Sam,

As much as I had enjoyed Robert Downey Jr. in Ironman and his other works. The thought of a white man doing a role in black face in this day and age totally offensive. And this being a "Frat Pack" film it's no surprise it would be offensive. I will pass on this film. I'm sure there will be other films by Downey that I would gladly see. But I don't waste money or gas on films done by the Hollywood "Frat Pack" of which Ben Stiller is a member.

I can't wait to see this film! It looks hilarious, and frankly, this overly-PC- world needs to have a mirror held to its face, and shown that most of what it has accomplished has made the distinction between the races even broader than it was before, instead of bringing people together with mutual respect and empathy for one another. The goal for political correctness should be that we look at ourselves as not white people, black people, red, or yellow people, we are just PEOPLE. Comedy has always been the best way to deliver a dose of reality.

From having seen the trailer, I wouldn't be surprised if Downey was nominated for the Oscar. I'm already hoping he wins it, too.

If Jamaica is right and Downey is nominated for an Oscar, wouldn't that put him in the same category as Heath Ledger? Wouldn't they both be up for Supporting actor? It would be interesting to see who wins that category!

"As much as I had enjoyed Robert Downey Jr. in Ironman and his other works. The thought of a white man doing a role in black face in this day and age totally offensive."

Paul,

I think his role in this film is making fun of the stereotypes certain races faced in the films of the early 20th century. Example, Mickey Rooney playing a man of Asian decent in "Breakfast at Tiffany's." I don't think you should be offended by it.

What's the difference (when you think about it enough) between Downey's makeup and some of Eddie Murphy's makeup (can't remember the film where EM played a white guy)

What about the Wayans brothers and their movie "White Chicks" a couple years ago???

I have been a fan of Mr. Downey's since my high school days(Less Than Zero). No one is happier to see him succeed after so many years of struggles with drugs and the law. I am looking forward to the upcoming film "Tropic Thunder",simply because it just looks funny. In an age when we are no longer allowed to poke a little fun and have to be PC, I'm looking forward to having some laughs. Those who will not go see this will, in my opinion,miss out on a great performance by RD Jr. And I agree with those who post about Eddie Murphy and the Wayans brothers portrayals of different races in their work, it's just poking fun at ourselves, lighten up and go see a great movie.

Kristina posted:

"I think his role in this film is making fun of the stereotypes certain races faced in the films of the early 20th century. Example, Mickey Rooney playing a man of Asian decent in "Breakfast at Tiffany's." I don't think you should be offended by it."

But I am offended by it Kristina, and I'm not even black. I'm also offended by the fact that Tom Cruise is wearing a "fat suit" in this film. Will all the real overweight middleaged actors who this role could have gone to. This is a major problem with Hollywood and especially with the films the "Frat Pack" come out with. I choose to boycott their films. I do not want my money supporting this kind of trash. When Hollywood starts producing intelligent comedies, then I will go, till then I will pass.

Dan posted:

"What about the Wayans brothers and their movie "White Chicks" a couple years ago???"

Well Dan, didn't see that one either for the same reasons.

Idaho posted:

"What's the difference (when you think about it enough) between Downey's makeup and some of Eddie Murphy's makeup (can't remember the film where EM played a white guy)"

None that I can see. And I boycotted those films as well.

Well, by Paul's logic, "Blazing Saddles" is offensive because of its prominent use of the N-word, in spite of the fact the message film is anti-racist.

Sad to say, but its radically innovative use of language for the purpose of attacking racism would make it impossible to make Blazing Saddles in today's PC world. I find it hard to believe "Tropic Thunder" got green-lighted. Hopefully, it creators made good use of the opportunity they've been given.

Pardon my typo: the first paragraph in the above post should read "...in spite of the fact that the message of the film is anti-racist."

I'm sittin' on the fence until I've seen the movie. And I will see the movie. I love Ben Stiler (Night at the Museum), Jack Black (Nacho Libre), Robert Downey Jr. (almost everything he's done except Gothika).

Tim posted:

"I find it hard to believe "Tropic Thunder" got green-lighted. Hopefully, it creators made good use of the opportunity they've been given."

Well, Tim, I'm not surprised at all it got the green light. Hollywood is now controlled by the very people who made this film. You are right that Blazing Saddles could not be made the same way today, they don't understand the term satire. M*A*S*H could not be made today. It would not surprise me that Hollywood does a remake of Blazing Saddles and it will suck as most of the remakes do. But I would not compared Blazing Saddles to Tropic Thunder. Real thought went into Blazing Saddles where Tropic Thunder is just another cookie cutter Ben Stiller film with no real thought done at all. And that's what Hollywood considers satire. Robert Altman must be spinning. As are all the Will Farrell films, as are all the Owen Wilson films and so on. IMO they are all worthless waste of film stock.

I have also been a Robert Downey Jr. fan for years as well. I actually caught "Less Than Zero" a few weeks ago on AMC or TMC I believe. Unlike a lot of the stars of today who I have NO sympathy for with their abuse problems, I'm glad that Robert has happened upon a lot of good in his life as of late. He genuinely LOOKS really happy and at peace with past issues. More Robert Downey Jr films please!!

Dear Paul,

This is just another movie like many others. Ummm.. actors get payed to play different roles it's their job. Oooh... and Owen Wilson is a great actor I LOVE his movies they are great! O' Paul I do have a ? for you...to you what is an intelligent comedy?

Please do me a favor if you plan to answer my comment don't start off with Eve posted: and so on find something else to start your comments with be creative. LOL :)

Eve,

I know what actors do, having done work in Hollywood myself since the 1970s You ask what an intelligent comedy is. That would be a film that's not set for the mentality of a 13 year old. Films that have adults acting like adults. Films that don't have to use someone defecating on a drum set to get laughs. Hollywood needs to rise the bar, stop having people who have no life experience other than what they have seen on TV growing up or what they done in college, in other words have someone who is older than 35 writing or directing a film. As for Owen Wilson. IMO, I would NEVER consider him "great actor" I would consider him someone very lucky who has gone far on very little talent and the help of his friends.

yeah, all those animated fat people
in WALL-E should have gone
to real people,
shame on you hollywood!!!

To PC or not PC, always use a MAC

botton line is a movie...
people will go see it and laugh no matter what,
I hated white chicks,
but my co-workers thinks is
a masterpiece!!!

If you wanna see it, GO see it
and enjoyed the cinema experience
or do what others who do not want to
pay the ticket prices and download/view it on Youtube

again its a movie it can't be as bad
as the original scifi movies
GO Hoff!! (Anaconda 3)

I'm just laughing at the name
"Tropic Thunder" makes me think it's a parody of the 80's movie "Blue Thunder". Only difference is instead of an helicopter it's a fruit stand.

Different Note

Sam I usually defended most of the skits that are on the morning during your reports but this morning's skit wasn't funny, it was just really stupid.

As for Tropic Thunder since i'm not able to get out much because i've become rather busy i'll wait til the DVD comes out and rent it. It looks funny in the ads so i'd give it a watch.

Sam, are we still forcing skits on the viewers? I thought "major improvements" were coming. oh well (sigh)

At least one improvement has transpired, Sam you wisely took down your post with the vile drudge bloggers y'know the "urgent" memo one. As well as another one. Why?

Well, with this post it is refreshing to see the entertainment reporter write about a movie and one of its stars so that they may be discussed whether good or bad.

How about a skit with Warren in 'black face' portraying a scene from the movie? In any case, comedy is subjective and yes the box office totals will decide what audiences think.

I, for one, appreciate your movie reviews and comments and look forward to more in the future... even if we often disagree.

-m

OK, I can't resist...

Paul posted (!)
"But I would not compared Blazing Saddles to Tropic Thunder. Real thought went into Blazing Saddles where Tropic Thunder is just another cookie cutter Ben Stiller film with no real thought done at all."

I thought you were going to pass on the film. It hasn't been released yet so have you been to a pre-release screening?

Tim,

I have seen enough of the film to see it's just Ben Stiller doing the same character he's done in all his films. He's a one note player. A trait which he seems to share with his other Frat Packers Will and Owen. Which is too bad considering who his parents are.

"But I am offended by it Kristina, and I'm not even black. I'm also offended by the fact that Tom Cruise is wearing a "fat suit" in this film. Will all the real overweight middleaged actors who this role could have gone to. This is a major problem with Hollywood and especially with the films the "Frat Pack" come out with. I choose to boycott their films. I do not want my money supporting this kind of trash. When Hollywood starts producing intelligent comedies, then I will go, till then I will pass."

Paul,

I think you have to see the film before you can make judgments on the film. If you read the reviews, everyone is saying that Downey is great in the role and actually funny. Like I said before, I think it's a play on how society/hollywood portrayed different races in the early 20th Century.

Take "Three Amigos" for example. I'm Hispanic and laughed my butt off. It's fantastic.

I think you may be making mountains out of a mole hill. See the film, then make a decision.

(Sorry for the late response. Been really busy.)

You know what? While we're sort of discussing what bothers people about the choices Hollywood is making. How about the number of Brits using American accents playing roles in American television shows - that could be going to AMERICAN ACTORS!
Has anyone taken a real look at how many roles, are filled by foreign actors speaking in an American accent? Shoot the show "Without a Trace" has at least 3 of it's major characters played by 2 Aussies and a Brit. There are so many roles that could have gone to American Actors. It's unbelievable. If you want to get mad - get mad at how many out of work American Actors there are and the Screen Actors Guild doesn't seem to want to do anything about that! Let's just keep bringing these actors in from overseas since they can sound American! Come on people! Get mad about that!!! (Oh, I feel so much better now!)

Sam, there is a BIG problem with "Tropic Thunder"!!! The film is a slap in the face to all of the people with developmental disabilities and the people who love them. When will the film industry learn that the "R" word is just as bad as every other stereotype in films. They picked on a group this time that can't defend themselves.. Special Olympics and other groups will be holding a rally on Monday 8/11 at the screening.

Thanks for letting me post a comment, Jody