Released in 2008, Tropic Thunder is what happens when Hollywood decides the best way to mock its own ego is to crank it up to deeply unhinged levels. Ben Stiller, Jack Black, and Robert Downey Jr. lead the chaos as pampered actors filming a Vietnam epic who accidentally stumble into a real war zone, forcing them to confront the one thing they fear most: reality. Downey’s Oscar-nominated turn as a method actor who refuses to break character became instant comedy legend, while Brandon T. Jackson, Nick Nolte, and a scene-stealing Tom Cruise pile on the insanity.

It’s bold, hilarious, and merciless in its satire, aiming for fame, ego, and the absurd lengths actors go for “authenticity.” But nearly two decades later, some of its most infamous jokes come with an uncomfortable edge, reminding audiences that satire and offensiveness have always walked a very fine line. Runtime: 1 hour, 47 minutes.

CREDITS

Hosted by: Kristina “Krissie” Rettig & Erin Maxwell

Edited by: Russ Lichter

Theme song by: Spooky Dan