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“Tropic Thunder” is an action comedy film from 2008 that satirizes Hollywood’s film industry through the misadventures of a group of actors as they find themselves in real danger while shooting a war movie.
Prepare to laugh out loud as hilarious events unfold on the set of “Tropic Thunder.” Find out where you can watch “Tropic Thunder” on streaming services in Canada.
Table of Contents
What Is Tropic Thunder About?
The film follows a group of prima donna actors on the set of the Vietnam War epic titled “Tropic Thunder,” based on the real-life story of the war veteran, Four Leaf. The cast includes Tugg Speedman, a has-been action star; Kirk Lazarus, an overly dedicated Oscar-winning method actor; Alpa Chino, a closeted gay rapper; Jeff Portnoy, a crackhead comedian; and Kevin Sandusky, an enthusiastic newcomer. Except for Sandusky, the actors’ diva behaviors made filming difficult, resulting in millions of budget wasted and constant delays in schedule.
This frustrates Damien Cockburn, the inexperienced director of the movie, who’s unable to control his cast. When executive producer Les Grosman hears about the chaos on set, he gives Damien an ultimatum: get the stars under control or cancel the movie. Damien decides to take the actors to a remote forest area to discipline them, setting up hidden cameras and special effects to give off a realistic impression.
However, Damien accidentally stepped on an old land mine, which ultimately blew him to pieces. This shocked the actors, except for Tugg, who believes that Damien faked his death for the cast to get their act together. They continued to trek through the jungle, still under the impression that the cameras were still rolling, until they stumbled into an Asian heroin-producing gang called Flaming Dragon. The Flaming Dragon captured Tugg, and the “Tropic Thunder” cast finds themselves in a real war.
“Tropic Thunder” hit theaters on August 13, 2008.
Who Are in the Cast and Production of Tropic Thunder?
The multi-faceted actor-filmmaker Ben Stiller directed, wrote, and produced the film. Stiller also starred in the movie as Tugg Speedman. “Tropic Thunder” features a heavyweight cast of prolific Hollywood actors, including Robert Downey Jr., who’s best known for “Iron Man,” Bill Hader from HBO’s “Barry,” Danny McBride from “The Righteous Gemstones,” Matthew McConaughey from “Interstellar,” and Tom Cruise from the “Mission: Impossible” franchise. Here’s the cast of “Tropic Thunder”:
- Ben Stiller as Tugg Speedman
- Robert Downey Jr. as Kirk Lazarus
- Jack Black as Jeff Portnoy
- Brandon T. Jackson as Alpa Chino
- Jay Baruchel as Kevin Sandusky
- Steve Coogan as Damien Cockburn
- Nick Nolte as Four Leaf Tayback
- Tom Cruise as Les Grossman
- Matthew McConaughey as Rick Peck
- Danny McBride as Cody
- Bill Hader as Rob Slolom
What is the Rating for Tropic Thunder?
“Tropic Thunder” is rated differently in Canada depending on the region, ranging from 13+ to 16A. The film contains strong depictions of profanities, violence, gore, drug addiction, and sexual references, that are only suitable for viewers aged 13 and above. There are also several frivolous portrayals of intellectual disabilities, which might upset some viewers.
How Many People Watch Tropic Thunder?
“Tropic Thunder” was a commercial success, earning over $195 million at the worldwide box office.
How Are the Reviews for Tropic Thunder?
Critics and viewers received “Tropic Thunder” with generally positive reactions. Praises were mainly directed towards Robert Downey Jr. for his remarkable and highly comedic portrayal of Kirk Lazarus, for which he earned an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Ben Stiller’s brilliant direction and screenplay were also widely regarded.
“Tropic Thunder” is Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer and holds an approval rating of 82%. See what critics have to say about the film:
- “This is Stiller’s Hellzapoppin’ Apocalypse Now — the ultimate fighting machine of comedies-about-the-making-of-movies. It’s raunchy, outspoken — and also a smart and agile dissection of art, fame, and the chutzpah of big-budget productions.” – Entertainment Weekly
- “There are moments of comedy grandeur, but this isn’t as consistently funny as you’d hope. Nevertheless, Downey Jr.’s Kirk Lazarus is instantly up there with the comedy greats.” – Empire Magazine
Where to Watch Tropic Thunder in Canada
“Tropic Thunder” is only available on video-on-demand services in Canada.
Is Tropic Thunder Available on Streaming?
“Tropic Thunder” is currently unavailable on any streaming services like Netflix, Max, Disney Plus, or Prime Video.
Is Tropic Thunder Available for Rent (VOD)?
You can also rent or purchase “Tropic Thunder” on several video-on-demand services in Canada. Do take note that rented movies are available for a limited time only.
| Platform | Rent | Purchase |
| Cineplex Store | CAD$3.99 | CAD$4.99 |
| Google Play Store | CAD$4.99 | CAD$14.99 |
| Microsoft Store | CAD$3.99 | CAD$14.99 |
| Apple TV | CAD$4.99 | CAD$14.99 |
| Amazon Prime Video | CAD$4.99 | CAD$16.99 |
| Youtube TV | CAD$4.99 | CAD$14.99 |
Is Tropic Thunder Available on Cable or Free TV?
“Tropic Thunder” has not aired on any cable channels or free TV in Canada.
Should I Use a VPN to Watch Tropic Thunder?
There’s no need to use a VPN to stream “Tropic Thunder.” The film is available in Canada through VOD.
Behind The Scenes Of Fame
Behind all the laughs, “Tropic Thunder” offers an amusing yet thought-provoking glimpse of Hollywood’s authenticity and the ethical implications of too much ambition. Through the actions of its characters, the film highlights the line between dedication and absurdity in the entertainment industry.
You can watch “Tropic Thunder” on VOD in Canada.
