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The last time Ben Stiller directed a movie, we got the hilarious insanity that was Zoolander. This time around, we get an action-packed satire about the extreme personalities that exist in Hollywood. Is it a smart, introspective work by one of Hollywood’s more successful comedic talents? Will it show us a behind-the-scenes look at the ridiculous behavior sometimes exhibited by our favorite onscreen heroes?

Probably not. But based on the trailer below, which was released today, Tropic Thunder looks hysterical and downright badass!

If there was one thing we can say for certain about Tropic Thunder, it is that we are in for one hell of a ride. For starters, it appears to have a similar tone as Zoolander, Ben Stiller’s last directorial effort. It pokes fun at the big cliches that exist in Hollywood — the big, cocky action star, the dimwitted comedian and the long-praised thespian that takes himself a bit too seriously. With commentary like that mixed in with some ridiculous character pieces — notice both Steve Coogan and Nick Nolte looking like they deliver some laughs — how can Stiller and company really go wrong.

As well, I think people are going to really warm to the whole “blackface” thing with Robert Downey Jr. As you can see, it is all done in fun mostly to poke fun at that class of actor, the one who would probably do just about anything to be recognized. I know that when we first reported it, there were a few naysayers, but hopefully they have been silenced at this point. All-in-all, Tropic Thunder is quickly moving toward the top of my list of the most anticipated movies of the summer, which isn’t an easy party to get into — I’m interested in seeing how many of you are starting to feel the same way.

Tropic Thunder is produced and directed by Ben Stiller. It was written by Justin Theroux (who played the Evil DJ in Zoolander) and Etan Cohen (Idiocracy). Along with Stiller, Robert Downey Jr. and Jack Black, it will feature Steve Coogan, Nick Nolte, Bill Hader, Brandon T. Jackson and Jay Baruchel. It hits theaters on August 15th.

Source: Yahoo Movies – View the Trailer in High Definition