Roger Ebert Loved ‘Tropic Thunder’ and It’s Streaming on Hulu

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Enjoy the hilarious war comedy, “Tropic Thunder,” featuring Ben Stiller, Jack Black, and Robert Downey Jr., now streaming on Hulu! Though it may not strictly adhere to Disney’s standards, this film, highly praised by renowned critic Roger Ebert, has found a home in the streamer’s comedy collection.

Known for its mix of critical praise and controversial content, the film proved highly profitable upon debut, earning nearly $200 million on a production budget of $95 million. Tropic Thunder is about a troupe of actors shooting a movie in Southeast Asia, who unwittingly stumble into the heart of the ongoing conflict within the Golden Triangle. The film’s synopsis can be summed up as:

A team of actors are filming guerilla-style in Southeast Asia when they find themselves unwittingly entangled in a real conflict taking place in the Golden Triangle.

As a die-hard film enthusiast, let me tell you about my favorite flick, Tropic Thunder – starring none other than Ben Stiller, Jack Black, and Robert Downey Jr., who take the big screen by storm! This action comedy follows an eccentric group of self-centered actors striving to create the grandest war movie ever. However, escalating expenses (not to mention the inflated egos of our spoiled cast) push the production to the brink of collapse. But our determined director, unwilling to halt filming, pushes us deeper into the dense jungles of Southeast Asia in search of authenticity – little do we know, we’d soon come face-to-face with real troublemakers!

This movie features an ensemble cast led by Stiller, Downey Jr., and Black, supported by stars like Tom Cruise, Nick Nolte, Steve Coogan, Jay Baruchel, Brandon T. Jackson, Danny McBride, and Matthew McConaughey. It was directed by Stiller, who co-wrote the script with Justin Theroux and Etan Coen.

Upon premiering, the film “Tropic Thunder” faced strong criticism from various communities due to its tone of satire. Disability activists found issue with it, along with groups who questioned the portrayal of Jewish characters and the use of blackface in the production.

Roger Ebert on ‘Tropic Thunder’: “The Kind of Summer Comedy That Rolls In, Makes a Lot of People Laugh and Rolls on to Video”

As a dedicated cinephile, I can attest that “Tropic Thunder” has rightfully earned its 82% score on Rotten Tomatoes and carries the prestigious Certified Fresh label. This R-rated comedy from the early 21st century stands tall among the best of its genre. Despite the ongoing debate it has sparked over the years, it’s hard to deny that “Tropic Thunder” is one of Ben Stiller’s most remarkable films.

“Tropic Thunder” is a film that transcends its controversial nature and delivers a powerful punch of laughter. Robert Downey Jr., in particular, shines as a standout performer, displaying a level of talent that would eventually lead him to become the iconic Iron Man we know today.

The movie “Tropic Thunder,” written by Justin Theroux, Ben Stiller, and Etan Cohen, mirrors the turmoil of making the documentary “Hearts of Darkness” about filming Apocalypse Now during the Vietnam War. In a way, it seems like Tropic Thunder is a nightmarish version of that documentary’s real-life challenges. The movie accurately captures the hardships of filmmaking and on-location work, amplifying them into scenes that feel eerily true to life. Particularly noteworthy is how the director, Damien Cockburn, departs from the story, a scene that may symbolize the feelings some actors have toward certain directors.

This movie I’m referring to is significantly superior to Ben Stiller’s last film, ‘Zoolander’. It’s the kind of lighthearted summer comedy that brings joy and amusement to many viewers before moving onto home video. The summer has been particularly enjoyable due to this type of movie… When it’s all said and done, you’ll likely cherish Robert Downey Jr.’s performance in this film. This year has been quite productive for him, following his role in ‘Iron Man’. He’s making a strong comeback.

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2025-05-18 02:03