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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 66.30.47.138 (talk) at 22:17, 12 July 2021 (→Three Amigos). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Featured articleTropic Thunder is a featured article; it (or a previous version of it) has been identified as one of the best articles produced by the Wikipedia community. Even so, if you can update or improve it, please do so.
Main Page trophyThis article appeared on Wikipedia's Main Page as Today's featured article on August 13, 2011.
Article milestones
DateProcessResult
October 4, 2008Good article nomineeListed
January 27, 2009WikiProject A-class reviewApproved
November 3, 2009Featured article candidatePromoted
Current status: Featured article

Citations

  • Tony Horkins (2008-03-13). "Exclusive: Stiller Talks Tropic Thunder". Empire. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  • Michael Fleming (2003-11-18). "Cohen stays atop Hill". Variety. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  • Michael Fleming; Nicole Laporte (2004-12-08). "D'works stacks Stiller". Variety. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  • Nicole Laporte (2005-01-18). "DreamWorks taps production exec". Variety. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  • Cathy Dunkley; Nicole Laporte (2005-01-31). "On the Olympic team". Variety. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

Wildroot (talk) 20:44, 18 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Headlines; apologies if there are any redundancies. —Erik (talk • contrib) - 17:39, 1 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Headlines. —Erik (talk • contrib) - 14:03, 30 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Unsourced material

We need to start seeing some citations for all of the statements made w/o sources. I'll give it one or two weeks and then I will begin removing information. Thanks. will381796 (talk) 00:18, 11 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Outrage?

The main article says that some people have expressed outrage over Downey Jr.'s role in the film, but the article that it uses as a source doesn't say anything about people being outraged. Am I missing something, or was that just a dummy reference put in to justify having an unsubstantiated claim in the article?Tracer Bullet (talk) 08:14, 30 April 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I noticed that before reading your message, and as the reference didn't say anything about any "outrage", I removed the claim - it (rather lazily) asserts the role is controversial without saying why, or showing any evidence of any outrage. Neıl ☎ 11:36, 12 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Kirk Lazarus != Robert Downey, Jr

Robert Downey, Jr.'s role was originally written for a black actor, but was re-cast and re-written for Downey (thus calling for the blackface part of the plotline).

Is this correct? My understanding from the cited sources is that Robert Downey, Jr is *playing a character*, Kirk Lazarus, of whom this is true. In the movie, the character Sgt. Osiris (in the move within this movie) was originally written for a black actor and is being played, in stead, by Kirk Lazarus. Kirk Lazarus is played by Robert Downey Jr.

I would have made the change to the article, but suppose both of these could be true. In this case, the above excerpt needs a cite.Originalname37 (talk) 15:17, 28 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Looks like it's fixed now. Thanks 92.12.255.219, wherever you are.Originalname37 (talk) 15:03, 18 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Tom Cruise Reverts

To whoever keeps trying to take out the section on the Tom Cruise controversy, please stop. It isn't Wikipedia's job to keep spoilers from people. Rather, it's to compile notable facts. People read these pages with the risk of spoilers in mind, and this is no different. Thanks. Rwiggum (Talk/Contrib) 17:45, 9 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Is there anyway the information can be left but add a spoiler alert? Does Wikipedia allow use of spoiler alerts? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 209.240.206.200 (talk) 05:01, 27 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Wikipedia used to use spoiler alerts but a community discussion a while back decided against using them. As Wikipedia is not censored, readers must take caution when reading about articles to avoid spoilers. --Nehrams2020 (talk) 07:15, 27 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Rain of Madness

There should be some information about the parody of Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse that goes along with this film.

--67.188.90.35 (talk) 00:59, 10 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

In Rainbow Six vegas 2

I was playing Rainbow Six vegas 2 today and saw a tropic thunder poster on one of the maps. earlier that day the game had to update. should we add this in the promotion section? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 66.31.98.224 (talk) 18:38, 5 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

E True Hollywood Story

I was going through the channels today, and found an E True Hollywood Story about the characters. Shouldn't there be a mention of this? Moocowsrule (talk) 08:20, 9 August 2008 (UTC)Moocowsrule[reply]

There is a brief mention in the appearances section. I DVR'd it (since it conflicted with the opening ceremonies of the Olympics), and enjoyed it quite a bit. The marketing for this film is getting to be really interesting. --Nehrams2020 (talk) 11:35, 9 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Alpa Chino

I just realized this and wondering if anybody realized and have sources on this so it can go in the article. I finally realized that Alpa Chino's a play on Al Pachino. Yah, it took me awhile but was wondering if somebody can get a source and put it in so idiots like me can learn so. -Randalllin (talk) 05:23, 11 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

(I believe you mean Al Pacino) I realized it when it was first added to the cast section several months back and I actually had removed it from the article since I thought it was vandalism. I don't think that we need a source or need to mention it unless there is a significant mention in an outside source. --Nehrams2020 (talk) 05:35, 11 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I don't know if there are any citations, but Alpa Chino is a cross between rappers Nelly and R. Kelly. Should that be noted? "I Love tha Pussy" sounds a lot like Nelly and they did a stab at R. Kelly in the opening scene of the movie after the scene between Tugg Speedman and Kirk Lazarus..."Hell nah, I didn't pee on that girl."

We'd need reliable sources to state that to include it. We don't want to risk original research. I really enjoyed that line though and instantly thought of the reference. --Nehrams2020 (talk) 07:40, 17 April 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Intellectual disabilities

I also recommend that the patriciaebauer.com references be replaced. While it seems authoritative enough, it is still bloggish in nature, and looking at Google News Search, there are plenty of reliable sources to use: USA Today, Associated Press (use this before it expires), New York Times, New York Times again, Market Watch (AAPD press release), BBC, Los Angeles Times, and MTV. —Erik (talk • contrib) - 14:04, 12 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Wow, I went to sleep and when I woke up this article exploded with edits! I was initially using those sources as a base for finding new ones to replace them (I've been monitoring Google News daily and sometimes hourly), as I was sure there would continue to be more coverage as we neared the release of the film. I'll work on implementing those today. Thanks for saving time in my search. --Nehrams2020 (talk) 20:35, 12 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I changed most uses of the term "intellectual disability" to "mental retardation" because the later is the term used in the Wikipedia article on the subject. It is also far more common in actual English usage. The former is only political correctness used by a small percentage of the public. --JHP (talk) 01:37, 14 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I had reworded it to include both, but I agree with the edits you made. It is a touchy section, but I liked the way you have phrased it. --Nehrams2020 (talk) 03:21, 14 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Tom Cruise Cameo

"Paparazzi have ruined what should have been a fun discovery for moviegoers." And now wikipedia has spoiled it for those of us who didn't see the paparazzi pics. Should the section be included? tharsaile (talk) 19:23, 12 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

It is best to remember that Wikipedia is not censored and that there may be spoilers before the film comes out, so it is best to avoid the article prior to the film's release. I'm sorry you found out here about the cameo, but of the dozens of news articles I have read over the last few days the majority of them mention the cameo as well, so I don't think we're making it any more available as it already is. I have already seen the film and could include the plot, but I still consider that too much of a spoiler myself and will wait to add it when I see it a second time. --Nehrams2020 (talk) 20:35, 12 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

On another note, is this really a cameo? I was under the impression that it is only called a cameo if the celebrity plays themselves. He is clearly not playing himself in the movie.12.24.60.12 (talk) 20:33, 15 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

It doesn't have to be playing himself to be considered a cameo - Hitchcock did "cameos" by just walking past the camera. I think it includes simple uncredited appearances. But I agree that his role here is not a cameo.139.48.25.61 (talk) 17:46, 20 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Simple questions rarely have simple answers; for more info on "cameos" see the: article on cameo appearances.

--TMH (talk) 22:39, 31 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Cruise's role is a substantial supporting role, fully credited, as a fictional character. I don't see how it can be considered a cameo by any definition.Ordinary Person (talk) 09:21, 10 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Alpa Chino ad before fake trailers

There is a fake ad hawking Alpa Chino's energy drink and power bar before the fake trailers mentioned in the summary. I don't remember the names of the products or I would add it in. Anyone else care to? ~ 67.221.68.114 (talk) 14:32, 13 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Gaping Hole

Has anyone else noticed the gaping hole in this article, there is absolutely no plot section. This should be added, especially after the film is no resealed.→041744 00:53, 14 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

What? Where did the plot go?! Just kidding, I'm actually surprised myself that nobody has added one. I saw the film a few weeks ago but was laughing to hard to remember all of the plot details. I'll be seeing it again in the next day or three and will add one if nobody else does. If you've seen it, feel free to add one. --Nehrams2020 (talk) 03:21, 14 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Aright, i majorly expanded the section, incuded most major details, anything else missing feel free to add it. →041744 17:13, 14 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Movies/08/12/shriver.thunder/index.html

http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Movies/08/12/shriver.thunder/index.html 165.125.144.16 (talk) 15:22, 14 August 2008 (UTC)Neil[reply]

http://www.ndsccenter.org/news/tropic_thunder_boycott.php

http://www.ndsccenter.org/news/tropic_thunder_boycott.php 165.125.144.16 (talk) 15:25, 14 August 2008 (UTC)Neil[reply]

Synopsis

Is it just me or is the synopsis more like a novelization of the movie? I can't really put my finger on what's wrong with it, but it just doesn't read right... Anyone else think that? --Buddy13 (talk) 17:49, 14 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Blackface

How come this article doesn't mention it? Auto Racing Fan (talk) 16:43, 15 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I'm sure you're asking rhetorically, because I'm sure that when you read the article you saw the "casting" section where it was discussed. Perhaps you meant to ask a different question? SpikeJones (talk) 17:14, 15 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]
No need for the sarcasm, Spike. :P Auto Racing Fan, we have information about Downey's role in the "Casting" section. Have you read it, and do you think it is missing any particular detail? —Erik (talk • contrib) - 17:16, 15 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Seems like it should be moved or added to the controversy section, since I heard considerably more about Downey in blackface in the media than people complaining about the "retard" word and description use. --Kickstart70TC 21:39, 11 November 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I see it now. Isn't somebody going to welcome me to Wikipedia? Don't newcomers always get a welcome? Auto Racing Fan (talk) 20:54, 15 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Asian characters in Tropic Thunder- not Vietnamese

At some point in time during the movie, the characters realize that they might not be in Vietnam anymore. Rather, they are probably in Laos or some other part of the Golden Triangle, where poppies are grown to extract opium and subsequently, manufacture heroin. The characters do NOT speak Vietnamese and Robert Downey Jr.'s character tells his fellow actors that he will speak to them in Chinese (Mandarin?). It may be a good idea to change the TROPIC THUNDER Wikipedia article to reflect that.

Thank you 71.63.219.184 (talk) 04:48, 16 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, the fact that they are no longer in Vietnam is surprisingly true. The language the gang speaks is actually Mandarin, so I believe a change should be added in order to assert the fact that they are no longer in Vietnam. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 75.18.215.100 (talk) 19:31, 15 November 2008 (UTC)[reply]

If we were to assume that the movie was intended to be consistent and thoroughly researched (rather than a somewhat fantastic comedy) then the presence of a giant panda would mean it had to be set in the highlands of China.Ordinary Person (talk) 10:30, 10 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Title reference

Is the title of this film a reference to the ||25th Infantry Division (United States)||, nicknamed "Tropic Lightning", because of the 25th's service in Vietnam? Or is it just a coincidence?

Tomdidiot 19:49, 16 August 2008 (UTC)

Unprotect

Please unprotect the article; I would like to contribute.—Preceding unsigned comment added by A dude playing a dude dressed as another dude (talk • contribs)

Hi, the reason it was semi-protected was due to persistent vandalism from anonymous users. The article will be unprotected on August 22, but it allows "established" editors to make amendments until then. If you have any changes you would like to make until then, list them here and I will be more than happy to help with their inclusion. Alternatively, your account will be "autoconfirmed" when it is four days old and you have made ten or more edits, at which time you will be allowed to make the changes yourself. All the best, Steve T • C 13:13, 18 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Stiller and Empire of the Sun

The following reads to me as if Ben Stiller produced/directed Empire of the Sun rather than acted in it: Stiller initially had the idea for the film while shooting Empire of the Sun... I think this should be cleaned up with better English.KMcD (talk) 15:36, 19 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

It mentions in the filming section that he had a small part in the film, but I mentioned it in the intro as well to alleviate any confusion. --Nehrams2020 (talk) 18:03, 19 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

"Satan's Alley" = Nod to "Wonder Boys"

I notice an edit that noted that the faux trailer for Satan's Alley being a nod to the movie Wonder Boys was reverted for sources. The reverted edit was, in fact, accurate, although it could use more explanation. With permission, I'd like to change the addition from:

[...]as well as a reference to the movie Wonder Boys.

to:

[...]as well as a nod to the movie Wonder Boys, where the characters portrayed by Robert Downey, Jr. and Tobey Maguire had a one-night stand in Professor Grady Tripp's house.

If I get no objection, I'll be adding the text early next week. Scarletsmith (talk) 07:27, 28 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

We want to avoid having original research, so if you can find a source(s) backing this up, I see no reason not to include it. Before changing, mention the source(s) here first. --Nehrams2020 (talk) 10:50, 28 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Found this, from MediaBlvd.com, an online celeb/entertainment mag. Money quote here:
MediaBlvd> Did it take a lot of convincing to get Tobey Maguire to do the trailer at the beginning of the film with you?
Robert (Downey, Jr.)> I was amazed that he agreed to do it. It was a bit of a karmic pay-off, for he and I in Wonder Boys. It’s subtle. On the day, I thought, “He is so still, so funny, thinking such marvelously homosexual thoughts, and holding space.” He is literally a f--king fantastic actor! He didn’t do anything all day long. He came in and he was quiet, but he was so right in his lascivious gay acting. Suddenly, he was grabbing my prayer beads, and I was like “This is so awful!” Then, I thought, “Don’t think about that, just be more gay to him!” It was really funny.
Not OR, not fandom, an actual interview with RDJ describing the Satan's Alley trailer as "karmic pay off" for Wonder Boys, albeit "subtle". I'd call that a "nod" to Wonder Boys, personally.
Again, if no further objection, I'll be changing the section on the faux trailer for Satan's Alley to add the nod to Wonder Boys using this interview as source probably on Labor Day. Scarletsmith (talk) 06:03, 29 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

The Satan's Alley trailer is in fact an almost direct parody if the trailer to a 1988 film called 'Stealing Heaven'. The trailer ends with the deep-voiced voiceover man intoning "bless them, father, for they... have loved." However I dare not edit the article to point out this fact.220.244.196.1 (talk) 16:39, 17 May 2016 (UTC)[reply]

Just saw Tropic Thunder again and thought of the same point. I still believe a mention of 'Stealing Heaven' is worth a mention. The trailer even ends with the voiceover man earnestly intoning 'Forgive them, Father... for they... have loved!'. here is a link to the trailer... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYM1idnIr6gRobbmonster (talk) 10:19, 5 November 2018 (UTC)[reply]

Marketing and Promotion of this film

As the film has a large and robust marketing campaign it would be nice to have specific instances of the varied marketing tactics employed rather than a throw-away paragraph that says, "they did a lot of creative, unusual, and interesting things to promote this movie." Give us specifics! Please. --TMH (talk) 23:16, 31 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Could you please specify, because I can't find the throw-away paragraph anywhere with the quoted sentence you mentioned? Take a look at the promotion section for more information. Happy editing! --Nehrams2020 (talk) 23:54, 31 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

GAN

I have nominated the article at GAN. Thank you to all who helped in improving this article and reverting vandalism. --Nehrams2020 (talk) 00:25, 2 September 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Jeff Portnoy based off Chris Farley

Anyone watch comedy central's special on Tropic Thunder? Jack Black said his character was written as a Chris Farley-type actor, if he had lived so he channeled Chris in his performance for the movie. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 72.19.116.117 (talk) 02:50, 3 September 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Also... Is a section which refers to all OFFICIAL nods to other films/actors appropriate here? When Ben Stiller is removing his Simple Jack make up and wig it is a clear nod to the beginning of Chaplin; which Downey Jr starred in --hubare (talk) 08:57, 23 September 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Another thing is Simple Jack looks EXACTLY like the character played by Robert Joy in an obscure 80's flick called 'Big Shots'. Sadly I can find no citation, or even a clear picture to make comparison.Robbmonster (talk) 10:24, 5 November 2018 (UTC)[reply]

GA Review

This review is transcluded from Talk:Tropic Thunder/GA1. The edit link for this section can be used to add comments to the review.

The article's looking very good - definitely not far away from becoming a GA. Just a few little comments:

  • The film had a large marketing promotion, including showing numerous screenings, selling the fictional energy drink advertised in the film, and posting faux websites for the characters, films, and products shown in Tropic Thunder - just seems kind of odd that the sentence begins with "the film" but ends with "Tropic Thunder".
I did that because of the "films" included in the list before it sounded redundant. I modified it a bit, but if you can think of a better alternative, I'm welcome to any suggestions. --Nehrams2020 (talk) 18:57, 2 October 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Looks good as is. —97198 (talk) 09:46, 3 October 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • received generally positive reviews with 83% and 71% approval ratings according the review aggregator websites Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic - this makes it sound as if RT and Metacritic are doing the same job, which they're not. RT calculates the percentage of positive reviews, while Meta calculates the average score of reviews.
That is described in the reviews section, would you like me to modify it here as well? --Nehrams2020 (talk) 18:57, 2 October 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Maybe just briefly state in the lead something along the lines of "... with 83% of reviews positive and an average normalized score of 71% according to..." - how does that sound to you? —97198 (talk) 09:46, 3 October 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Changed as suggested. --Nehrams2020 (talk) 18:51, 3 October 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • Unbeknownst to the actors, they were dropped - tense should never be past when writing about fiction. "Are" or "had been".
Nice catch, changed to "are". --Nehrams2020 (talk) 18:57, 2 October 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • Spell out DEA, POW and RPG on first occurrences.
Fixed. --Nehrams2020 (talk) 18:57, 2 October 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • After Lazarus and Sandusky discover that the Speedman is leading them - is "the Speedman" correct?
Fixed. --Nehrams2020 (talk) 18:57, 2 October 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • term in Speedman's contract that entitles him a TiVo on location - "entitles him to", maybe?
Fixed. --Nehrams2020 (talk) 18:57, 2 October 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • We need some consistency between first names and surnames - in the same paragraph, "Kirk" will go to "Lazarus". Just sweep through and make sure either all the characters are referred to by surname or all by first name.
I believe I caught them all. --Nehrams2020 (talk) 02:42, 3 October 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • During the filming of Vietnam veteran "Four Leaf" Tayback's (Nick Nolte) memoir - are we missing a "John" that's included in the cast/character list?
Fixed. --Nehrams2020 (talk) 18:57, 2 October 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • How about "Cody Underwood"'s full name in the plot section?
Fixed. --Nehrams2020 (talk) 18:57, 2 October 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • Downey said on CBS's The Early Show - link station and show.
Wikilinked. --Nehrams2020 (talk) 02:42, 3 October 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • Link fat suit on first instance under casting not Cruise's section.
Fixed. --Nehrams2020 (talk) 18:57, 2 October 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • I personally wouldn't classify "Premiere and release date" as part of a film's production. And I'm sure you're very familiar with it, but maybe check out WP:MOSFILM ;)
Good idea, I added it to the beginning of the new "Release" section. --Nehrams2020 (talk) 02:42, 3 October 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • "see related section below" is a dead link.
Fixed. --Nehrams2020 (talk) 18:57, 2 October 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  • there were no protests present - seems to make more sense as "no protestors present" or "no protests held". IMO, anyway.
Changed to "no protests held". --Nehrams2020 (talk) 18:57, 2 October 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Otherwise, looking great. The GAN will be on hold for a week so good luck with making changes in that time! —97198 (talk) 13:47, 1 October 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Nice work. Looks like a GA to me! —97198 (talk) 13:47, 4 October 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Satan's Alley Not Medieval

To be anal for the heck of it:

Wiki page: "The final trailer, entitled Satan's Alley, features Kirk Lazarus and Tobey Maguire (cameoing as himself) as two gay medieval priests ..."

Faux Movie Site: "Award winner Kirk Lazarus paints another stark and moving portrait in his depiction of pastor Father O'Malley, the shamed priest who has committed the ultimate sin. Set against the backdrop of Eighteenth century Ireland, young O'Malley is banished from Belfast, after it is discovered that he has "Sinned the sin that dare not speak its name".

Hollywood Parallels

I know this is going into the category of original research, but who else found the similarities with Robert Downey, Jr.'s character to be that of Daniel Day-Lewis and Russell Crowe. The director Damien Cockburn, played by Steve Coogan, kind of reminded my of Sam Mendes. I think it's just me. Wildroot (talk) 20:59, 28 November 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Downey claims he modeled Lazarus on "sadly, my sorry-ass self", but the look and accent (especially in Lazarus' "interviews") is pretty clearly intended to evoke Russell Crowe. Scarletsmith (talk) 09:49, 10 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]
Take a look at this interview. --Nehrams2020 (talk) 11:18, 10 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]
I love that interview, actually. His FIRST interviews on TV (CBS Early Show, for example), he refused to say who it really was and said, "Sadly, my sorry-ass self." Check the link in the article to the YouTube interview. But yeah, I can go with Colin Farrell. Scarletsmith (talk) 13:15, 11 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]
At a press conference, RDjr said "In 'Tropic Thunder' I play a guy named Kirk Lazarus, who I fashioned after Russell Crowe, Daniel Day-Lewis with a little Colin Farrell in there, those three guys or one guy are playing an African-American army sergeant in a very important Vietnam movie."[3]Ordinary Person (talk) 05:30, 12 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

You're not dreaming about the link between Kirk Lazarus and Russell Crowe. In an interview Robert DJ openly acknowledges that Crowe was one of the inspirations behind the character:

http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news/44878/robert-downey-jr-interview-im-on-fire

ENTERTAINMENTWISE: You’re character Kirk Lazarus (who spends most of the film in-character as Sgt. Osiris) is very reminiscent of a lot of Hollywood’s more serious actors. Was there anyone specifically in mind when you were developing the part?
ROBERT DOWNEY JR.: Well I’ve got people I admire. I think Oriris came out of a phoner I had with Ben while I was shooting Iron Man, he just rang up to make sure I was working on my character. So I spoke in Osiris’ voice and he was laughing and said “that’s really funny.” As for Kirk Lazarus, I like Colin Farrell, Daniel Day-Lewis, Russell Crowe… It’s sort of an amalgam, it’s an alloy of those guys.

Colin Farrell? Daniel Day-Lewis? Maybe those guys are in there but personally I think RDJ just mentioned those names to play down the resemblance between Crowe and Lazarus. The Lazarus character isn't pure Russell Crowe but he's still the name everyone automatically thinks of when they see Lazarus on screen.

Speedman (Stiller's character) is an obvious reference to Kurt Russell. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 128.227.143.86 (talk) 17:21, 20 April 2012 (UTC)[reply]

I remember reading - but I have no idea where - that Downey in fact based his accent on his old friend Mel Gibson. But I have no citation for this.220.244.196.1 (talk) 16:42, 17 May 2016 (UTC)[reply]

writer/director abandoning?

Seems that the director getting decapitated is a little more than just abandoning the movie. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 12.47.15.38 (talk) 20:35, 8 December 2008 (UTC)[reply]

More information

Whipp, Glenn (August 10, 2008). "War Games: It was jungle fever of a different kind for Tropic Thunder troops". Daily News of Los Angeles. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)

  • "Justin Theroux (co-writer): 'DVD war movie commentaries proved to be a great source of material. These guys would literally compare making the movie to going to war. Some actor would say, "The director is the sergeant, and we're just the grunts." No. You're actors. Nobody's going to (bleeping) die while you're making this movie.'"
  • "Co-writer Etan Cohen came up with the movie's most shocking gamble -- an Australian Method actor so committed (and certifiable) that he dyes his skin black for a part and then doesn't break character 'until after the DVD commentary.' Stiller (director, co-writer and pampered action superstar Tugg Speedman): 'My first thought was nobody would accept that. Then it was: Who could do it? It was a short list. It had to be a guy who you bought as the real deal. At that point in time, Robert was this bargain-basement steal of an actor.'"
  • "Tropic Thunder has been said to be the most expensive comedy ever made. The battle scenes ran up costs, as did Stiller's Kubrick-like penchant for perfectionism... Nick Nolte (grizzled Vietnam vet John 'Four Leaf' Tayback, whose autobiography inspired the film): 'Ben's not going to let a scene go by easy. He's going to explore it. You'd better be prepared. You're going to think, your fifth and sixth take, you've got it nailed. No. Ben's going to go on much further ... until it's flat exhausted.' Downey: 'He's not mean-spirited. He's not one of those guys that you hear about. ... But he is obsessed with the idea of delivering the best product he can.'"
  • "Cruise has a funny cameo as a bald, profane and very angry studio executive. It is said to have been inspired by his dealings with Sumner Redstone, the chairman of Viacom, Paramount's parent company, among others. Stiller: 'I sent the script to Tom. I was thinking maybe he could play the agent, but he suggested that it would be interesting if there was a studio head. I thought it was a great idea because we needed to explain why nobody was looking for these guys.'"

Hope these quotes are useful. —Erik (talk • contrib) 01:45, 10 December 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Faux trailers

I was surprised to see this removed again without discussing it first on the talk page, but no big deal. Initially a stand-alone section existed focusing on the details of the faux trailers, including the plot. At the recommendations of several editors in the article's current A-class review, it was recommended that the information be split up, with the plot information going to the plot section, and the casting/production information to their respective sections. There is only a brief paragraph, one sentence for each trailer. The trailers were commented on by a number of critics, provide an introduction to the characters, and the production information alludes to the trailers and without briefly explaining the trailers, the reader does not know what is being referred to. For those that would prefer the removal of the plot information, would it be best to go back to its own stand-alone section? Referring to Grindhouse, which also had faux trailers, the information is located in a separate section. This article took a different route by combining the information in the plot for better flow. Let me know what you think. Happy editing! --Nehrams2020 (talk) 22:38, 24 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

I did not see anything in either the A-Class Review or in the Grindhouse article that shows that the faux trailers info should be incorporated into the main plot. Similarly, the Westworld article doesn't include the Delos "commercial" from the film, as the commercial is also inconsequential to understanding the plot. Nor do we include "fake outtakes / comedic outtakes" in plot descriptions as seen in A Bug's Life or There's Something About Mary as they too are not vital to the plot. Nothing wrong with a separate faux trailer section, as that has to do with the production of the film. SpikeJones (talk) 22:59, 24 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]
In the A-class review, it's mentioned in the comments by Girolamo Savonarola to incorporate it into the main plot. I was pointing out for the Grindhouse article that it was in a separate section, suggesting that as an alternative. Since there is no guideline on this (not too many films have done this obviously), we had figured it would have been best to include the information in the plot section. Of course we don't include outtakes because that has nothing to do with the plot. I don't think we'd want to ignore the trailers, which differ from the outtakes. So do you favor having all of the information in one faux trailers section again instead of having it split up? --Nehrams2020 (talk) 23:11, 24 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]
I favor keeping the plot as concise as possible. The trailers, while amusing, do not advance the plot. The film can survive without them. As such, they do not need to be mentioned as part of the film's plot. As I said earlier, nothing wrong with a separate faux trailer section under production. SpikeJones (talk) 00:03, 25 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]
Thanks for the quick reply. I've asked Girolamo to comment here since he initially suggested it be split. --Nehrams2020 (talk) 10:21, 25 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]
I don't think that divorcing them from the plot is prudent. That said, I'm indifferent towards their inclusion period, and I see where Spike is coming from. A film like Starship Troopers probably warrants discussing the "do you want to know more" sections, since it is central to the cultural criticism and thematic structure of the film. The trailers here, while entertaining, don't really do much except introduce the characters - it has no bearing on the film as a whole. Girolamo Savonarola (talk) 10:35, 26 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]
Commenting on your Starship Troopers item, I would not include the "do you want to know more" portions in the plot, but in a section about commentary or production design in a manner as you suggested. SpikeJones (talk) 13:40, 26 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

I moved mentions about the trailers to the cast section. I decided against re-creating the stand-alone section, as I don't think there is any great place to put it. Instead, I have briefly mentioned the trailers in the cast, expanding on what was already there. I have also updated the plot to readd the actors' names since that wasn't updated with the removal of the content. --Nehrams2020 (talk) 01:36, 27 January 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Mistakes

I just took some stuff out that was really wrong. I see that there is a list of citations below, and maybe that was in response to the post "Unsourced Material" beneath that, but in any event those citations should be footnoted to whatever they are supposed to support in the main article.

I don't remember anything about the fake trailer about homosexuality being set in the 18th century or in Ireland. Maybe it was in the commentary, which I didn't watch, so I didn't edit this out. Somebody should check it out and if it's unsupported, remove it.

Sometimes Alpha Chino is pronounced Alpa Chino in the movie, but they clearly show it spelled "Alpha" during the Bust A Nut commercial at the beginning of the movie, so I changed it.

It was written in a previous version that Osiris spoke "jive." I think it's more accurate to say he speaks Black English. Also, jive can have a derogatory connotation. Sometimes jive is speaking inaccurately just for fun without too much of an expectation of being taken seriously, sort of like telling tall tales. Other times when people say "jive," what they are talking about is attempts to scam or swindle people. So I think referring to Black English in general as jive is inaccurate and can sound really derogatory.

Based on the above and on what I've seen of other Wikipedia articles, I expect there are other mistakes in this article (I didn't read the whole thing) so somebody who knows the movie should check the article over. 173.3.104.127 (talk) 21:06, 5 March 2009 (UTC)Swan[reply]

I don't know what "really wrong" stuff you see. The details about the faux trailer are covered in the two sources following the sentence. I just checked the Blu-ray version, and the Bust-A-Nut commercial clearly shows "Alpa" (not "Alpha") so I changed it back (numerous sources also reflect this spelling). Looking at the African American Vernacular English article, jive is used, but I think that Black English would probably be better alternative. So altogether, there weren't any major mistakes, but please do take another look throughout the article to see if you spot anything else out of the ordinary. The article could always welcome another look-over. Happy editing! --Nehrams2020 (talk) 23:48, 5 March 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Merge Sergeant Lincoln Osiris

SgtLOsiris (talk · contribs) just created this character fork, and I don't think it warrants its own page, so opening a merge discussion.... MickMacNee (talk) 19:53, 22 May 2009 (UTC)[reply]

The user who created the page has not made any more edits, and after a week, no objects have been raised, so I have redirected the page to this one. --Happy editing! Nehrams2020 (talk • contrib) 01:14, 30 May 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Nick Nolte

Can someone mention Nick Nolte in the cast section? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 72.28.188.16 (talk) 02:00, 8 June 2009 (UTC)[reply]

He is listed there, the sixth one down. --Happy editing! Nehrams2020 (talk • contrib) 02:47, 8 June 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Cameos

Tom Hanks and Sean Pean were listed in the cameo section as appearing in the film. Although they don't act in the film, they appear in images for the award ceremony (at 1:21:15 on the Blu-ray). If the images were just random images of the two actors, it probably shouldn't be mentioned, but they are in images specifically made for the film (Hanks in a wheelchair and Sean Peen portraying a blind man). As for the Christopher Meloni and The Mooney Suzuki cameos, I'm not sure on those, does anyone know where they appear in the film (if at all)? I only have the director's cut, so it's possible it's on the regular theatrical version. --Happy editing! Nehrams2020 (talk • contrib) 21:10, 12 September 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Language

Despite what is attempted to be portrayed, none of the characters actually speak Vietnamese; the language spoken is a mix of faux-gibberish with Chinese. -- 李博杰  | —Talk contribs email 11:10, 4 October 2009 (UTC)[reply]

That's pretty apparent in the film. I didn't see anything in the article stating the characters were speaking Vietnamese. Is there something that appears that way? --Happy editing! Nehrams2020 (talk • contrib) 22:41, 4 October 2009 (UTC)[reply]

References to use

References to use. Erik (talk | contribs) 15:03, 19 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Cast and Casting

So I noticed we have a cast and casting section in this article, which seems a little redundant. Is there anyone in the cast section not mentioned in the prose? Figured I'd ask before I just up and removed the redundant section (cast) while moving any relevant text to be merged with the prose. Thoughts? Millahnna (talk) 04:47, 28 August 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Looking over the cast section, it covers a brief mention on the characters (although some look like they could be cropped), and casting covers the actual selection of the actors and their preparation for the role. I don't think they would be considered redundant as they cover different details and each are not as comprehensive as the other. I'm definitely up for seeing the cast bios being cropped though. --Happy editing! Nehrams2020 (talk • contrib) 21:47, 29 August 2010 (UTC)[reply]

The Plot/Synopsis Section

A few moments ago, there was a plot/synopsis section, complete with misspellings, inappropriate abbreviations ("Cockburn" to "Cock"), and obvious vandalism (the director was having trouble controlling the actors during a big ejaculation scene, for example). While I'm not sad to see that stuff gone, there is currently no plot section... unless it's been put back up.

This doesn't make much sense, seeing as how most movie articles include a synopsis section. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Barlitone (talk • contribs) 02:32, 13 August 2011 (UTC)[reply]

It's been corrected, and the section readded. You should be able to see it if you reload your page. --Happy editing! Nehrams2020 (talk • contrib) 02:33, 13 August 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Soundtrack

I noticed that sub-articles for the film score and the film soundtrack were created that copied the same content from the "Music" section of this article. It was done in an attempt to preserve non-free cover images that were rejected from use in the album infoboxes in this article. I've redirected the sub-articles back here. Any content about either album can be covered in the "Music" section; a separate article needs to be evidenced per WP:NALBUMS. Erik (talk | contribs) 17:32, 24 August 2011 (UTC)[reply]

"closeted rapper Alpa Chino"

At first I read this to mean that he didn't publicly disclose that he was a rapper :) Spazquest (talk) 19:33, 3 October 2017 (UTC)[reply]

Release date

The movie's release date must have been August 15, 2008, right? — Preceding unsigned comment added by Clrichey (talk • contribs) 05:08, 20 November 2018 (UTC)[reply]

Box office

In the Infobox, the box office is given as "$195.7 million" yet the article opening and the xx section and the reference all mention the same figure of just over $188 million (but not over $189 million).

So where does the unreferenced and undocumented figure of "$195.7" come from?

Or am I missing something? 2600:8800:784:8F00:C23F:D5FF:FEC4:D51D (talk) 04:05, 5 March 2020 (UTC)[reply]

For some bizarre reason, the citation to Box Office Mojo is using an archived version. The latest version of BOM's page says 195.7 million. NinjaRobotPirate (talk) 02:57, 6 March 2020 (UTC)[reply]

Damien kirk burn

The death of Damien is unclear since the movie receives the award in the end Tiyahshandoo (talk) 08:43, 21 August 2020 (UTC)[reply]

Three Amigos

shouldn't mention be made of this 1986 film which it largely ripped off? 66.30.47.138 (talk) 18:03, 12 July 2021 (UTC)[reply]

If there are no sources for that claim, no. (CC) Tbhotch™ 18:38, 12 July 2021 (UTC)[reply]
there are a zillion sources for that "claim", incl the amigos ppl themselves moaning abt being ripped off.
i don't like the term "ripped off" -- perhaps we should take the high road and just label it a "loose remake"? 66.30.47.138 (talk) 19:09, 12 July 2021 (UTC)[reply]
"there are a zillion sources for that "claim"" [which?]. It's a simple request. (CC) Tbhotch™ 19:31, 12 July 2021 (UTC)[reply]
"which claim"?! YOU'RE the one who ambiguously slapped it on there -- i just followed suit. nor does "it's a simple request" seem to APPLY to anything, semantically.
i GUESS u are asking me to PROVIDE a source? for the so-called "claim"?
ok, then, for a start: http://www.vulture.com/2008/08/tropic_thunder_a_three_amigos.html
i dunno how to get past the regwall -- u have to read it quickly!
excerpted a bit here: https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/68307/15-infamous-facts-about-three-amigos
both seemingly sourced from: http://www.movies.com/movie-news/john-landis-interview/5495
but no longer up. where has google "cache" gone?!
brief mention here as well: https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/three-amigos-reunion ~~
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