Stiller Defends "Thunder"

Funny-man Ben Stiller says he understands why his new movie, "Tropic Thunder," is stirring controversy. But, he says, "It's a comedy" and, in essence, critics should lighten up.

The film's premiere drew protesters Monday, upset over its repeated use of the word "retard" in referring to the mentally challenged.

Others are offended by actor Robert Downey Jr. playing a white Hollywood legend who decides to accept a role as an African-American and uses blackface in that portrayal.

On The Early Show Thursday, Stiller, who stars in, co-wrote and directed "Thunder," was asked by co-anchor Harry Smith about the fire the film is drawing.

Still stuck up for it, saying, "My first response is it's a comedy. We're really making fun of ourselves. The whole movie is about actors and actors who try to do things to be taken seriously. So, in the context of the movie, I'm really comfortable that's how it comes off.

"Everybody, of course, is entitled to their opinion. When you make a movie, you have to kind of go with your gut. I feel like our heart is in the right place with it."

Stiller later added, "With any comedy, anything you put out there, some people are gonna get it. Some people are gonna be into it, and other people won't. But the movie, I've screened it so many times with audiences. It's fun to see audiences laugh. Everybody doesn't take it as seriously when you get outside of it and people talk about these issues. We all want to laugh at ourselves."

Tom Cruise has a small roll in "Thunder" and got a rave review from Stiller, who told Smith, "It's amazing. He's a really funny actor, and he doesn't get a chance to do comedies" too often.

To see the entire Stiller interview, click on the arrow in the image below: