Tropic Thunder (2008) ***

There have been countless films over the years which a given a backstage look at the film industry. These have run the gamut from the musical Singin' in the Rain to the film noir Sunset Blvd. Tropic Thunder is a comedic look at this process that the entire world has become fascinated with and is the most profitable export for the United States. Tropic Thunder gives a humorous inside look at every aspect from the first time director to three differing genre superstars who come together to make this epic, from the dedicated agent going to extreme lengths to secure his client's contract guaranteed Tivo to the studio head honcho whose only concern is the company's bottom line. Tropic Thunder opens with a fake commercial and three trailers, each highlighting the most recent hit for each of the four actors in the five-person unit. The remaining character is played by a newcomer to the industry and therefore is given no introduction. The commercial and trailers set the tone for the film, a tongue-in-cheek satire of the staples of the film industry but above all it sets the stage for the comical ride the audience is about to undertake through the making of Tropic Thunder, a Vietnam War epic featuring three of the most famous stars to ever grace Hollywood.

Tropic Thunder reminded me a lot of Galaxy Quest, a group of actors who are thrust into a real situation where their characters are believed to be who they are portraying. Along the way, the bickering group learns to work together as a unit, utilizing the skills they've picked up in their careers to overcome the villains and form bonds of friendship they never would have been made had they not been thrust into this situation. The relationship given the most treatment is that between Tugg Speedman (Ben Stiller), the action star and Kirk Lazarus (Robert Downey, Jr, fresh off his other summer hit Iron Man), the serious and extremely method multiple Academy Award winner. The two could not be more different in either personality or professional style but they come together as friends who find a mutual ground of respect and admiration. Both are looking for their real self, Speedman hopes to break out of the trappings of the action star persona and looking to be loved, and Lazarus who throws himself into his roles so forcefully to make up for the fact that he has no idea who he really is. The heart of the story comes from the friendship these two powerhouses forge in the jungles of Laos taking on heroin dealers who have taken Speedman hostage.

The actors are led into their predicament by the director Damien Cockburn (Steve Coogan) who is tired of the on-set fighting and lack of usable material. He is convinced by war hero, and author of the book the fake movie is based upon, Four Leaf Tayback (Nick Nolte) that the pansy actors should be dropped right into the shit and have the film made guerrilla style. They'll be forced to do the work and put aside all the petty crap they are accustomed to in their comfortable lives and also make for a better and believable film. The five man unit and the director are dropped into the jungle and set about to make the film not realizing they have entered the domain of heroin dealers. Most of the comedy is derived from the diverse team, including gross-out comedy star Jeff Portnoy (Jack Black), rapper turned actor Alpha Chino (Brandon T. Jackson) and unknown first-timer Kevin Sandusky (Jay Baruchel) who are all forced to put aside their differences and personal problems, such as Portnoy's drug withdrawal, to rescue Speedman when he is unknowingly captured. The cast of the film is comedic gold with each actor bringing a unique contribution to the whole and working best off the others in the group.

The biggest highlight of the film has to be studio head Les Grossman (Tom Cruise) who most people did not even recognize under the skull cap and heavyset, hairy make-up. His vulgar and forceful demeanor frightens all who are unfortunate enough to come across him and he even leaves the drug dealers speechless with his obscene and graphic threats of physical violence. He is the worst nightmare of anyone who works in the entertainment industry as he fears nothing and no one and who knowingly has all the power. Cruise is an absolute delight in quite possibly the most comical role of his career. The fact that his casting was kept secret so audiences would be surprised adds to the fun when it is realized who the actor is and will surely motivate a second viewing with the knowledge that it is Cruise huffing and puffing up on the screen.

Films that dare to take a peek behind the curtain run the risk of destroying the allure and mystique of film making or sensationalizing it so much that it cannot possibly be believable. By taking a comedic approach to the material, Tropic Thunder succeeds in making film making look fun filled with quirky and hilarious characters, such as the gung-ho explosives expert Cody (Danny McBride). To this end Tropic Thunder succeeds is adding a greater allure to the industry that will most likely have countless younger viewers making plans to join the entertainment industry, as long as they're not forced into the dangerous jungle. Sure the film is filmed with clichéd archetypes, but the actors succeed in developing their characters enough to add that extra layer which keeps them from coming across as simple stereotypes. Tropic Thunder is that rare comedy film that succeeds in that important arena where so many others fail: it's actually funny. The humor isn't derived from staples that have plagued the genre of late but the humor flows naturally from the conflicts and dynamics of the characters. It's not perfect by any means but it's certainly the funniest film of the summer and worthy of a look.

Favorite moment: The troop's first arrival in the jungle where they are to film is filled with some of the most humorous moments of the film as right away they are engaged by the enemy force but a series of coincidences allows them to claim a victory. It's here that the plot of the film is most crucial as the characters have to believe they are still filming while the audience is aware of the truth. It succeeds admirably as there are doubts concerning the validity of what is happening being a part of the film but for the most part their fears are assuaged for now. The film really takes off here where the unit is left alone to fend for itself and successfully launches the main plot.