours and hours of make-up each day before shooting.

That seems like a wholly arbitrary point. Which is not to bring up the error of likening it to Hairspray, wherein the whole situation would be much less funny if it were an actual fat woman.

[Boner M]

soori doll, did you watch the trailer? The whole point of RDJ's transformation is to lampoon similar Oscar-whoring stunts.

[Spinal]

I am bewildered as to why this gag is difficult to get.

[D_Davis]

Why didn't they get a retarded kid to play Leo's role in Gilbert Grape?

Actors love playing retarded roles - it's an instant Oscar nod (or a grasp for one)

I have a feeling that Stiller's film is lampooning this kind of thing.

[number8]

I am bewildered as to why this gag is difficult to get.

Same here. I'm baffled that this is even a conversation.

It's a parody of Oscar-bait performances, taken to the extreme (blackface). What's more to it is there?

[[ETM]]

I'm baffled that this is even a conversation.

I've been feeling like that a lot these days...
http://modmycomments.com/x/celeb-quotes/zoolander-mugatu-crazy-pills.jpg

[megladon8]

He's just being difficult.

[Sven]

It's kind of like that time when people were questioning the intention of that Ralph Wiggum viking quote. Man, was that a waste of time...

[D_Davis]

It's kind of like that time when people were questioning the intention of that Ralph Wiggum viking quote. Man, was that a waste of time...

That was one of the best threads ever.

[Sycophant]

That was one of the best threads ever.Yeah, ditto.

[Ezee E]

It's kind of like that time when people were questioning the intention of that Ralph Wiggum viking quote. Man, was that a waste of time...
But that one at least was funny.

[Rowland]

It's kind of like that time when people were questioning the intention of that Ralph Wiggum viking quote. Man, was that a waste of time...I stand by my interpretation, thank you. :)

[Sven]

I stand by my interpretation, thank you. :)

And I stand by my right to let you be as wrong as you allow yourself to be.

[Rowland]

And I stand by my right to let you be as wrong as you allow yourself to be.Now that's a right I'd fight for.

[D_Davis]

I stand by my interpretation, thank you. :)

Being wrong, that's where you're a viking!

[Sven]

Say, that reminds me, what happened to ol' keyin anyhow? He was an interesting fella, though sometimes it felt like he was trying too hard.

[DavidSeven]

It's kind of like that time when people were questioning the intention of that Ralph Wiggum viking quote. Man, was that a waste of time...

Well, there's actually some kind of ambiguity there. Here, not so much.

[Bosco B Thug]

I've never weighed in on the topic, but I just gotta say, it's totally supposed to be taken in the literal sense as believed by iosos. Not trying to start anything, but yeah. Not even an ambiguity. No offense to you people who think that, of course. But yeah. But yeah. How are there so many of you??? :P

[Saya]

New trailer?

http://movies.apple.com/movies/paramount/tropic_thunder/tropic_thunder-red-tlr_h640w.mov

This movie is going to be great! :lol:

And some posters:

http://i32.tinypic.com/bf2sdu.jpg

http://i27.tinypic.com/2cn79c5.jpg

http://i27.tinypic.com/dpi89s.jpg

[Sven]

That was friggin' hysterical. I can't wait.

[Ezee E]

Damn, funnier each time I see something new. Hopefully they didn't throw all the funny stuff in yet.

[number8]

Holy shit, this movie is going to fucking rock.

[Philosophe_rouge]

I don't think there are words to describe how much I want to see this movie RIGHT NOW

[megladon8]

"I think I can spot a prop head when I see one!"



EDIT:...and did I just see "Ethan Coen" in the writing credits????

[number8]

Etan Cohen. The guy who usually writes stuff with Mike Judge.

[megladon8]

Etan Cohen. The guy who usually writes stuff with Mike Judge.


Oh, a little bit of dyslexia on my part. :)

[Watashi]

Robert Downey Jr. - Double Oscar Nomination anyone?

[chrisnu]

Concentrated awesomesauce.

Love the use of the Wilhelm scream at the end.

[Ezee E]

Robert Downey Jr. - Double Oscar Nomination anyone?
MTV maybe.

Although if the Oscars listen to the criticism from last year, they'll be looking to more popular movies to take nominations from.

Still. No. And I realize you're being funny.

[Watashi]

MTV maybe.

Although if the Oscars listen to the criticism from last year, they'll be looking to more popular movies to take nominations from.

Still. No. And I realize you're being funny.
I wasn't talking about Iron Man, I was talking about Joe Wright's The Soloist.

Plus, he can easily get a nomination for Tropic Thunder if the reviews are great.

[Ezee E]

I wasn't talking about Iron Man, I was talking about Joe Wright's The Soloist.

Plus, he can easily get a nomination for Tropic Thunder if the reviews are great.
Freak it. Triple nomination.

I thought you meant Iron Man because awardsdaily.com seriously thought about it.

[megladon8]

Isn't it a little soon to say he could be nominated for The Soloist?

[Spinal]

EDIT:...and did I just see "Ethan Coen" in the writing credits????

Gets me every time.

[Ezee E]

Isn't it a little soon to say he could be nominated for The Soloist?
Probably, but it's always fun to speculate. Same stuff is already being said about Cannes films and Benjamin Button.

[megladon8]

Probably, but it's always fun to speculate. Same stuff is already being said about Cannes films and Benjamin Button.


But that's a little more understandable. There's a trailer now for Fincher's film, and we've been looking at photographs and whatnot for a few months now.

Absolutely nothing has been released with The Soloist yet. It's like saying now that Terminator 4 is going to be the best in the series.

[number8]

But he plays a schizo, homeless musician. If that doesn't guarantee an Oscar nod, well, only a deaf-mute-blind schizo homeless musician would.

[Winston*]

But he plays a schizo, homeless musician.

Isn't that what Samuel L Jackson played in that Caveman movie that no one saw except for Spinal?

[Spinal]

Isn't that what Samuel L Jackson played in that Caveman movie that no one saw including me?

I saw it. It was good.

[Winston*]

I saw it. It was good.

Oops, fixed.

[Sycophant]

Huh... Like, I want it to be good, but I'm just not feeling it.

[Sxottlan]

I thought you meant Iron Man because awardsdaily.com seriously thought about it.

It's been a weak year admittedly, but Downey's performance in Iron Man is the best I've seen so far.

[Thirdmango]

I'm happy to see Steve Coogan in this movie too, I'm super excited for this movie.

[Justin]

The red band trailer was great and I am now anticipating this film quite a bit.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Holy shit. That was hilarious.

[megladon8]

Funny video from the MTV movie awards (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i06yoz3nRNc)

[Kurosawa Fan]

Funny video from the MTV movie awards (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i06yoz3nRNc)

:lol:

[Philosophe_rouge]

Funny video from the MTV movie awards (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i06yoz3nRNc)
Love it :P

[KK2.0]

this one was completely under my radar until now, can't wait


Zoolander is a masterpiece. That is all.

:pritch:

[Ivan Drago]

Don't know if this has been posted yet, but apparently there will be fake trailers in this movie, a la Grindhouse.

http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/04/13/tropic-thunder-to-feature-fake-movie-trailers/

[MacGuffin]

Don't know if this has been posted yet, but apparently there will be fake trailers in this movie, a la Grindhouse.

http://www.slashfilm.com/2008/04/13/tropic-thunder-to-feature-fake-movie-trailers/

That's kind of funny since the main feature doesn't appear to me masquerading as neither an exploitation movie nor a neo grindhouse feature. $$$$

[Sxottlan]

That's kind of funny since the main feature doesn't appear to me masquerading as neither an exploitation movie nor a neo grindhouse feature. $$$$

Maybe they actually mean in the film itself since they're playing actors. We've already seen the shot of Stiller in some frozen wasteland in the trailer.

[MacGuffin]

Maybe they mean actually in the film since the they're playing actors. We've already seen the shot of Stiller in some frozen wasteland in the trailer.

That makes more sense, but still, how long ago did Grindhouse come out?

[Ezee E]

That makes more sense, but still, how long ago did Grindhouse come out?
April 2007.

[Sycophant]

The faux media in Zoolander was one of its strengths.

[number8]

The faux media in Zoolander was one of its strengths.

Yeah, the bio clips during the Fashion Award was some of the best stuff on the film.

"Sting. Sting is another musician that influenced me. His music... I don't really listen to them. But the fact that he's making them... I respect that."

[[ETM]]

Yeah, the bio clips during the Fashion Award was some of the best stuff on the film.

"Sting. Sting is another musician that influenced me. His music... I don't really listen to them. But the fact that he's making them... I respect that."

Yes! Awesome.

The montages of both their previous modeling jobs are especially hilarious.

[megladon8]

Rain of Madness (http://www.apple.com/trailers/dreamworks/rainofmadness/)

[Henry Gale]

Rain of Madness (http://www.apple.com/trailers/dreamworks/rainofmadness/)

Amazing.

Just when I was at the height of thinking how awesome this movie could be, this shows up.

[D_Davis]

Wow - this looks so good.

[Dead & Messed Up]

Any thoughts on the "retard" issue that's coming up?

Ben Stiller's character Tugg Speedman formerly played a retarded person, which is a small plot element, and now people associated with the mentally challenged are attacking Tropic Thunder.

Never been a fan of the word, but I think its use is context is pretty funny, especially the slogan for the film-within-a-film: "Once upon a time...there was a retard." It's Hollywood's condescending attitude toward the mentally challenged summed up perfectly.

[Spinal]

I'd have to see the film first.

[Grouchy]

Any thoughts on the "retard" issue that's coming up?

Ben Stiller's character Tugg Speedman formerly played a retarded person, which is a small plot element, and now people associated with the mentally challenged are attacking Tropic Thunder.

Never been a fan of the word, but I think its use is context is pretty funny, especially the slogan for the film-within-a-film: "Once upon a time...there was a retard." It's Hollywood's condescending attitude toward the mentally challenged summed up perfectly.
Exactly. The parody seems to be on Hollywood melodrama, not on the mentally challenged.

I don't know why those retards are getting worked up about it.

[number8]

Oh, they know that it's supposed to be a mockery of Hollywood.

The one leading the charge is a journalist, who wrote on her blog that she's disappointed that they didn't get a retard consultant on the film, or something. That was her reasoning as to why this is offensive and Downey's blackface is not. Because she "bet" that they got an African-American consultant. Which I'm pretty sure they didn't.

The point is, she's retarded.

[number8]

By the way, this movie is amazing. Really. Favorite comedy of the year. Sorry, Pineapple Express.

[Morris Schæffer]

Holy crap! The Cruiser's in this? And he's bald?!! :eek:

[Ivan Drago]

I was laughing right from the start of the commercial for Booby Sweat.

[Acapelli]

http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Movies/08/12/shriver.thunder/index.html


Commentary: Why 'Tropic Thunder' shouldn't be seen

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- I am so proud of everyone who turned out to Monday's premiere of the film "Tropic Thunder" to protest its unfortunate and humiliating portrayal of people with intellectual disabilities.

Prior to the premiere, I joined a large coalition of individuals and organizations to engage in discussions with DreamWorks Studios CEO Stacey Snider and others from the studio to express our concern over the film's "Simple Jack" subplot and the slogans, "Once upon a time there was a retard," and "Never go full retard."

Members of the Coalition of National Disability Organizations -- disabled advocates and family members of people with intellectual disabilities -- have seen the movie and reported shock and disgust. Their reactions have resonated with many of us who take their cause and their voice with the utmost seriousness.

While I am disappointed that we were not consulted in the same manner as other minority groups depicted in the film and that there are 17 mentions of the "R-word" with one mention of the "N-word," I am grateful to Ms. Snider for listening to the coalition and for taking steps to eliminate some of the film's most offensive marketing elements.

I am also appreciative of her commitment to working in the future for an end to denigrating speech and hurtful portrayals of people with intellectual disabilities in film and in society. DreamWorks and its leaders have a powerful reputation for advancing socially and politically important issues.

In particular, Steven Spielberg has been a generous supporter of the work of Special Olympics, for which I am deeply grateful. I look forward to counting the hopes and dreams of 200 million people with intellectual disabilities among the causes of this formidable group of creative and artistic leaders.

Now, however, is the time to raise our voices against "Tropic Thunder" and the harm it is sure to visit on people with intellectual disabilities.

Together with the members of the international coalition, I am asking Steven Spielberg, Stacey Snider, Ben Stiller and the entire "Tropic Thunder" team to stop showing the film, and asking movie theaters and moviegoers to shut this movie out. "Tropic Thunder" is a colossal blunder. Don't show or see "Tropic Thunder."

The degrading use of the word "retard" together with the broader humiliation of people with intellectual disabilities in the film goes way too far. When the R-word is casually bandied about and when bumbling, clueless caricatures designed to mimic the behavior of people with intellectual disabilities are on screen, they have an unmistakable outcome: They mock, directly or indirectly, people with intellectual disabilities. They perpetuate the worst stereotypes. They further exclusion and isolation. They are simply mean.

Mockery in any form, or for any purpose or directed at anyone, especially those least able to defend themselves, is neither funny nor acceptable. We must work together to bring it to an end. As chairman of the Special Olympics, I am inspired to be as vocal as possible about this important matter to effect positive change and to generate support for those who deserve our respect.

Name-calling is a subtle but malicious practice that only serves to perpetuate stigma, fear, intolerance and more. iReport.com: Share your thoughts on 'Tropic Thunder'

Ridicule is a subtle but malicious practice that only serves to exclude and marginalize people with intellectual disabilities. Stop "Tropic Thunder."

People with intellectual disabilities can be great athletes, productive employees, positive friends, courageous role models. Let's open our schools, doctors offices, businesses, communities, and most importantly, our hearts to the giftedness of every human being. No more exceptions. No more exclusion.

Some may think we ought to lighten up and not get so worked up because this is, after all, just a film. But films become part of pop culture and character lines are repeated in other settings time and time again. It's clear to me that lines from this particular film will provide hurtful ammunition outside the movie theatre. While I realize that the film's creators call this a parody and they never intended to hurt anyone, it doesn't mean those words won't.

How can you help? Ban the R-word. Ban the movie. Take a stand.

The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the writer

turns out the guy who wrote this opinion piece also produced the ringer. you know that movie where johnny knoxville plays a retard to compete in the special olympics? although i'm sure since it stars actual disabled people and knoxville's character learns something in the end, it makes it totally cool

:rolleyes:

[MadMan]

You know what? The people who are offended by this movie just make me want to see it even more. Just to spite them. Seriously don't tell me and others what the hell we can't or can watch.

And I think this movie looks awesome. Action/war parody + skewing of Hollywood=sweet.

[Sycophant]

Together with the members of the international coalition, I am asking Steven Spielberg, Stacey Snider, Ben Stiller and the entire "Tropic Thunder" team to stop showing the film, and asking movie theaters and moviegoers to shut this movie out.This line is hilarious. How do people say things like this with a straight face?

[Sycophant]

And I think this movie looks awesome. Action/war parody + skewing of Hollywood=sweet.

I'm going to see the movie to see those retards taken down a peg. Always good for a laugh!

[Pop Trash]

Sorry to be the first one to piss in the punchbowl, but I wasn't that into it. The fake trailers at the beginning were funny and inspired, RDJ was good if a little over hyped. Cruise was way over hyped. I mean he wears a skullcap and yells how he is going to shove cocks up your ass and dances to hip hop or whatever. That's funny? I dunno. I just felt the movie was trying way, way too hard to wring the laughs out of you and after awhile I just didn't care and got bored.

I liked Pineapple Express much better and I'm not entirely sure why but I think it has to do with the laid back tone of Express. It felt more realistic even when it turned into an action parody. I felt like Green, Roegan, etc. were making an homage to the movies they loved in their youth. There was something oddly personal about Express that was missing from Tropic Thunder. Thunder just felt empty to me somehow.

I might write more later when more people post their thoughts.

Overall: 6/10

[Sycophant]

I could've written practically the same thing about Zoolander. That's why my hopes haven't really been up for this quite yet.

[Watashi]

I haven't seen Zoolander, so I don't know how the comparisons work for that, but I have to say that Tropic Thunder is very similar to Galaxy Quest. In what that film did to science-fiction, Stiller's film does to Vietnam movies.

[Sycophant]

Sorry to be the first one to piss in the punchbowl
Off topic. But while we're in the neighborhood, how and why did this become an English idiom?

[Qrazy]

Off topic. But while we're in the neighborhood, how and why did this become an English idiom?

I do not know, I did however discover this.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=turd%20in%20a% 20punch%20bowl

[Kurosawa Fan]

I do not know, I did however discover this.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=turd%20in%20a% 20punch%20bowl

Yeah, I've said "I don't mean to poop in the punch bowl", but I never went the alternate excrement route.

[Qrazy]

Yeah, I've said "I don't mean to poop in the punch bowl", but I never went the alternate excrement route.

Maybe he was trying to suggest that as a liquid his piss would be better hidden in the punch bowl, that is to say he believes others will soon agree with him and also respond unenthusiastically about the film... versus poop in a punch bowl which sticks out like a sore thumb... in a punchbowl.

[number8]

I've been getting hatemail and comments since I wrote an article condemning the "retard" protest. Heh.

[Watashi]

Did anyone notice that Jon Voight was nominated for Best Actor for September Dawn?

[number8]

Did anyone notice that Jon Voight was nominated for Best Actor for September Dawn?

No, I was trying to figure out what those other nominations were. What was Sean Penn's?

[DavidSeven]

"This movie lacks emotionality."

It's better looking than it is funny, which I'll give Stiller some credit for. The craftsmanship is at a surprisingly high level. Otherwise, it's pretty worthless. Cruise channeling T.J. Mackey gets some chuckles, but everything else falls flat. Don't bother looking for engaging characters, and the "satire" is a little too zany and stupid to actually be funny.

[ledfloyd]

I thought it was one of the better comedies of recent years. Up there with the Edgar Wright stuff and the very best films to come out of the Apatow factory.

[megladon8]

Jeez, that was pretty disappointing.

It's not bad, but it's not nearly as good as I hoped/expected it to be.

Most of Ben Stiller's stuff was groan-inducing. And while I'm sure the film's defenders will say that this was "the entire point", I have to disagree and say that, for a film that pokes fun at actors' self-centered lifestyles, Stiller sure seemed to love having himself on camera.

And did anyone else have a really hard time understanding what Robert Downey Jr. was saying most of the time?

However, this is probably the first and last time that we will ever hear Tom Cruise refer to "a homeless man's dick cheese", so we should cherish this.

[ledfloyd]

I thought Stiller was hilarious. The stuff with the Panda? Gold!

[Qrazy]

Jeez, that was pretty disappointing.

It's not bad, but it's not nearly as good as I hoped/expected it to be.

Most of Ben Stiller's stuff was groan-inducing. And while I'm sure the film's defenders will say that this was "the entire point", I have to disagree and say that, for a film that pokes fun at actors' self-centered lifestyles, Stiller sure seemed to love having himself on camera.

And did anyone else have a really hard time understanding what Robert Downey Jr. was saying most of the time?

However, this is probably the first and last time that we will ever hear Tom Cruise refer to "a homeless man's dick cheese", so we should cherish this.

I find that Stiller consistently seems to poke fun at himself for being self-centered and also consistently demonstrates the trait of being self-centered.

[number8]

I find that Stiller consistently seems to poke fun at himself for being self-centered and also consistently demonstrates the trait of being self-centered.

Yeah, he realizes it, at least. This is kind of a staple for him all the way back to The Ben Stiller show. He's always turning himself into self-centered pretty boys and then mock the hell out of it. Funny thing is the guy's ripped as hell, so of course he works at it.... just to piss on it in his movies.

[Henry Gale]

This is going to make no sense but...

I really loved it and yet... I was disappointed. I had a great time but it left me wanting so much more. I don't know, maybe had it not come out a week after Pineapple Express (which I definitely laughed harder with) all the hype and anticipation I perhaps would have been more pleased with it.

The cast was almost always hysterically funny, especially Nolte and Downey (even his moments as Lazarus were insanely funny). But my overall disappointment may have to do with the fact that I found a certain superstar's secret role to be... not that great. The movie falls to him for so many laughs (and even ends the whole thing with him), but really he just came off as himself in prosthetics swearing, yelling and dancing in a way that seemed like it was only fresh because "LOL it's him doing this!". Give me more Coogan or even McConaughey.

Nitpicks aside, still one of the very best comedies in a long time. I just liked Pineapple Express a little more.

[D_Davis]

Who is the secret star?

[Qrazy]

Yeah, he realizes it, at least. This is kind of a staple for him all the way back to The Ben Stiller show. He's always turning himself into self-centered pretty boys and then mock the hell out of it. Funny thing is the guy's ripped as hell, so of course he works at it.... just to piss on it in his movies.

But I also mean he strikes me as also being genuinely self-centered. This might be hearsay but I heard somewhere he refused to shoot a film in Montreal for some unknown reason.

[megladon8]

Who is the secret star?


Tom Cruise.

He plays a fat, balding, hairy, generally disgusting movie exec.

The movie ends (and plays the end credits over) a montage of him dancing to rap music.

[DavidSeven]

Might want to spoiler tag that, Meg.

[megladon8]

Might want to spoiler tag that, Meg.


I really don't think it's a spoiler that he's in this movie...it's been pretty common knowledge since those photos leaked like a year ago. And his name is on the IMDb cast list.

But still, I'll spoiler it to avoid problems.

[MadMan]

I read the spoiler. That sounds awesome and funny as well.

Oh and on Facebook I received an invite to a group that was all about boycotting this film because of the whole brew hah over the retard jokes in the film. And I must say that I refused, although I was tempted to sign up and then tell them "Hey guys. Its freedom of speech. And the film isn't actually poking fun at the mentally challenged. But hey if you can't see that, its not my problem. Also I'm going to view this movie no matter what." In the end I decided it all wasn't worth my time or the effort.

[Sycophant]

Know what else is freedom of speech? Boycotting and encouraging the boycott of a movie.

[Watashi]

Know what else is freedom of speech? Boycotting and encouraging the boycott of a movie.

Yes, but their freedom of speech is retarded.

[D_Davis]

But I also mean he strikes me as also being genuinely self-centered. This might be hearsay but I heard somewhere he refused to shoot a film in Montreal for some unknown reason.

Montreal sucks, that's why.

[number8]

But I also mean he strikes me as also being genuinely self-centered.

That's what I meant. I'm saying he is and he knows it, thus constantly making fun of that side of him. It's a funnier kind of self-loathing.

[Qrazy]

That's what I meant. I'm saying he is and he knows it, thus constantly making fun of that side of him. It's a funnier kind of self-loathing.

True.

[Qrazy]

Montreal sucks, that's why.

False.

[MadMan]

Know what else is freedom of speech? Boycotting and encouraging the boycott of a movie.True, but in this case they're advocating shutting down someone else's free speech. In this case, the free speech in question is not actually pointed at insulting anyone, but rather part of the film's spoof of how Hollywood so often uses the mentally challenged to score or get noiminated for awards (namely the Academy Awards), knowing how much such films are usually Oscar bait.

[Ezee E]

Funny at moments, but overall disappointing. One funny joke is followed up by two or three bad ones, most of them coming from Jack Black.

The mockery of Hollywood works the best, with Tom Cruise almost stealing the entire movie, until he starts to dance.

Panda bit was pretty hilarious.

I also saw that this was shot by John Toll. Strong work on a comedy.

[Watashi]

Funny at moments, but overall disappointing. One funny joke is followed up by two or three bad ones, most of them coming from Jack Black.

The mockery of Hollywood works the best, with Tom Cruise almost stealing the entire movie, until he starts to dance.

Panda bit was pretty hilarious.

I also saw that this was shot by John Toll. Strong work on a comedy.
Tom Cruise dancing is the best part.

[Acapelli]

i loved this movie

i also loved step brothers, so there you go

[Ezee E]

Tom Cruise dancing is the best part.
I really don't know how to comment back about that.

[number8]

His dancing is funnier than his foul mouth, at least.

[Pop Trash]

His dancing is funnier than his foul mouth, at least.

They both derailed the movie for me.

[Spinal]

Inconsistent, but I was laughing quite a bit. And when I was laughing, it was awfully loud laughing. Downey is fantastic. Pretty much carries the film. Black's character is the weak link. Loved the "going full retard" speech.

[Dead & Messed Up]

I enjoyed it a whole hell of a lot. There were some parts where my jaw hurt from all the laughter, especially the bit where Jack Black is freaking out while roped to the tree. I liked how almost all the characters got their moment to shine, and I thought the climax

Lazarus finds that Speedman has gone Kurtz

was uproarious.

I do wish they gave Steve Coogan more to do, but I'm just thrilled that both this and Pineapple Express delivered for me.

[number8]

"Alpa, if you untie me right now, I will literally suck your dick."

[Spinal]

Hard to pick a favorite line, but I'd go with:

"I don't read the script. The script reads me."

[number8]

Not a line, but my favorite is the whole "It's beyond me!" exchange between Lazarus and Alpa Chino.

[Spinal]

Not a line, but my favorite is the whole "It's beyond me!" exchange between Lazarus and Alpa Chino.

That was great.

[Sycophant]

Stiller should go back to sketch comedy. He has much to offer it. The film felt a lot like Zoolander: smart cultural and media satire, some swell performances, decent first acts, promising premises, intermittently good jokes, and pretty bad overall.

Downey was easily the highlight. Positively fantastic.

[Ezee E]

I'm just waiting for a movie now in which Downey won't be the highlight.

It may never happen.

[Winston*]

I'm just waiting for a movie now in which Downey won't be the highlight.

It may never happen.

A Guide to Recognizing your Saints, perhaps? I liked that film a lot.

[number8]

A Guide to Recognizing your Saints, perhaps? I liked that film a lot.

Awful movie, but you're right. Channing Tatum was the highlight in that.

[Winston*]

Stiller should go back to sketch comedy. He has much to offer it.

I watched the first three episodes or so of The Ben Stiller Show not so long ago. That show is not good.

[ThePlashyBubbler]

Awful movie, but you're right. Channing Tatum was the highlight in that.

Well yeah, I'm just waiting for a film in which Tatum won't be the highlight.

[Spinal]

I watched the first three episodes or so of The Ben Stiller Show not so long ago. That show is not good.

Gotta agree with this. I was sorely disappointed considering it's reputation. Maybe it seemed fresher at the time.

[Spinal]

When Jack Black was wrestling around with the bad guy, did anyone else picture him as Kung Fu Panda?

[Winston*]

Gotta agree with this. I was sorely disappointed considering it's reputation. Maybe it seemed fresher at the time.
There's this one sketch I remember where they do this lengthy parody of Cape Fear with Ben Stiller as Eddie Munster replacing Max Cady. What is that? That isn't anything.

[number8]

You guys are nuts:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmfDD1ERbfY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIUPgqnc0Zc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bV5iHgdRQRg

[number8]

Dammit, all this Stiller talk got me itching to watch Zoolander again.

UPDATE: I just started it. Yay. I can't wait for Tropic Thunder to come out on DVD so I can have a double feature.

[number8]

This movie always makes me very happy inside.

[number8]

That was fulfilling. How anyone can dislike this movie, I'll never know. Most criminally under-appreciated comedy of the 21st century? I think so.

[Spinal]

Any thoughts on the "retard" issue that's coming up?

Ben Stiller's character Tugg Speedman formerly played a retarded person, which is a small plot element, and now people associated with the mentally challenged are attacking Tropic Thunder.

Never been a fan of the word, but I think its use is context is pretty funny, especially the slogan for the film-within-a-film: "Once upon a time...there was a retard." It's Hollywood's condescending attitude toward the mentally challenged summed up perfectly.

Now that I have seen the film, I can say that neither this nor Downey's blackface were bothersome to me. I thought that the film made it clear that both were gross mis-characterizations by the fictional actors involved. The humor is of the 'Springtime for Hitler' variety in which we laugh/cringe because it is appalling. We are laughing at the fictional actors' arrogance, myopia and/or incompetence, not at the subject of their performances.

[Dead & Messed Up]

That was fulfilling. How anyone can dislike this movie, I'll never know. Most criminally under-appreciated comedy of the 21st century? I think so.

I love how my favorite joke was apparently off the cuff.

"...but why male models?"

::beat::

"Are you serious? Because I just explained that."

[megladon8]

You guys are nuts:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmfDD1ERbfY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIUPgqnc0Zc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bV5iHgdRQRg



The U2 Barmitzvah was brilliant.

"...and I'm sick and tired of what's going on in Northern Ireland!"

:lol:

[Milky Joe]

You guys are nuts:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmfDD1ERbfY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIUPgqnc0Zc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bV5iHgdRQRg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1_-TlqdIvM

:lol:

[Spinal]

Yeah, those clips are precisely why I didn't think the show was funny. So different strokes for different folks, I guess.

[Milky Joe]

Overall, the show is pretty middling (especially the godawful 'real-life interludes'), so I don't blame you for not liking it, but there are a few sketches in there that are among the funniest things of all time. To me, anyway.

[Ivan Drago]

Hard to pick a favorite line, but I'd go with:

"I don't read the script. The script reads me."

That's probably my favorite line too. Another one of my favorites:

"Man, everybody's gay once in a while!"

[Spinal]

I thought the rapper character was underwritten. The reveal at the awards show is funny, but he seemed to be there mostly as friction for Downey's character, rather than to be a character unto himself.

[Ivan Drago]

That was fulfilling. How anyone can dislike this movie, I'll never know. Most criminally under-appreciated comedy of the 21st century? I think so.

Not too long ago I saw a little bit of it on TV - I saw the part where Will Ferrell's character (I didn't even know Ferrell was IN Zoolander before then) shows Derek the miniature "Zoolander Center For Kids Who Can't Read Good". Then Derek destroys the model and says "What good is a reading center when the people can't fit inside the building?" After that I wanted to see the whole thing.

[Milky Joe]

The mockery of Hollywood works the best, with Tom Cruise almost stealing the entire movie, until he starts to dance.

Panda bit was pretty hilarious.

Agreed on both counts. The reveal of the dead panda was the biggest laugh for me, though Cruise's line about Coogan's shit having to tiptoe past his wedding ring comes close. I wish I had that line word for word.

But even if the movie wasn't consistently hilarious, it always managed to be funny and enjoyable. The uniformly excellent cast, even in the small supporting parts had something to do with that. After seeing Pineapple Express, it made me happy to see Danny McBride and Bill Hader with bit parts, and Jay Baruchel is another solid guy who will hopefully get more parts as a result of this movie (as his character kinda mentioned). But Cruise was a stroke of genius. I'm kind of amazed he was even willing.

[megladon8]

Another note on that U2 gag...

Maybe this was intentional, but he looks nothing like Bono, and actually (with the sunglasses) is almost a dead-ringer for Daniel Day Lewis.

[Spinal]

It seems like Bill Hader has been in about one out of every three films I have seen in the past two years.

[DavidSeven]

Casting Cruise seemed a bit awkward, I thought, given the real life similarities between his own career and those of the characters in the film. By the end, I wondered if the primary message of the movie was basically that "Tom Cruise ain't so bad."

[number8]

I thought the rapper character was underwritten. The reveal at the awards show is funny, but he seemed to be there mostly as friction for Downey's character, rather than to be a character unto himself.

I wrote in my review that it was funny how the actors ended up playing the same role as they were supposed to in the movie they're making. Stiller is the action lead going off on his own, Downey is the leader (and thanks to method acting, he stays black), Baruchel is the rookie, Jack Black is the liability, and Chino is a token black character ("The only good part for a black man they give to Crocodile Dundee!"), so in the reality he is a token black character. His entire purpose is to not have Kirk Lazarus' blackface be the only black character in the movie. When he says "Maybe I feel like I gotta represent," it's a meta-commentary on the movie we're watching as well.

[Yxklyx]

Hmm, wouldn't Tropical Thunder have been a better name?

[Rowland]

Meh. I chuckled a few times.

[Fezzik]

Hard to pick a favorite line, but I'd go with:

"I don't read the script. The script reads me."

My favorite was...

"I'm a lead farmer, muthafucka!!!"

Although Black's "i will suck your dick" rant was classic, especially the 'swallow the gravy' line, and Downey's "retard" monologue was simply golden.

[megladon8]

"You know what this gun is?"

"I don't know what it's called...but I know the sound it makes when it kills a man."

[Ivan Drago]

My favorite was...

"I'm a lead farmer, muthafucka!!!"

Although Black's "i will suck your dick" rant was classic, especially the 'swallow the gravy' line, and Downey's "retard" monologue was simply golden.

I liked Black pleading Sandusky to tie him to a tree.

[Sven]

A near masterpiece. Loved it. The synthesis of phoniness and sincerity floored me. When the characters are forced into genuine heroics, the film reaches a glorious height in its commentaries on Hollywood manufactory, narcissism, materialism, and best of all, artistic compromise, spreading the metaphor of false reality into the characters' self-abandon and denial.

[origami_mustache]

A near masterpiece. Loved it. The synthesis of phoniness and sincerity floored me. When the characters are forced into genuine heroics, the film reaches a glorious height in its commentaries on Hollywood manufactory, narcissism, materialism, and best of all, artistic compromise, spreading the metaphor of false reality into the characters' self-abandon and denial.

glad to hear this...I am seeing it tonight and had pretty low expectations.

[Sycophant]

What would I not have called?

A near masterpiece. Loved it. The synthesis of phoniness and sincerity floored me. When the characters are forced into genuine heroics, the film reaches a glorious height in its commentaries on Hollywood manufactory, narcissism, materialism, and best of all, artistic compromise, spreading the metaphor of false reality into the characters' self-abandon and denial.

This.

[Sven]

My favorite exchange:

"I can't feel my legs!"

"It ain't nuthin' but a thang."

[monolith94]

Heh, yeah, that's a great line-choice. I liked how at the end it went a little Heart of Darkness with Stiller's character. Good, solid movie. I really liked the shot where Stiller was lost in the jungle alone, standing at the top of a hill, and we get this long draw back, obviously made w/ a helicopter. For some reason I just really liked that image.

[Kurosawa Fan]

I saw it tonight and loved it. It had its down time, but it was still hilarious. I had my expectations in check, and it easily surpassed them.

[Spinal]

I saw it tonight and loved it. It had its down time, but it was still hilarious. I had my expectations in check, and it easily surpassed them.

It gets off to a great start, doesn't it? That Downey trailer is probably the highlight of the whole film to me, although there are several other big laughs.

[monolith94]

It gets off to a great start, doesn't it? That Downey trailer is probably the highlight of the whole film to me, although there are several other big laughs.
While I appreciated the idea behind "The Fatties," I just couldn't bring myself to laugh at it… as I was far too horrified.

[Derek]

While I appreciated the idea behind "The Fatties," I just couldn't bring myself to laugh at it… as I was far too horrified.

One of my 12-year old students told me his friend thought the trailer was real and said "Aw, we should go see that!" Funny and sad. :)

[Watashi]

You're a teacher Derek?

How did I not know this?

[Derek]

You're a teacher Derek?

How did I not know this?

No, just working at a tutoring center so I only have 3 kids at a time. It's enough to make me realize that public school teachers should be starting at 6 figures no questions asked. :)

[Kurosawa Fan]

It gets off to a great start, doesn't it? That Downey trailer is probably the highlight of the whole film to me, although there are several other big laughs.

Absolutely. In fact, any time Downey isn't on the screen, the film suffers a bit. Was it you who said that Jack Black was the weak link? If so, I couldn't agree more.

I was really impressed by the way it subverted nearly every genre trope, but still managed to be an exciting action experience. Too often a film like this is funny, but the story suffers because you don't really care, you just want more laughs. With Tropic Thunder I was still genuinely excited to see how things would play out, while anticipating more laughs. It totally delivered on both fronts. I really can't overstate how impressed I was.

[megladon8]

Was I really the only one who had trouble understanding what RDJ was saying?

I thought a lot of his dialogue was totally unintelligible. His lines from the trailers were some of the only clear lines I could make out.

[Kurosawa Fan]

Was I really the only one who had trouble understanding what RDJ was saying?

I thought a lot of his dialogue was totally unintelligible. His lines from the trailers were some of the only clear lines I could make out.

I had no problems.

[origami_mustache]

Was I really the only one who had trouble understanding what RDJ was saying?

I thought a lot of his dialogue was totally unintelligible. His lines from the trailers were some of the only clear lines I could make out.

I almost didn't care what he was saying after a while, his character got annoying very fast, as did Jack Black's...I get it...he's a drug addict...they really just beat the same gags into the ground with some of the characters.

[Sycophant]

I think I understood everything Downey said--they were the funny parts.

[Qrazy]

The film as a film was fairly poor but it had a number of funny moments. Stiller really can't direct for shit though. All those walking through the jungle musical montages, good god. One thing I found mildly hilarious was that both times Tom Cruise started dancing my entire theater became deathly silent. However, moments such as the panda, most of Downey and miscellaneous lines throughout did bring the lolz.

[origami_mustache]

best part was the little kid stabbing Stiller with the knife...and I liked the opening trailers a lot.

[Henry Gale]

Rain of Madness is now up for free on iTunes (at least in Canada and the U.S.)

It's a very nice half-hour companion to the movie, and at times every bit as funny. I thought the stuff with Downey and Osiris' family as well as Theroux's on-camera bits were especially hilarious.

[number8]

Holy crap, have you guys listened to the cast commentary?

Robert Downey, Jr. is the greatest human being that ever lived.

[number8]

Also, this is officially in the running for my Top 10 of the year. I watched this movie three times in the past week (hilarious every time), and once last night with the commentary. I'll probably watch the commentary again before the week is over.

[Ezee E]

yeah, I heard that the commentary is brilliant as well. Is it just Downey that stays in character?

[Rowland]

I'd hope that the commentary is funnier than the movie's anemic meta satire. Still don't get the love for this. Tom Cruise dancing to hip-hop in a fat suit is not funny, people.

[Grouchy]

Tom Cruise dancing to hip-hop in a fat suit
I just chuckled only by reading this, and I already know the joke.

[number8]

yeah, I heard that the commentary is brilliant as well. Is it just Downey that stays in character?

It's just him, which actually makes it funnier because Stiller is the director who's trying to give an actual commentary as the straight man, but he has to deal with Jack Black being Jack Black (who eats while he's commentating) and Downey who is full-on in character. He doesn't just do the voice, he actually does the whole jig and improvs outrageous things to say.

But then when Lazarus is disguised as the chinese dude, he starts yelling in a chinese accent, and then after Lazarus finally drops character, Downey switches to an Australian accent between sentences. It's fucking awesome.

[Robby P]

Tom Cruise dancing to hip-hop in a fat suit is not funny, people.

Actually, it was quite hysterical.

I thought the movie was great. Sue me.

[Rowland]

Actually, it was quite hysterical.Did you laugh when Ben Stiller made his fat suit boobs dance to Milkshake at the end of Dodgeball as well?

I thought the movie was great. Sue me.Expect your summons within the week.

[Robby P]

Did you laugh when Ben Stiller made his fat suit boobs dance to Milkshake at the end of Dodgeball as well?

Stiller did not make a career out of being an extremely high-profile, critically acclaimed leading actor. Tom Cruise is an internationally renowned celebrity with a reputation for being quite serious and guarded and such. To see him portraying such a physically and personally vile and disgusting character is quite unexpected. To see him make fun of his own persona in such a totally outlandish manner is quite comical and ironic. Watching Ben Stiller make his typical fart jokes is neither. Fair enough?

[Qrazy]

Stiller did not make a career out of being an extremely high-profile, critically acclaimed leading actor. Tom Cruise is an internationally renowned celebrity with a reputation for being quite serious and guarded and such. To see him portraying such a physically and personally vile and disgusting character is quite unexpected. To see him make fun of his own persona in such a totally outlandish manner is quite comical and ironic. Watching Ben Stiller make his typical fart jokes is neither. Fair enough?

In theory that is funny. In practice it wasn't.

[Boner M]

Stiller did not make a career out of being an extremely high-profile, critically acclaimed leading actor. Tom Cruise is an internationally renowned celebrity with a reputation for being quite serious and guarded and such. To see him portraying such a physically and personally vile and disgusting character is quite unexpected. To see him make fun of his own persona in such a totally outlandish manner is quite comical and ironic. Watching Ben Stiller make his typical fart jokes is neither. Fair enough?
But the scene (and his whole character) is such a transparent attempt to achieve such an audience reaction that I find it hard to believe that Cruise himself didn't write the part to raise his profile. When I saw the film at theatres, my entire audience was just nervously laughing on their way to the exits.

I liked the film overall, though.

[Grouchy]

You people make me sick sometimes.

[Robby P]

But the scene (and his whole character) is such a transparent attempt to achieve such an audience reaction that I find it hard to believe that Cruise himself didn't write the part to raise his profile. When I saw the film at theatres, my entire audience was just nervously laughing on their way to the exits.

Yeah, I can definitely see how someone would perceive Cruise's performance as forced and calculated. And he probably did agree to the part with the knowledge that it would actually improve, not hinder, his reputation with audiences.

What can I say other than I bought into it and thought it worked out nicely? Regardless, Downey carries the movie on his shoulders, everyone else's performance (Cruise included) was secondary.