Tropic Thunder (2008)

This film is odd. That is only one word to describe it.
It is sort of a behind the scenes look at how you make a war film with a bunch of egotistical actors.
Ben Stiller, who also directed and co-wrote the film, stars as Tugg Speedman, who is a huge action star but tried to go serious playing the mentally slow Little John in a film.  Kirk Lazarus (Robert Downey, Jr.) is an Australian method actor who goes so deep into roles that he underwent controversial skin pigment surgery to darken his skin, deeply offending the actual African American in the film. Alpa Chino (Brandon T. Jackson) is a great character who probably doesn't have enough screen time. Jack Black and Jay Baruchel finish out the cast of actors as the cocaine-addicted Jeff Portnoy and newbie actor Kevin Sandusky, who actually does have some military background. Each is an individual and must band together out in the Vietnamese wilderness to survive against the group of actual Vietnamese drug lords.
Then, there are the executives in Hollywood. Steve Coogan is the director who steps on a fatal land mind just after leaving the men alone in the forest. Danny McBride is the special effects guy who loves fire. Nick Nolte plays the guy who writes the book the film is based on, except that the book is all a lie, he was never in Vietnam. Even better are Matthew McConaghey as Tugg's agent and Tom Cruise as the producer. Cruise is unrecognizable but great.
Sure, the film has offensive parts, including the one where Lazarus tells Tugg that the reason he didn't do well in Hollywood was because he went 'full retard' when no one else ever has. Lazarus, of course, is also very offensive playing someone who is African American when he is not, but he also finally finds himself, ripping off his wig and fake mustache and dropping the thick southern accent.
However, the film is also hilarious, and, in an odd sort of way, clever. Stiller should probably direct more because this is a good film and proves that his directing skills are better than his acting skills. Downey, Jr. did receive an Oscar nomination for this film, and though he didn't deserve to win, he still is great playing an Australian, playing an African American.
My problems with the film are slim, though it can be seen as incredibly offensive, but there are no female roles in this film and that is just a shame and some of the fake special effects, with guts spilling out of Kevin's body are just gross. Still, I will probably watch the film again. Grade: B+