TROPIC THUNDER....Witty blog title not necessary

Tropic Thunder follows 5 actors who are performing in a movie about a soldier's true life account of Vietnam, Four Leaf Tayback (Nick Nolte). Tayback is consulting on the film's production and suggests they film the movie with hidden cameras and drop the actors into the middle of the jungle letting them fend for themselves, doing what they can to get to the locations where they're supposed to do they're lines.

People who I gained respect for while watching this movie: Ben Stiller, Nick Nolte, and Tom FUCKING Cruise.

I'll be the first to admit that I'm really not into Ben Stiller. I like some of his movies, but really I only like HIM when he is playing a wacky character (IE Zoolander, or White Goodman). His Focker character does nothing but annoy me, so I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this one. Imagine my surprise when I found myself laughing outright hysterically during 95% of this movie. He really stepped up. There's some great writing and some awesome directing, both of which are to his credit. So if you're like me and aren't too into Ben Stiller, give this one a shot, it'll change your mind.

Nick Nolte and Tom Cruise play probably two of the best characters that have been on screen in a long time. Nolte's Tayback is so ridiculously over the top you can't help, but laugh at everything he says anything. Plus, the shock of looking at Nick Nolte never fades. You continually say "Fucken A I can't believe Nick Nolte isn't passed out drunk somewhere." Impressive. Tom Cruise is PERFECT in Tropic Thunder. He's a powerful studio exec who is overseeing the production from the states. However, he's quite overweight, balding, and has a personality to match that of Ari from Entourage. Watching him yell at people is only slightly less funny than watching him get down to some rap music in a fat suit. His character can't be well explained, so I URGE you to get to the theater if for nothing then to see Tom Cruise deliver a shockingly brilliant comedic performance.

On a down note, I felt absolutely no connection with Jack Black's character at all. I honestly can say that if he had disappeared from the set that no one would have noticed. His character has no relationships with anyone else in the film, no real dialog worth anything, he's very obviously just put in there because he is Jack Black and people think he's funny (and they're right, just not here). His 'storyline' is shotty, his jokes are weak and contrived, and you get pretty tired of his random yelling pretty quickly.

The real star of Tropic Thunder is Jay Baruchel of Knocked Up fame. The only character in the mix that has any common sense or leadership skills, he steps up and delivers a great performance. Not only is he very funny in all of his deliveries, but he also works as a great dramatic relief from the constant jokes flying around him. He brings a balance to the movie that without would have greatly hurt the film.

So I've focused a lot on the actors in this review, but they are the true force behind Tropic Thunder. From Stiller and Downey Jr., to Baruchel and even the little Vietnamese boy running the heroin plant, the acting is immaculate down to the smallest supporting role. Just forget about Jack Black's character and you'll be better off. Also look out for great throw back's to classic war movies such as Platoon, Saving Private Ryan, and my favorite of the mix Apocalypse Now. Genius writing, hilarious performances, very well put together action sequences.

4.5 Stars

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