# Tropic Thunder - new Ben Stiller/Jack Black movie **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [May 4, 2007, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tropic-thunder-new-ben-stiller-jack-black-movie/402823 "2007-05-04T23:00:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![E-Sabbath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e19adc/32.png) [@E-Sabbath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-Sabbath)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2008, 11:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tropic-thunder-new-ben-stiller-jack-black-movie/402823/21 "2008-08-14T11:26:09Z")
Fascinating. It’s both completely random and has something compelling to say. It actually works on two levels, as a war movie comedy shoot em up, and as a fascinating look into the world behind the camera. I can’t think of a movie that’s pulled that off successfully, intentionally. Last Action Hero tried, but failed. ---
**Author:** ![Khadaji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2008, 12:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tropic-thunder-new-ben-stiller-jack-black-movie/402823/22 "2008-08-14T12:02:55Z")
I hate Ben Stiller - but you guys make it sound compelling. Maybe I’ll try it. ---
**Author:** ![astorian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ad7895/32.png) [@astorian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astorian)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2008, 12:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tropic-thunder-new-ben-stiller-jack-black-movie/402823/23 "2008-08-14T12:10:14Z")
Not just Tom Hanks- it seems as if playing a retarded or autistic character (heck, ANY kind of handicapped person) is a ticket to an Oscar nomination. Ask Dustin “Rain Man” Hoffman or John “Ryan’s Daughter” Mills, who actually WON for such roles. Sean Penn was HORRIBLE in “I Am Sam,” but he got an Oscar nomination out of it, because Academy voters can’t get enough of that kind of thing. ---
**Author:** ![ArrMatey](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/arrmatey/32/3522_2.png) [@ArrMatey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ArrMatey)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2008, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tropic-thunder-new-ben-stiller-jack-black-movie/402823/24 "2008-08-14T15:45:04Z")
Pretty random, pretty funny, definately a bit over-the-top gory in the first 1/3 of the film (really just two scenes). The one thing that had me wondering, though… A bunch of the stuff that was in the theatrical trailer isn’t actually in the movie, and I’m not sure why. ---
**Author:** ![lawoot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/35a633/32.png) [@lawoot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lawoot)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2008, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tropic-thunder-new-ben-stiller-jack-black-movie/402823/25 "2008-08-14T16:14:45Z")
[QUOTE=astorian] Not just Tom Hanks- it seems as if playing a retarded or autistic character (heck, ANY kind of handicapped person) is a ticket to an Oscar nomination. Ask Dustin “Rain Man” Hoffman or John “Ryan’s Daughter” Mills, who actually WON for such roles. Sean Penn was HORRIBLE in “I Am Sam,” but he got an Oscar nomination out of it, because Academy voters can’t get enough of that kind of thing. [/QUOTE] I don’t think John Mills is mentioned in _Tropic Thunder_ - but the other three are, as is the whole concept of playing this sort of character as a path to being taken seriously as an actor (and as a path to get the Oscar) - and why Sean Penn ultimately didn’t get one for _I Am Sam_. ---
**Author:** ![DanBlather](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f4b2a3/32.png) [@DanBlather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DanBlather)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2008, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tropic-thunder-new-ben-stiller-jack-black-movie/402823/26 "2008-08-14T22:45:06Z")
[QUOTE=astorian] Not just Tom Hanks- it seems as if playing a retarded or autistic character (heck, ANY kind of handicapped person) is a ticket to an Oscar nomination. Ask Dustin “Rain Man” Hoffman or John “Ryan’s Daughter” Mills, who actually WON for such roles. Sean Penn was HORRIBLE in “I Am Sam,” but he got an Oscar nomination out of it, because Academy voters can’t get enough of that kind of thing. [/QUOTE] There is a very full explanation of the rules behind who wins Oscars for playing “retards”. I was going to quote them, but I don’t want to spoil the movie. ETA: :smack: didn’t see prior post. ---
**Author:** ![cmkeller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmkeller/32/118_2.png) [@cmkeller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmkeller)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2008, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tropic-thunder-new-ben-stiller-jack-black-movie/402823/27 "2008-08-14T23:11:37Z")
I see a trailer for this every time I watch a South Park episode on line. Sounds like Galaxy Quest, but with an action movie rather than a sci-fi movie (franchise). ---
**Author:** ![bienville](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4bbf92/32.png) [@bienville](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bienville)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2008, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tropic-thunder-new-ben-stiller-jack-black-movie/402823/28 "2008-08-14T23:17:54Z")
Sure, I don’t make an effort to keep up on all the “Inside Movies” type buzz, but I am really impressed that they were successful at keeping “Super Cameo” a surprise (it’s actually more than a cameo, the character has several scenes). If you haven’t seen the movie yet, best to go in fresh. “Super Cameo” blew me away, and the effect was enhanced in that it was a total surprise (for me). Tom Cruise was so cool in this movie!!! ---
**Author:** ![bienville](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4bbf92/32.png) [@bienville](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bienville)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2008, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tropic-thunder-new-ben-stiller-jack-black-movie/402823/29 "2008-08-14T23:30:48Z")
missed Edit Window Also, it was cool that I got to sit next to [Gary Cole](http://www.blackpolemicist.com/archives/images/office-space.jpg) in the movie theater! (Couple of empty seats between us, I mean- I’m not gonna creep the guy out!) This is the same movie theater where I once used a urinal next to Ron Jeremy. ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2008, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tropic-thunder-new-ben-stiller-jack-black-movie/402823/30 "2008-08-15T03:00:35Z")
[QUOTE=ArrMatey!] A bunch of the stuff that was in the theatrical trailer isn’t actually in the movie, and I’m not sure why. [/QUOTE] Studios often put the trailer out before the final edit is made. ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2008, 12:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tropic-thunder-new-ben-stiller-jack-black-movie/402823/31 "2008-08-15T12:09:36Z")
[QUOTE=DanBlather] There is a very full explanation of the rules behind who wins Oscars for playing “retards”. I was going to quote them, but I don’t want to spoil the movie. ETA: :smack: didn’t see prior post. [/QUOTE] I thought this was one of the best parts of the movie. I won’t give details so as not to ruin the scene. I have to say Tropic Thunder was a better than average summer comedy. Most of the weight and scenes owned by Robert Downey jr, ( as Kirk Lazurus)who refuses to break character. You could see the fun these guys were having acting together. ---
**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2008, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tropic-thunder-new-ben-stiller-jack-black-movie/402823/32 "2008-08-15T14:40:19Z")
[QUOTE=Shirley Ujest] I have to say Tropic Thunder was a better than average summer comedy. Most of the weight and scenes owned by Robert Downey jr, ( as Kirk Lazurus)who refuses to break character. [/QUOTE] Saw it last night and you nailed it. Robert Downey Jr carried the thing. Not that the rest didn’t put up good performances (although Jack Black failed to really shine either because of him or a dull character, I’m not sure) but Downey owned every scene he was in. I don’t break character until I’ve recorded the DVD commentary His action scene at the climax was awesome and hilarious at the same time. ---
**Author:** ![Jeeves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/73ab20/32.png) [@Jeeves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jeeves)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2008, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tropic-thunder-new-ben-stiller-jack-black-movie/402823/33 "2008-08-16T01:02:43Z")
The spouse and I saw it at the first showing this morning, so much fun. There was a little over the top grossness at the beginning (I had to look away, but I am pretty much squeamish) but overall it was a lot of fun. ---
**Author:** ![control-z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/eada6e/32.png) [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2008, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tropic-thunder-new-ben-stiller-jack-black-movie/402823/34 "2008-08-16T01:05:01Z")
My impressions of the trailers were _extremely terrible_, but I’m surprised to see some positive reviews here. ---
**Author:** ![Equipoise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/equipoise/32/151_2.png) [@Equipoise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Equipoise)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2008, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tropic-thunder-new-ben-stiller-jack-black-movie/402823/35 "2008-08-16T01:28:58Z")
My husband and I saw this today and laughed so hard so often that we’ll have to see it again just to catch the bits we missed because we were laughing so much. Oh my god is this movie warped, wonderfully so! If I didn’t know that **Burn After Reading** was on the way, I’d say this has to be the best comedy of the year. Can’t wait to see it again. Yeah, not great great, but damn damn good. There was a big protest going on outside the theater when we left, but we just (gently) pushed through with our heads down and without saying anything to anyone. Like most protests, I’m sure none of them had seen the film, but it’s harder to visibly roll your eyes at disabled people than religious nutters. ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2008, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tropic-thunder-new-ben-stiller-jack-black-movie/402823/36 "2008-08-16T01:47:34Z")
[QUOTE=Equipoise] There was a big protest going on outside the theater when we left, but we just (gently) pushed through with our heads down and without saying anything to anyone. Like most protests, I’m sure none of them had seen the film, but it’s harder to visibly roll your eyes at disabled people than religious nutters. [/QUOTE] I recall reading about protests by visually-impaired people in front of cinemas showing Leslie Nielsen’s _Mr. Magoo_. (And they weren’t even protesting that it was a crappy movie!) I attended a screening of _The Birth of the Nation_ at my undergrad university way back when, and there was a group of black students politely asking each person entering the campus cinema not to see it. And then there were the protests surrounding Arnold Schwarzenegger’s _True Lies_. Protests are just so much free publicity. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2008, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tropic-thunder-new-ben-stiller-jack-black-movie/402823/37 "2008-08-16T02:57:23Z")
I saw it tonight. Didn’t see any protestors. I think anyone who thinks the movie mocks mentally disabled people is completely missing the point. The movie is about mocking _actors_, through and through. Downey’s commentary about what determines whether a “retard” portrayal will win an Oscar or not is right on the money. Since Ben Stiller is talking about the Tom Cruise cameo in television interviews, I don’t think it has to be spoiled anymore. I’ll just say that, amazingly enough, he might give the funniest performance in the movie. Jon Stewart told Stiller on TDS that he might have single-handedly made Tom Cruise likeable again. I concur. My favorite line: I’ll tell you what, fuckface…why don’t you take a big step back, and literally FUCK YOUR OWN FACE! ---
**Author:** ![Frostillicus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Frostillicus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frostillicus)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2008, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tropic-thunder-new-ben-stiller-jack-black-movie/402823/38 "2008-08-16T03:07:20Z")
[QUOTE=E-Sabbath] Apparently, you should show up on time, there’s fake trailers at the beginning that are funny. [/QUOTE] I personally can’t wait to see **Satan’s Alley**. ---
**Author:** ![Equipoise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/equipoise/32/151_2.png) [@Equipoise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Equipoise)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2008, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tropic-thunder-new-ben-stiller-jack-black-movie/402823/39 "2008-08-16T03:30:29Z")
[QUOTE=Frostillicus] I personally can’t wait to see **Satan’s Alley**. [/QUOTE] Yeah, I wondered what Tobey Maguire was doing nowadays. He’s hot as a monk! Agreed about Tom Cruise. He may be a crazy cult dupe but he’s an excellent actor and damn he was fantastic in this! ---
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Ujest](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@Shirley\_Ujest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shirley_Ujest)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2008, 8:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tropic-thunder-new-ben-stiller-jack-black-movie/402823/40 "2008-08-16T08:43:39Z")
The surprise for me was seeing Matthew McConaghy and what happened with his character at the end. heeee. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tropic-thunder-new-ben-stiller-jack-black-movie/402823.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tropic-thunder-new-ben-stiller-jack-black-movie/402823.md?page=3)