Disabled advocates plan protests at 'Tropic Thunder'

Moviegoers who plan to check out the new comedy release "Tropic Thunder" on Wednesday could see protesters outside some metro Atlanta theaters.

The Arc of Georgia, an advocacy group for the mentally disabled, says it will have protesters handing out leaflets at some shows and theaters.

The movie, starring Ben Stiller and Robert Downey Jr., is a spoof about a troupe of actors who think they are making a Vietnam War movie but get lost in a jungle and are captured by druglords.

Stiller's character, Tugg Speedman, is known for starring in a film called Simple Jack, about a mentally challenged farmer. Speedman sought critical acclaim for the role but it bombed. That provides one of Tropic Thunder's running gag lines, as Speedman is repeatedly called by a derogatory name for the disabled.

"This movie is very troublesome because of its frequent use of the "R" word and other demeaning forms of speech regarding people with intellectual disabilities," said Deirdre K. O'Brien, executive director of Arc of Georgia, in an e-mail announcement of the protests.

She said members will wear red shirts and will be respectful of theater patrons, hoping to use their protest as a "teachable moment."

Theaters on the group's list include North Point Market in Alpharetta; United Artist Perimeter Pointe; Midtown Arts Cinema; Great Escape McDonough; Regal Georgian Stadium in Newnan; and AMC Southlake Pavilion.

The group also plans to be at theaters in Macon, Albany and Savannah.

Arc of Georgia isn't alone in its criticism. A consortium of disability groups, including the Special Olympics, has called for a national boycott, according to The New York Times.

For his part, Stiller, best known for roles in Meet the Parents, Dodgeball and other off-kilter comedies, said he knew Tropic Thunder went into "edgy territory."

But he told MTV news, "We felt that as long as the focus was on the actors who were trying to do something to be taken seriously that's going too far or wrong, that was where the humor would come from . . . [The joke is on] actors reaching for roles in terms of hopefully winning awards."

Tropic Thunder also has drawn attention for Downey's character, who wears blackface.