Muh-muh-marvelous.
Contrary to popular belief, I have one nasty sense of humor. In fact, it's actually not that difficult to make me laugh -- just ask Thunderpants and The Garbage Pail Kids Movie. However, there are very few films in this depressed little world that genuinely tickle my proverbial funny bone all the way to the end credits. Ben Stiller's untouchable 2008 guffaw factory Tropic Thunder is one of the those movies. Working from a script he co-wrote with Justin Theroux, Stiller unleashes a scathing attack on the evil Hollywood machine without plunging the dagger too deep into the belly of the beast which keeps his muscular body so incredibly shredded and well-maintained. Since the story itself is a simple, fairly predictable fish-out-of-water tale -- a handful of problematic professional actors find themselves knee-deep in the deadly jungles of Vietnam -- it's the gaggle of mind-numbingly snappy performances that will ultimately mesmerize and enchant you. Robert Downey Jr. is almost unrecognizable as a dude playing another dude that, at one point, is disguised as another dude, though its probably Tom Cruise's uncharacteristic cameo that will stay with you. From bottom to top, Tropic Thunder is a deliciously witty wad of patented Stiller madness. Excellent.
Recipe For Success: Justin Theroux's Spiffy Writing Chops + Danny McBride + One Of The Funniest Things I've Seen All Year
Do Yourself A Favor: Ignore the theatrical version on DVD and immediately devour the director's cut.
And watch out for the land mines.
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The Film Fiend
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