Tropic Thunder Review

Where to start with this really rather very good film.  Considering the basic idea of a film of a film being filmed, you still with me, its very well written and fairly easy to stay with, rather than having 20 different things going on that, in a film like this, could easily ruin it.  Packed with hilarity from ridiculous characters to sharp wit and great stories, it delivers on your, and possibly, succeed your expectations.  Tropic Thunder is not just a comedy film, its a parody of Hollywood, a playful slap around the face and credit must go to Ben Stiller for having the balls to make this film.  

Featuring a star studded cast and a brilliantly intricate marketing strategy that included websites for each of the main characters and even an E! True Hollywood Story that aired a week before its release date it really increased the hype and added to the attention to detail that seemed to go into making this movie.  Stiller and Downey Jr pave the way for the rest of the cast with very well portrayed characters that come out with some great one liners.  A fabulous cameo comes from Tom Cruise playing a hardened, pompous studio executive and he really produces a great performance.  

Besides a weakly written role for Black, the rest of the men are given enough to work with for some truly great moments.  Jay Baruchel shines as the only "non"-celebrity involved, the guy who went to boot camp, read the novel and the script, and idolizes the men he is working with. Its also good to see him get a more beefed up role as opposed to the side parts in Apatow films. And the back and forth between Downey Jr. and Brandon T. Jackson's Alpa Chino never get old. The whole dynamic of real black man versus fake was unceasingly funny.

Of course there were a few problems with this film, some annoying product placement that got tiring.  The plot lulled at times but once you push the small problems aside you will really enjoy this very funny, sharp and robust parody.