Tropic Thunder

A number of locals expressed their disgust with Ben Stiller's darkly satiric "Tropic Thunder" (above movie image from Dreamworks).

I have no sympathy for them. Nor do I have sympathy for parents of small children who took them to see "The Dark Knight" only to find out how dark the film really was.

"Tropic Thunder" is a classic example of how satire is misinterpreted. The film is meant to be offensive, and it uses extreme situations to take shots at the MOVIE INDUSTRY, not the Vietnam War or mentally challenged people.

Here's one such letter in the GR Press. And here's my posted response to said letter:

While I'm sorry Mr. Ortega didn't like the film's first ten minutes, I have little sympathy for anyone who goes to the movies without checking reviews, etc. in the Press or online. "Tropic Thunder" is clearly advertised as an R-rated film, and it is worthy of that rating. That's the first sign of possible objectionable material.

Mr. Ortega is incorrect in writing that the film takes place during the Vietnam War; it is a film about making a film set in Vietnam. That's the whole point of "Tropic Thunder" - it is a satiric look at film making, taking broad shots at actors, writers, directors, agents, and producers. It is full of dark humor as well. I found myself laughing at some scenes that, if they'd happened in real life, I wouldn't find the least bit funny. But gallows humor is often a cathartic experience, too.

"Tropic Thunder" is not for everyone - no movie is. But just like the parents who complained a few weeks ago about the violence in "The Dark Knight", Mr. Ortega and every moviegoer has the tools to determine ahead of time if a film might be suitable to his or her taste. If they don't use them, they have no one to blame but themselves.