Tropic Thunder is the latest comedy from Ben Stiller, who stars and directs. Stiller plays Tugg Speedman, a washed up action star who is looking to make a comeback with his new movie, Tropic Thunder. Everything is not going well for the film as it is months behind even though they’ve only been shooting for 5 days. After a mishap while shooting the Director Damien Cockburn, played by Steve Coogan, and Four Leaf Tayback, played by Nick Nolte, come up with a plan to bring the films stars out to Vietnam so they can see some real action. The other four stars of the movie include: Jeff Portnoy (Jack Black), Kevin Sandusky (Jay Barachuel), rapper Alpa Chino (Brandon T. Jackson), and 5 time academy award winner Kirk Lazirus (Robert Downey Jr.). After certain things go wrong they finally realize that there really in a war and the movie is no longer happening and they have to use their skills as actors to make it out alive.

The movie is fast paced and downright hilarious. Robert Downey Jr. steals every scene as his character plays an African American man in their fake movie. Another scene stealer, in an almost unrecognizable role, Tom Cruise as Les Grossman, the man who is funding the movie. Performances from the other members of the cast are quite good as well. Stiller and Black both do well in their respective roles. But grabbing more attention are Jackson and Barachuel, who both have some great lines and it is really funny seeing Jackson trying to match wits with Downey when he gets offended by his character.

Overall this was easily my favorite comedy of 2008. It has everything you could want out of a comedy and doesn’t care who it offends along the way. My only hope is that Robert Downey Jr. gets a supporting actor nomination for his role in the movie. He may not win but he should at least be nominated for his fine and hilarious performance.

The above author's byline must be attached to the work if being distributed.