Brandon T. Jackson Says God Fave Him for Playg Gay In 'Tropic Thunr'

Contents:

• 'TROPIC THUNR' STAR BRANDON T. JACKSON SAYS GOD HAS FIVEN HIM FOR PLAYG GAY CHARACTER
• REVIEW OF "TROPIC THUNR"{FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}{FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}MOVIBY ALEXANR STEVENSONAUGT 11, 2008/10:31 PMBY ALEXANR STEVENSONAUGT 11, 2008 / 10:31 PM{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"NEWSARTICLE","HEADLE":"REVIEW OF \"TROPIC THUNR\"","DATEPUBLISHED":"2008-08-12T02:31:05.000+0000","DATEMODIFIED":"2008-08-12T02:31:05.000+0000","IMAGE":{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT","WIDTH":1920,"HEIGHT":1080},"URL":","THOR":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","NAME":"LOGO TV"},"MAENTYOFPAGE":{"@TYPE":"WEBPAGE","@ID":"},"PUBLISHER":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","@ID":","NAME":"LOGO TV","URL":","LOGO":{"@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT"}},"CREATOR":"ALEXANR STEVENSON","KEYWORDS":"THE BACKLOT","ARTICLESECTN":"MOVI"}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WARNG: THIS REVIEW NTAS RMATN ABOUT GAY-RELATED PLOT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}A LOUD, GORY, PROFANE, AND FAIRLY HILAR SATIRE OF BIG-BUDGET MOVIE MAKG, BEN STILLER'S TROPIC THUNR IS FULL OF SURPRIS, MOST OF THEM GOOD. THE CREDIBLY TALENTED ST AND WACKY, OVER-THE TOP SET PIEC WILL LIKELY GARNER MOST OF THE ATTENTN AND PRAISE, BUT 'S THE FILM'S WILLGNS TO THROW EACH AND EVERY ONE OF HOLLYWOOD'S SACRED WS ONTO THE BONFIRE THAT REALLY SETS APART, AS IS S ABILY TO POKE FUN AT HOLLYWOOD'S TRACK RERD WH GAY THEM AND PEOPLE WHOUT BEG {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE MOVIE BEGS RATHER BRILLIANTLY WH FOUR ADS POSNED AS FAKE TRAILERS BEFORE THE MOVIE (FALLY, SOMETHG GOOD ME OM GRDHOE!) TO TRODUCE THE MA CHARACTERS. FIRST UP IS AN AD FOR AN ENERGY DRK AND BAR LLED BOOTY SWEAT AND BT-A-NUT, RPECTIVELY, PCHED BY A RAPPER NAMED ALPA CHO (BRANDON T. JACKSON), WHO HAWKS THE PRODUCTS WHILE SANDWICHED BETWEEN UNDULATG WOMEN {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}NEXT WE MEET TUGG SPEEDMAN (BEN STILLER), AN ACTN STAR WHO HAS STARRED SIX SRCHER FILMS, EACH OF WHICH SEEMS INTIL TO THE LAST. JEFF PORTNOY (JACK BLACK) IS THE STAR OF A EDY SERI LLED THE FATTI THAT NSISTS OF JEFF PLAYG AN ENTIRE FAY OF FLATULENT, FAT-SUED SLOBS (THE SEQUEL IS LLED THE FATTI: FART TWO), AND IS PROBABLY THE MOST HORRIFYG THG I'VE SEEN AT THE MOVI SCE THE SHARK CHOMPED THAT LTLE KID ON THE RAFT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AND FALLY, WE MEET BLON-HEAD, CRYSTAL-EYED 5-TIME OSR-WNG ASIE KIRK LAZAS (ROBERT DOWNEY, JR.) THE PREVIEW FOR SATAN'S ALLEY, A FILM WHICH HE AND TOBEY MAGUIRE (PLAYG "MTV BT KISS MOVIE AWARD-WNER TOBEY MAGUIRE" THE TRAILER) PLAY TWO CATHOLIC MONKS WHO HAVE A FORBIDN LOVE AFFAIR. WH S LONGG GLANC, HILAR E OF RELIG IMAGERY AND PERFECT CHOICE OF MIC (THE SEXY GREGORIAN CHES OF ENIGMA'S "SANS") 'S PROBABLY POUND-FOR-POUND THE FUNNIT 45 SENDS THE WHOLE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AFTER THIS CLEVER TRO, THE REAL VIETNAM EPIC THAT THE FOUR FAMO ACTORS, AS WELL AS AN UNKNOWN (JAY BACHEL), HAVE BEEN ST, KICKS AND IMMEDIATELY GO OFF-TRACK. AFTER A DISASTRO MISTAKE THAT STS THE PRODUCTN FOUR LN DOLLARS, PANICKED DIRECTOR DAMIEN COCKBURN (PLAYED BY HAMLET 2'S STEVE COOGAN) TAK THE ADVICE OF WIZENED VET FOUR LEAF TAYBACK (NICK NOLTE) AND CIS TO TAKE THE ACTORS "OFF THE GRID" ORR TO GET BETTER PERFORMANC OM {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}OF URSE, ONCE THEY'RE OFF THE GRID THGS GO HORRIBLY WRONG, AND WHEN THE DIRECTOR GETS LOST ON HIS OWN AND THE ACTORS ARE SET UPON BY HERO SMUGGLERS, SPEEDMAN IS NVCED THAT 'S ALL A PART OF THE DIRECTOR'S PLAN AND THAT THEY'RE STILL BEG FILMED, LEADG TO AN "ACTOR'S JOURNEY" OF RIDICULO {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}JACK BLACK, ROBERT DOWNEY JR, AND BEN {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN THE END, THE STORY IS ABOUT WHAT DRIV HOLLYWOOD AND THE MEN (THERE AREN'T REALLY ANY WOMEN TO SPEAK OF AT ALL THE ENTIRE MOVIE) WHO MAKE UP THE VAR PARTS OF S MACHE. STILLER'S CHARACTER IS A PLETE IDT (AS UAL), BUT AN IDT WHO STRIV FOR MEANG AND LEGIMACY (WHICH LED HIM TO TAKE THE OSR-BAG LEAD ROLE SIMPLE JACK, A TERRIBLY OFFENSIVE MOVIE ABOUT A MENTALLY HANDIPPED FARMBOY). BLACK'S CHARACTER IS A HERO ADDICT WHOSE STASH IS STOLEN BY A JUNGLE BAT EARLY ON, SO HE'S VAR STAG OF SWEATY WHDRAWAL AND SCREAMG TOX FOR THE RT OF THE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}DOWNEY'S CHARACTER, WHO TAK HIMSELF AND "HIS CRAFT" SO SERLY THAT HE HAS LERALLY FOTTEN WHO HE ACTUALLY IS, HAS UNRGONE EXPERIMENTAL PIGMENTATN SURGERY TO MAKE HIMSELF APPEAR AIN-AMERIN, AND REF TO BREAK CHARACTER EVEN WHEN IS CLEAR THAT THEY ARE NO LONGER FILMG. SUFFICE TO SAY 'S AN DAC ROLE, AND DOWNEY TACKL FULL-FORCE, GIVG WHAT VERY WELL MAY BE THE PERFORMANCE OF AN ALREADY IMPRSIVE REER. SERLY, BOGGL THE MD WHAT THIS GUY N PULL {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}OF URSE, LAZAS'S ATTEMPTS AT "BEG" A SOUTHERN BLACK MAN ARE RPONSIBLE FOR SOME OF THE MOST POTENTIALLY OFFENSIVE MOMENTS OF THE FILM, AND LUCKILY THE ST'S LEGIMATELY AIN-AMERIN MAN, ALPA CHO (JACKSON) IS THERE TO REMD HIM THAT HE'S SENTIALLY A BLACKFACE IDT. BUT THE TWO ACTUALLY GROW TO UNRSTAND ONE ANOTHER A B, AND LATE THE FILM DURG A MPFIRE DISCSN ABOUT HOW HOLLYWOOD HAS BASILLY ED THEIR CHANC OF HAVG ROMANTIC LIV, CHO LETS SLIP THAT HE'S LOVE WH SOMEONE ... NAMED "LANCE".{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BRANDON T. {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE OTHER GUYS REACT AS YOU MIGHT EXPECT TO THE NEWS THAT HIP-HOP'S MOST NOTORLY GIRL-CRAZY FIGURE IS ACTUALLY GAY, AND HE IS QUICK TO TRY TO TAKE BACK WHAT HE SAID. BUT AS LAZAS POTS OUT, "HEY, EVERYBODY'S GAY SOMETIME, THIS IS HOLLYWOOD!" PORTNOY (WHO IS AT THIS POT THE THRO OF TOX AND HAS BEEN TIED TO A TREE TO PROTECT HIM OM HIMSELF) THEN MAK A GRAPHILLY TAILED OFFER TO CHO OF WHAT HE WOULD DO FOR HIM TO BE SET EE, WHICH THANKFULLY CHO DO NOT DIGNIFY WH A {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE TERTG THG ABOUT CHO'S G OUT IS THAT FOR ONCE 'S NOT TELEGRAPHED THE LEAST, EXCEPT POSSIBLY THE SENSE THAT WOULD BE A GOOD TWIST TO MAKE HIS CHARACTER GAY. THERE ARE NO JOK ABOUT HIS CHARACTER HAVG AN UNUAL TERT THE OTHER MEN, NO FLAMBOYANT SLIP-UPS, NO MACHO OVERPENSATN, AND NO AMBIGUOLY GAY DUO-STYLE PHYSIL GAGS THAT MAKE THE OTHER GUYS GO, "HUH?"{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN OTHER WORDS, HE'S NOT A JOKE. IN FACT, HE'S A VERY SAVVY, CREDIBLY TELLIGENT, AND BRAVE MAN WHO STANDS UP TO A 5-TIME OSR WNER FOR MAKG RACIST MENTS AND FIGHTS ALONGSI THE OTHER MEN WH EQUAL BRAVADO AND URAGE. Y, HE'S CLOSETED, BUT THAT'S CLEARLY A MENTARY ON HOLLYWOOD AND THE ROL FORC UPON GAY MEN WHO CHOOSE TO WORK WH S L, NOT ON HIM AS A PERSON. HE'S NOT THE LEAST B NFLICTED HIS SEXUALY, HE'S JT A MAN WHO MA A CHOICE TO HI ORR TO BEE RICH AND {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BY THE END OF THE FILM WE LEARN THAT JACKSON (WHO SAV HIS -STARS' BUTTS SEVERAL TIM WHOUT A SGLE QUEEN-OUT, SCREAM, OR OTHER SISSY MOMENT) HAS CHOSEN TO LIVE OPENLY AS A GAY MAN AND THE CLOSG OSR CEREMONY IS REVEALED EXACTLY WHO "LANCE" IS. (I'LL GIVE YOU THREE GUS AND THE FIRST TWO DON'T UNT.) IT'S A CHARMG ROLUTN, AND 'S GREAT TO SEE THAT 'S NOT HIS CHARACTER'S SEXUALY THAT IS VIEWED AS SOMETHG THAT HE NEEDS TO OVERE; 'S THE FACT THAT HE'S NOT BEG TE TO HIMSELF (HIS CHARACTER ARC IS SIAR TO PORTNOY'S, WHO ENDS UP OVERG DG ADDICTN).{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}SO WHAT WE HAVE HERE, THE END, IS A VERY FUNNY HOLLYWOOD STORY FEATURG A GAY BLACK CENTRAL CHARACTER WHO DON'T HAVE TO MCE AROUND OR TERRIFY THE STRAIGHT CHARACTERS BY G ON TO THEM, WHO STANDS UP FOR HIMSELF AND HIS RACE, AND WHO ULTIMATELY MAK THE BRAVE CISN TO E OUT AS GAY AND IS REWARD FOR {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IF ONLY THIS WEREN'T A {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}JT THEROUX, BEN {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}PHOTOS CRED GETTY IMAG/ANDREW WALKER/JON {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AS I MENTNED EARLIER, THE FILM IS FULL OF FUN SURPRIS LIKE THIS, THANKS TO STILLER AND -WRER JT THEROUX. IT'S TERTG TO NOTE THAT STILLER, WHO HAS MA A REER PLAYG DUMB OR PUT-UPON GUYS BROAD EDI, ACTUALLY HAS A LONG HISTORY OF HANDLG GAY ISSU AND THEM WH NUANCE AND RE. HIS DIRECTORIAL BUT, REALY B, FEATURED STEVE ZAHN A CENTRAL ROLE AS A GAY MAN WHOSE IENDS SUPPORT HIM G OUT TO HIS MOM (CLUDG A HILAR SCENE WHERE JANEANE GAROFALO ROLE-PLAYS WH HIM), AND FILMS THAT HE'S PRODUCED SUCH AS BLAS OF GLORY HAVE NOTABLY PLAYED AGAST HOMOPHOBIC HUMOR (ALTHOUGH HE MISSTEPPED NSIRABLY WH DODGEBALL, WHICH WAS ROUNDLY CRICIZED FOR GAY-PANIC JOK).{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AS I SAID, NOT ALL THE SURPRIS ARE GOOD ON. WHEN MY IEND AND I EXED THE SCREENG WE WERE SURPRISED TO FD THAT THE MOVIE HAD BEEN LS THAN TWO HOURS LONG; THANKS TO A SAGGGY SI-PLOT VOLVG THE DG SMUGGLERS, THGS DO SLOW DOWN NSIRABLY THE MIDDLE BUT RALLY FOR A BIG {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AND AS MUCH AS I HATE TO SAY , TOM CISE — ON BOARD TO PLAY THE MOST TOXIC JEWISH STEREOTYPE THE HISTORY OF MOTN PICTUR — IS CREDIBLY FUNNY AS STUD BOSS L GROSSMAN. SERLY, I WANT THE GUY TO GO AWAY SO I N HATE HIS ANTI-GAY SCIENTOLOGIST WAYS AS MUCH AS YOU DO, SO HURTS ME TO HAVE TO ADM I FOUND HIM {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}OVERALL, TROPIC THUNR IS A GREAT LATE-SUMMER EDY FULL OF LGHS, MEOS, EXPLOSNS, CUTTG DIGS AT THE TABLISHMENT, AND FEATUR ONE OF THE MOST UNIQUE AND WELL-NCEIVED GAY CHARACTERS TO H SCREENS ALL YEAR. AND REALLY, IF YOU'RE NOT TO ALL THAT, YOU N'T MISS DOWNEY'S PERFORMANCE AS EHER HIS OVERSENSIVE ATRALIAN METHOD ACTOR OR HIS SOUTHERN-IED AIN-AMERIN CREATN. IT'S A PERFORMANCE THAT WILL GO DOWN {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}TROPIC THUNR OPENS NATNWI ON WEDNDAY, AUGT 13TH {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;CLEAR:BOTH;}THE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;MARG:0 TO;WIDTH:90%;M-WIDTH:288PX;MAX-WIDTH:1440PX;M-HEIGHT:194PX;}LATT NEWS
• BRANDON T. JACKSON SAYS GOD FAVE HIM FOR PLAYG GAY IN 'TROPIC THUNR'
• BRANDON T. JACKSON SAYS GOD HAS FIVEN HIM FOR PLAYG GAY ‘TROPIC THUNR’
• ‘TROPIC THUNR’ STAR BRANDON T JACKSON SAYS GOD PUNISHED HIM FOR PLAYG A GAY CHARACTER

'TROPIC THUNR' STAR BRANDON T. JACKSON SAYS GOD HAS FIVEN HIM FOR PLAYG GAY CHARACTER

Jackson, a vout Black Hebrew Israele, has claimed God has fiven him for playg a gay character the h edy Tropic Thunr, Jackson played Alpa Cho, a rapper and actor who is not yet out and yly adms to havg feelgs for a iend named Lance one of the movie's big ensemble speakg to TMZ this week, Jackson said the part went agast his relig beliefs and he believ he "was on th ice then wh the father.

REVIEW OF "TROPIC THUNR"{FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}{FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}MOVIBY ALEXANR STEVENSONAUGT 11, 2008/10:31 PMBY ALEXANR STEVENSONAUGT 11, 2008 / 10:31 PM{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"NEWSARTICLE","HEADLE":"REVIEW OF \"TROPIC THUNR\"","DATEPUBLISHED":"2008-08-12T02:31:05.000+0000","DATEMODIFIED":"2008-08-12T02:31:05.000+0000","IMAGE":{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT","WIDTH":1920,"HEIGHT":1080},"URL":","THOR":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","NAME":"LOGO TV"},"MAENTYOFPAGE":{"@TYPE":"WEBPAGE","@ID":"},"PUBLISHER":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","@ID":","NAME":"LOGO TV","URL":","LOGO":{"@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT"}},"CREATOR":"ALEXANR STEVENSON","KEYWORDS":"THE BACKLOT","ARTICLESECTN":"MOVI"}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WARNG: THIS REVIEW NTAS RMATN ABOUT GAY-RELATED PLOT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}A LOUD, GORY, PROFANE, AND FAIRLY HILAR SATIRE OF BIG-BUDGET MOVIE MAKG, BEN STILLER'S TROPIC THUNR IS FULL OF SURPRIS, MOST OF THEM GOOD. THE CREDIBLY TALENTED ST AND WACKY, OVER-THE TOP SET PIEC WILL LIKELY GARNER MOST OF THE ATTENTN AND PRAISE, BUT 'S THE FILM'S WILLGNS TO THROW EACH AND EVERY ONE OF HOLLYWOOD'S SACRED WS ONTO THE BONFIRE THAT REALLY SETS APART, AS IS S ABILY TO POKE FUN AT HOLLYWOOD'S TRACK RERD WH GAY THEM AND PEOPLE WHOUT BEG {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE MOVIE BEGS RATHER BRILLIANTLY WH FOUR ADS POSNED AS FAKE TRAILERS BEFORE THE MOVIE (FALLY, SOMETHG GOOD ME OM GRDHOE!) TO TRODUCE THE MA CHARACTERS. FIRST UP IS AN AD FOR AN ENERGY DRK AND BAR LLED BOOTY SWEAT AND BT-A-NUT, RPECTIVELY, PCHED BY A RAPPER NAMED ALPA CHO (BRANDON T. JACKSON), WHO HAWKS THE PRODUCTS WHILE SANDWICHED BETWEEN UNDULATG WOMEN {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}NEXT WE MEET TUGG SPEEDMAN (BEN STILLER), AN ACTN STAR WHO HAS STARRED SIX SRCHER FILMS, EACH OF WHICH SEEMS INTIL TO THE LAST. JEFF PORTNOY (JACK BLACK) IS THE STAR OF A EDY SERI LLED THE FATTI THAT NSISTS OF JEFF PLAYG AN ENTIRE FAY OF FLATULENT, FAT-SUED SLOBS (THE SEQUEL IS LLED THE FATTI: FART TWO), AND IS PROBABLY THE MOST HORRIFYG THG I'VE SEEN AT THE MOVI SCE THE SHARK CHOMPED THAT LTLE KID ON THE RAFT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AND FALLY, WE MEET BLON-HEAD, CRYSTAL-EYED 5-TIME OSR-WNG ASIE KIRK LAZAS (ROBERT DOWNEY, JR.) THE PREVIEW FOR SATAN'S ALLEY, A FILM WHICH HE AND TOBEY MAGUIRE (PLAYG "MTV BT KISS MOVIE AWARD-WNER TOBEY MAGUIRE" THE TRAILER) PLAY TWO CATHOLIC MONKS WHO HAVE A FORBIDN LOVE AFFAIR. WH S LONGG GLANC, HILAR E OF RELIG IMAGERY AND PERFECT CHOICE OF MIC (THE SEXY GREGORIAN CHES OF ENIGMA'S "SANS") 'S PROBABLY POUND-FOR-POUND THE FUNNIT 45 SENDS THE WHOLE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AFTER THIS CLEVER TRO, THE REAL VIETNAM EPIC THAT THE FOUR FAMO ACTORS, AS WELL AS AN UNKNOWN (JAY BACHEL), HAVE BEEN ST, KICKS AND IMMEDIATELY GO OFF-TRACK. AFTER A DISASTRO MISTAKE THAT STS THE PRODUCTN FOUR LN DOLLARS, PANICKED DIRECTOR DAMIEN COCKBURN (PLAYED BY HAMLET 2'S STEVE COOGAN) TAK THE ADVICE OF WIZENED VET FOUR LEAF TAYBACK (NICK NOLTE) AND CIS TO TAKE THE ACTORS "OFF THE GRID" ORR TO GET BETTER PERFORMANC OM {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}OF URSE, ONCE THEY'RE OFF THE GRID THGS GO HORRIBLY WRONG, AND WHEN THE DIRECTOR GETS LOST ON HIS OWN AND THE ACTORS ARE SET UPON BY HERO SMUGGLERS, SPEEDMAN IS NVCED THAT 'S ALL A PART OF THE DIRECTOR'S PLAN AND THAT THEY'RE STILL BEG FILMED, LEADG TO AN "ACTOR'S JOURNEY" OF RIDICULO {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}JACK BLACK, ROBERT DOWNEY JR, AND BEN {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN THE END, THE STORY IS ABOUT WHAT DRIV HOLLYWOOD AND THE MEN (THERE AREN'T REALLY ANY WOMEN TO SPEAK OF AT ALL THE ENTIRE MOVIE) WHO MAKE UP THE VAR PARTS OF S MACHE. STILLER'S CHARACTER IS A PLETE IDT (AS UAL), BUT AN IDT WHO STRIV FOR MEANG AND LEGIMACY (WHICH LED HIM TO TAKE THE OSR-BAG LEAD ROLE SIMPLE JACK, A TERRIBLY OFFENSIVE MOVIE ABOUT A MENTALLY HANDIPPED FARMBOY). BLACK'S CHARACTER IS A HERO ADDICT WHOSE STASH IS STOLEN BY A JUNGLE BAT EARLY ON, SO HE'S VAR STAG OF SWEATY WHDRAWAL AND SCREAMG TOX FOR THE RT OF THE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}DOWNEY'S CHARACTER, WHO TAK HIMSELF AND "HIS CRAFT" SO SERLY THAT HE HAS LERALLY FOTTEN WHO HE ACTUALLY IS, HAS UNRGONE EXPERIMENTAL PIGMENTATN SURGERY TO MAKE HIMSELF APPEAR AIN-AMERIN, AND REF TO BREAK CHARACTER EVEN WHEN IS CLEAR THAT THEY ARE NO LONGER FILMG. SUFFICE TO SAY 'S AN DAC ROLE, AND DOWNEY TACKL FULL-FORCE, GIVG WHAT VERY WELL MAY BE THE PERFORMANCE OF AN ALREADY IMPRSIVE REER. SERLY, BOGGL THE MD WHAT THIS GUY N PULL {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}OF URSE, LAZAS'S ATTEMPTS AT "BEG" A SOUTHERN BLACK MAN ARE RPONSIBLE FOR SOME OF THE MOST POTENTIALLY OFFENSIVE MOMENTS OF THE FILM, AND LUCKILY THE ST'S LEGIMATELY AIN-AMERIN MAN, ALPA CHO (JACKSON) IS THERE TO REMD HIM THAT HE'S SENTIALLY A BLACKFACE IDT. BUT THE TWO ACTUALLY GROW TO UNRSTAND ONE ANOTHER A B, AND LATE THE FILM DURG A MPFIRE DISCSN ABOUT HOW HOLLYWOOD HAS BASILLY ED THEIR CHANC OF HAVG ROMANTIC LIV, CHO LETS SLIP THAT HE'S LOVE WH SOMEONE ... NAMED "LANCE".{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BRANDON T. {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE OTHER GUYS REACT AS YOU MIGHT EXPECT TO THE NEWS THAT HIP-HOP'S MOST NOTORLY GIRL-CRAZY FIGURE IS ACTUALLY GAY, AND HE IS QUICK TO TRY TO TAKE BACK WHAT HE SAID. BUT AS LAZAS POTS OUT, "HEY, EVERYBODY'S GAY SOMETIME, THIS IS HOLLYWOOD!" PORTNOY (WHO IS AT THIS POT THE THRO OF TOX AND HAS BEEN TIED TO A TREE TO PROTECT HIM OM HIMSELF) THEN MAK A GRAPHILLY TAILED OFFER TO CHO OF WHAT HE WOULD DO FOR HIM TO BE SET EE, WHICH THANKFULLY CHO DO NOT DIGNIFY WH A {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE TERTG THG ABOUT CHO'S G OUT IS THAT FOR ONCE 'S NOT TELEGRAPHED THE LEAST, EXCEPT POSSIBLY THE SENSE THAT WOULD BE A GOOD TWIST TO MAKE HIS CHARACTER GAY. THERE ARE NO JOK ABOUT HIS CHARACTER HAVG AN UNUAL TERT THE OTHER MEN, NO FLAMBOYANT SLIP-UPS, NO MACHO OVERPENSATN, AND NO AMBIGUOLY GAY DUO-STYLE PHYSIL GAGS THAT MAKE THE OTHER GUYS GO, "HUH?"{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN OTHER WORDS, HE'S NOT A JOKE. IN FACT, HE'S A VERY SAVVY, CREDIBLY TELLIGENT, AND BRAVE MAN WHO STANDS UP TO A 5-TIME OSR WNER FOR MAKG RACIST MENTS AND FIGHTS ALONGSI THE OTHER MEN WH EQUAL BRAVADO AND URAGE. Y, HE'S CLOSETED, BUT THAT'S CLEARLY A MENTARY ON HOLLYWOOD AND THE ROL FORC UPON GAY MEN WHO CHOOSE TO WORK WH S L, NOT ON HIM AS A PERSON. HE'S NOT THE LEAST B NFLICTED HIS SEXUALY, HE'S JT A MAN WHO MA A CHOICE TO HI ORR TO BEE RICH AND {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BY THE END OF THE FILM WE LEARN THAT JACKSON (WHO SAV HIS -STARS' BUTTS SEVERAL TIM WHOUT A SGLE QUEEN-OUT, SCREAM, OR OTHER SISSY MOMENT) HAS CHOSEN TO LIVE OPENLY AS A GAY MAN AND THE CLOSG OSR CEREMONY IS REVEALED EXACTLY WHO "LANCE" IS. (I'LL GIVE YOU THREE GUS AND THE FIRST TWO DON'T UNT.) IT'S A CHARMG ROLUTN, AND 'S GREAT TO SEE THAT 'S NOT HIS CHARACTER'S SEXUALY THAT IS VIEWED AS SOMETHG THAT HE NEEDS TO OVERE; 'S THE FACT THAT HE'S NOT BEG TE TO HIMSELF (HIS CHARACTER ARC IS SIAR TO PORTNOY'S, WHO ENDS UP OVERG DG ADDICTN).{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}SO WHAT WE HAVE HERE, THE END, IS A VERY FUNNY HOLLYWOOD STORY FEATURG A GAY BLACK CENTRAL CHARACTER WHO DON'T HAVE TO MCE AROUND OR TERRIFY THE STRAIGHT CHARACTERS BY G ON TO THEM, WHO STANDS UP FOR HIMSELF AND HIS RACE, AND WHO ULTIMATELY MAK THE BRAVE CISN TO E OUT AS GAY AND IS REWARD FOR {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IF ONLY THIS WEREN'T A {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}JT THEROUX, BEN {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}PHOTOS CRED GETTY IMAG/ANDREW WALKER/JON {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AS I MENTNED EARLIER, THE FILM IS FULL OF FUN SURPRIS LIKE THIS, THANKS TO STILLER AND -WRER JT THEROUX. IT'S TERTG TO NOTE THAT STILLER, WHO HAS MA A REER PLAYG DUMB OR PUT-UPON GUYS BROAD EDI, ACTUALLY HAS A LONG HISTORY OF HANDLG GAY ISSU AND THEM WH NUANCE AND RE. HIS DIRECTORIAL BUT, REALY B, FEATURED STEVE ZAHN A CENTRAL ROLE AS A GAY MAN WHOSE IENDS SUPPORT HIM G OUT TO HIS MOM (CLUDG A HILAR SCENE WHERE JANEANE GAROFALO ROLE-PLAYS WH HIM), AND FILMS THAT HE'S PRODUCED SUCH AS BLAS OF GLORY HAVE NOTABLY PLAYED AGAST HOMOPHOBIC HUMOR (ALTHOUGH HE MISSTEPPED NSIRABLY WH DODGEBALL, WHICH WAS ROUNDLY CRICIZED FOR GAY-PANIC JOK).{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AS I SAID, NOT ALL THE SURPRIS ARE GOOD ON. WHEN MY IEND AND I EXED THE SCREENG WE WERE SURPRISED TO FD THAT THE MOVIE HAD BEEN LS THAN TWO HOURS LONG; THANKS TO A SAGGGY SI-PLOT VOLVG THE DG SMUGGLERS, THGS DO SLOW DOWN NSIRABLY THE MIDDLE BUT RALLY FOR A BIG {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AND AS MUCH AS I HATE TO SAY , TOM CISE — ON BOARD TO PLAY THE MOST TOXIC JEWISH STEREOTYPE THE HISTORY OF MOTN PICTUR — IS CREDIBLY FUNNY AS STUD BOSS L GROSSMAN. SERLY, I WANT THE GUY TO GO AWAY SO I N HATE HIS ANTI-GAY SCIENTOLOGIST WAYS AS MUCH AS YOU DO, SO HURTS ME TO HAVE TO ADM I FOUND HIM {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}OVERALL, TROPIC THUNR IS A GREAT LATE-SUMMER EDY FULL OF LGHS, MEOS, EXPLOSNS, CUTTG DIGS AT THE TABLISHMENT, AND FEATUR ONE OF THE MOST UNIQUE AND WELL-NCEIVED GAY CHARACTERS TO H SCREENS ALL YEAR. AND REALLY, IF YOU'RE NOT TO ALL THAT, YOU N'T MISS DOWNEY'S PERFORMANCE AS EHER HIS OVERSENSIVE ATRALIAN METHOD ACTOR OR HIS SOUTHERN-IED AIN-AMERIN CREATN. IT'S A PERFORMANCE THAT WILL GO DOWN {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}TROPIC THUNR OPENS NATNWI ON WEDNDAY, AUGT 13TH {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;CLEAR:BOTH;}THE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;MARG:0 TO;WIDTH:90%;M-WIDTH:288PX;MAX-WIDTH:1440PX;M-HEIGHT:194PX;}LATT NEWS

Warng: This review ntas rmatn about gay-related plot pots. The credibly talented st and wacky, over-the top set piec will likely garner most of the attentn and praise, but 's the film's willgns to throw each and every one of Hollywood's sacred ws onto the bonfire that really sets apart, as is s abily to poke fun at Hollywood's track rerd wh gay them and people whout beg movie begs rather brilliantly wh four ads posned as fake trailers before the movie (fally, somethg good me om Grdhoe!

JacksonThe other guys react as you might expect to the news that hip-hop's most notorly girl-crazy figure is actually gay, and he is quick to try to take back what he said.

BRANDON T. JACKSON SAYS GOD FAVE HIM FOR PLAYG GAY IN 'TROPIC THUNR'

But as Lazas pots out, "Hey, everybody's gay sometime, this is Hollywood! " Portnoy (who is at this pot the thro of tox and has been tied to a tree to protect him om himself) then mak a graphilly tailed offer to Cho of what he would do for him to be set ee, which thankfully Cho do not dignify wh a tertg thg about Cho's g out is that for once 's not telegraphed the least, except possibly the sense that would be a good twist to make his character gay. There are no jok about his character havg an unual tert the other men, no flamboyant slip-ups, no macho overpensatn, and no Ambiguoly Gay Duo-style physil gags that make the other guys go, "Huh?

Y, he's closeted, but that's clearly a mentary on Hollywood and the rol forc upon gay men who choose to work wh s l, not on him as a person. He's not the least b nflicted his sexualy, he's jt a man who ma a choice to hi orr to bee rich and the end of the film we learn that Jackson (who sav his -stars' butts several tim whout a sgle queen-out, scream, or other sissy moment) has chosen to live openly as a gay man and the closg Osr ceremony is revealed exactly who "Lance" is.

) It's a charmg rolutn, and 's great to see that 's not his character's sexualy that is viewed as somethg that he needs to overe; 's the fact that he's not beg te to himself (his character arc is siar to Portnoy's, who ends up overg dg addictn) what we have here, the end, is a very funny Hollywood story featurg a gay black central character who don't have to mce around or terrify the straight characters by g on to them, who stands up for himself and his race, and who ultimately mak the brave cisn to e out as gay and is reward for only this weren't a Theroux, Ben StillerPhotos cred Getty Imag/Andrew Walker/Jon KopaloffAs I mentned earlier, the film is full of fun surpris like this, thanks to Stiller and -wrer Jt Theroux.

BRANDON T. JACKSON SAYS GOD HAS FIVEN HIM FOR PLAYG GAY ‘TROPIC THUNR’

It's tertg to note that Stiller, who has ma a reer playg dumb or put-upon guys broad edi, actually has a long history of handlg gay issu and them wh nuance and re. His directorial but, Realy B, featured Steve Zahn a central role as a gay man whose iends support him g out to his mom (cludg a hilar scene where Janeane Garofalo role-plays wh him), and films that he's produced such as Blas of Glory have notably played agast homophobic humor (although he misstepped nsirably wh Dodgeball, which was roundly cricized for gay-panic jok) I said, not all the surpris are good on.

Serly, I want the guy to go away so I n hate his anti-gay Scientologist ways as much as you do, so hurts me to have to adm I found him hilar.

‘TROPIC THUNR’ STAR BRANDON T JACKSON SAYS GOD PUNISHED HIM FOR PLAYG A GAY CHARACTER

Overall, Tropic Thunr is a great late-summer edy full of lghs, meos, explosns, cuttg digs at the tablishment, and featur one of the most unique and well-nceived gay characters to h screens all year.

For Playg Gay In 'Tropic Thunr'. Jackson says he was on "th ice" wh God for playg a gay character "Tropic Thunr"... But, Jackson is now a pretty relig Black Hebrew Israele -- and playg gay don't jive wh his relig beliefs.