Tropic Thunder (R) Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Robert Downey, Jr., Nick Nolte, Steve Coogan |SwapaDVD.com

MPAA Rating: R
Content Advisory: Violence, Profanity, Sexual Situations, Drug Content
Movie Release: 2008
DVD Release: 11/18/2008
Format: DVD - Color - Closed Captioned
Audio Tracks: English
SwapaDVD Credits: 1
Number of Discs: 1
Run Time: 1 hrs 46 mins
Studio: Dreamworks Video
Total Copies: 1
Genres: Comedy, Action Comedy, Showbiz Comedy
See Also: Tropic Thunder [Director's Cut], Tropic Thunder [Spanish Packaging], Tropic Thunder [Unrated] [Director's Cut] [Blu-ray], Tropic Thunder [Circuit City Exclusive] [With Sticker], Tropic Thunder [Circuit City Exclusive] [With Sticker] [Blu-ray], Tropic Thunder [Circuit City Exclusive] [Director's Cut] [With Sticker], Tropic Thunder [Unrated], Tropic Thunder [Unrated] [Blu-ray], Tropic Thunder

Ben Stiller's satirical look at Hollywood, Tropic Thunder concerns the production of an epic Vietnam War film that quickly derails thanks to the giant egos of everyone involved in the production. Stiller stars as Tugg Speedman, an action hero trying to segue out of that genre. Jack Black plays Jeff Portnoy, a drug-addicted fat comic also attempting to change his image by taking on such a serious film. They star alongside Kirk Lazarus (Robert Downey Jr.), one of the world's most awarded actors, and a man who insists on immersing himself totally in a role. In this case, that means Lazarus has had his skin dyed in order to portray an African-American soldier. After their outrageous behavior lands the film's director, Damien Cockburn (Steve Coogan), in very hot water with producer Les Grossman (Tom Cruise), Cockburn takes the advice of grizzled Vietnam vet Four Leaf Tayback (Nick Nolte); in order to gain control of his performers, Cockburn drops the actors off in the jungle, planning to film the movie guerrilla-style with hidden cameras. When the group stumbles upon a heroin production camp, the actors are unaware that they are in very real danger. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

Ben Stiller - Tugg Speedman
Jack Black - Jeff Portnoy
Robert Downey, Jr. - Kirk Lazarus
Nick Nolte - Four Leaf Tayback
Steve Coogan - Damien Cockburn

Carolyn S. from ALEDO, TX wrote on 10/20/2009...

With the star-studded in this movie, I would have expected this movie to be a lot better. It was worth seeing once. Robert Downey Jr was superb in it. And as usual, Tom Cruise completely transforms into his character. But Ben Stiller's character was reminiscent of Zoolander. Jack Black, who I usually enjoy, was very over the top and not funny at all. This is definitely a movie I would see only once.

Robert M. from CHARLOTTESVLE, VA wrote on 8/31/2009...

1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Robert Downey was what made Tropic Thunder most enjoyable for me, which was a strong contrast to Jack Black being over the top, but not all that funny. I've enjoyed Jack Black in his Tenacious D shows (though less so the movie), but it really felt like he was bringing this movie down.

Overall this movie was worth watching, but I don't plan to keep it as a part of my collection.

Toni M. from GLENDALE, AZ wrote on 8/21/2009...

0 of 4 member(s) found this review helpful.

entertaining and funny, my 10 year old son loves this movie!

Joseph S. from GRANTS PASS, OR wrote on 8/13/2009...

1 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.

Okay. I've tried and tried to like Ben Stiller and Jack black, but I think I'm done wasting my time. Once again Ben and Jack play the same character they always play in every movie they are in. Jack Black is so one dementional that it starts hurting watching him try to pump life back into the one role he can play - "stupid fat guy". And Ben Stiller as the misunderstood, unlucky, anti-hero with a soft side nobody knows about - give me a break - MOVE ON BEN! These two are destined to make a long string of "Cable Guys" if they continue to pidgeon hole themselves into these worn out roles. Ben Stillers writing is as dry as it ever has been with little or no humor for those of us who don't consider him a genious. The sad part is that this movie was a great idea, and could have been a comedy action snesation, but because of Stiller's pick a formula (and ride it until it dies) style of screenplay it misses the one thing that could have saved it. It falls a long way short of being fun! It has an awesome cast of characters to draw from, but scene after painful scene, they just keep donig the same thing over and over. For me the highest points in the movie are Robert Downey Jr. and Nick Nolte. They both have great characters to work with but nothing in the script stretches them beyond ordinary. Given what they had to work with though they perform to their usual high standard and actually managed to have me looking forward to their scences.

Brenda P. (calchloe) wrote on 1/12/2009...

2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.

This movie was just wrong on so many levels---but hilarious!! Robert Downey, Jr was by far the funniest character!

Peg T. from SAINT PAUL, MN wrote on 1/10/2009...

0 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.

I thought this movie was hilarious!

Dionne C. from HAMMOND, IN wrote on 1/10/2009...

1 of 6 member(s) found this review helpful.

This was THE most ridiculous movie I have EVER seen. I guess if you have a saturday afternoon and NOTHING else to do, have at it. Otherwise do NOT waste your time. NOT FOR KIDS!

Suzanne B. wrote on 1/10/2009...

1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Not for kids!!! This movie was GREAT, totally worthy of its critical acclaim. Robert Downey, Jr. is absolutely fantastic as a character actor obsessed with authenticity. Hysterically funny from start to finish.

Ginger S. (2manyshoes) from HOUSTON, TX wrote on 11/25/2008...

4 of 8 member(s) found this review helpful.

I rented this because the previews looked so funny. It did have its moments, but the profanity was too much. It's worth at least one watch to see Tom Cruise as Les Grossman.