Tropic Thunder (2008)
Ben Stiller's savage Hollywood satire drops a cast of ego-driven movie stars into a real jungle war with explosive, irreverent results.
Tropic Thunder - Movie Information
- Original Title: Tropic Thunder
- Release Year: 2008
- Directed by: Ben Stiller
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Comedy, Adventure, War
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 47m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin, English
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 9, 2008 (Australia - MA 15+), August 13, 2008 (United States - R), August 13, 2008 (Canada - 18A), September 19, 2008 (United Kingdom - 15), September 18, 2008 (Germany - 16), October 15, 2008 (France - 10), August 9, 2008 (New Zealand - R16), September 18, 2008 (Brazil - 16), October 24, 2008 (Italy - T), December 10, 2008 (South Korea - 18)
- Alternative Titles: Trópusi Vihar (HU), Tropic Thunder - Hol Dir die volle Dröhnung! (DE), Trovão Tropical (BR), Furtuna tropicala (RO), Tropic Thunder: ¡Una guerra muy perra! (ES)
- Production Companies: DreamWorks Pictures, Red Hour
- Production Countries: United States of America
Tropic Thunder - Plot
A group of self-absorbed actors set out to make the most expensive war film ever. After ballooning costs force the studio to cancel the movie, the frustrated director refuses to stop shooting, leading his cast into the jungles of Southeast Asia, where they encounter real bad guys.
Tropic Thunder - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the chaos unfold before the credits roll:
Get Some.
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Tropic Thunder - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Ben Stiller
Main Cast
- Ben Stiller
- Robert Downey Jr.
- Jack Black
- Jay Baruchel
- Brandon T. Jackson
- Brandon Soo Hoo
- Matthew McConaughey
- Tom Cruise
- Nick Nolte
- Danny McBride
Writers
- Etan Cohen
- Ben Stiller
- Justin Theroux
Producers
- Ben Stiller
- Eric McLeod
- Brian Taylor
- Stuart Cornfeld
Tropic Thunder - FAQs
Where can you stream Tropic Thunder online?
Tropic Thunder is available to stream on Paramount+, including via the Amazon Channel and Roku Premium Channel. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Free ad-supported viewing is available on YouTube Free and Kanopy.
Why did Robert Downey Jr. wear blackface in Tropic Thunder?
Robert Downey Jr. plays Kirk Lazarus, a method actor so committed to his craft that he undergoes a controversial skin-darkening procedure to portray a Black soldier. The film satirizes Hollywood's history of racial insensitivity and actors' extreme ego-driven behavior, with the character's choices explicitly critiqued within the story by Brandon T. Jackson's character.
Is Tropic Thunder based on a true story?
Tropic Thunder is not based on a true story. It is an original satirical comedy written by Ben Stiller, Etan Cohen, and Justin Theroux. The film parodies Hollywood war movies and the culture of method acting, drawing inspiration from real filmmaking excess and the troubled productions of films like Apocalypse Now and Platoon.
Who are the main actors in Tropic Thunder?
The main cast includes Ben Stiller as action star Tugg Speedman, Robert Downey Jr. as method actor Kirk Lazarus, and Jack Black as comedian Jeff Portnoy. Supporting roles are filled by Jay Baruchel, Brandon T. Jackson, Matthew McConaughey, Nick Nolte, Danny McBride, and Tom Cruise in a memorable cameo as studio executive Les Grossman.
What is Tropic Thunder rated and why?
Tropic Thunder is rated R by the MPA for pervasive language including sexual references, violent content, and drug material. The film features graphic war-movie parody violence, crude humor, and extensive profanity throughout. Parents should be aware the R rating reflects consistently adult-oriented comedic content rather than isolated moments.
What is Tropic Thunder about?
Tropic Thunder follows a group of egotistical actors filming a big-budget war movie who are dropped into a real Southeast Asian jungle and encounter genuine danger. The film is a sharp Hollywood satire skewering method acting, blockbuster excess, and celebrity self-importance, earning strong critical praise for its bold comedic ambition and ensemble performances.
Did Tropic Thunder win any awards?
Tropic Thunder received significant awards attention, particularly for Robert Downey Jr., who earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor — a remarkable achievement for a comedic performance. The film also received Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominations, and was widely recognized on critics' year-end lists for 2008.
How long is Tropic Thunder?
Tropic Thunder has a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes (107 minutes). The theatrical cut moves at a brisk pace, balancing action set pieces with comedic character moments. Note that the film also features a mid-credits scene, so viewers are encouraged to stay through the end of the credits.
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