"Tropic Thunder" is a 2008 American action comedy film directed by Ben Stiller, who also stars in the film alongside an ensemble cast including Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr., Jay Baruchel, Brandon T. Jackson, and Tom Cruise. The movie satirizes the film industry and the making of war movies.
In "Tropic Thunder," a group of self-absorbed actors are filming a big-budget Vietnam War movie. When the production runs into trouble, the director decides to drop the actors into a real jungle, hoping to capture more authentic performances. However, they soon find themselves in the middle of a real conflict with a drug cartel.
The cast includes Tugg Speedman (played by Ben Stiller), a fading action star desperate for a comeback; Kirk Lazarus (played by Robert Downey Jr.), a method actor who undergoes controversial pigmentation surgery to play an African American soldier; and Jeff Portnoy (played by Jack Black), a drug-addicted comedian known for his flatulent characters.
As the actors struggle to survive in the jungle, they must confront their own egos and insecurities while navigating the dangers of the environment and the threats posed by the drug cartel.
"Tropic Thunder" received critical acclaim for its sharp humor, clever satire, and memorable performances, particularly Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of Kirk Lazarus. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $188 million worldwide. It remains a beloved comedy classic and is celebrated for its irreverent take on Hollywood and the movie-making process.