Tropic Thunder: Review By Cinefanatic

When thinking of whether a comedy was, to put it simply, good or bad, I tend to ask myself one question-was I laughing more often than not?

As far as Tropic Thunder is concerned, the answer is yes. HELL yes.

Perfectly setting the tone with a couple of faux trailers at the beginning, and never quite letting up from there, Tropic Thunder isn't just funny, but also an interesting parody of Hollywood. Interesting, because while they barely miss a single note about all that's ridiculous about actors and fame, at the same time, those involved ARE actors, and ARE famous, and what becomes apparent is their love for their world, no matter how silly it is. Now, don't worry-the movie is by no means an exercise in self indulgence.

What's best about the movie is probably the characters. While Robert Downey Jr. has been getting alot of attention for his role playing an Aussie actor playing a black sergeant, just as hilarious is Jack Black playing a funny man who's driven to heroin by his serious lack of respect in the business. (Too Freudian? Sorry!) One of the funniest, and best, surprises in the movie is Tom Cruise's role. Equal parts ridiculous and genius-ly-funny, its one of the few times I could stand seeing Tom Cruise in a movie. Which is probably the best compliment I can give him.

As for the negatives? Well, as with many a comedy, some things are just aren't as funny as they might've seemed on the script. Some scenes tend to linger, longer than we might care for, but at the same time, thats probably a part of the "revealing" nature of the film.

While it isn't perfect, Tropic Thunder starts funny, ends funny, and is pretty damn funny in between. So go freakin' see it-you won't have any regrets.

~Cinefanatic