Should you watch this at weekend movie ticket prices? Yes.
Should you buy the DVD? Eh, no.
Score: 4.0/5
Secret ending? No, but the credits are interesting.
Running time: 102 minutes (~1.75 hours)
“Zoolander 2” is a comedy that’s the sequel to 2001’s “Zoolander” (yes, it’s been that long!) which features the return of the titular dumb model, Derek Zoolander. Together with fellow himbo Hansel, they must foil another evil plot in the fashion world. It stars Ben Stiller (Derek Zoolander), Owen Wilson (Hansel McDonald), Will Ferrell (Jacobim Mugatu), Penelope Cruz (Valentina Valencia), Kristen Wiig (Alexanya Atox), Cyrus Arnold (Derek Zoolander Jr), Kyle Mooney (Don Atari), Justin Theroux (Evil DJ), Milla Jovovich (Katinka Ingabogovinanana), Benedict Cumberbatch (All), and Sting (as himself). It also features many, many cameos. It is rated NC-16.
“Zoolander 2” is every bit the stupid comedy that its predecessor was, and is one of the rare times that stupidity is played for actual laughs (rather than you laughing in superiority at the character) in film. You never feel that Zoolander is excessively stupid, since this aspect of his character is played judiciously for laughs, yet you instinctively know the boundaries of his intelligence. This only goes to show how memorable the first “Zoolander” film was.
Highlights
Larger than life hilarity
Every aspect of “Zoolander 2” is an exaggerated representation of some real life truisms, with the most absurd aspects blown out of proportion. This fits in perfectly with the over the top performances and loud costumes, fostering the impression of the uber hyped fashion world. Most importantly, it’s done with the express purposes of comedy — if it’s not funny, it doesn’t get exaggerated.
Zoolander’s stupidity
Zoolander’s meagre IQ is what makes him adorable and innocent. His lack of intelligence makes him the most straightforward and guileless character in the film, which acts as a strong contrast to Mugatu’s sort-of-intelligence and evil. His mispronunciations and misunderstandings are constant sources of humour that reinforce the stereotype of the good-looking but dumb male model.
Mocking trends and pop culture
“Zoolander 2” deserves a standing ovation for its merciless humiliation of hipsters. Beyond this ridiculous fad, the film also pokes fun at all sorts of nonsensical trends and pretentious poseurs. It goes beyond just the fashion industry, and lambastes all inanities that have defied all odds to become commercially successful.
Mugatu’s cheesiness
Mugatu’s ridiculous evil evokes the idea of the modern boss tyrant, with his childish tantrums and ineffective physical contributions. He’s an enjoyable caricature of how power corrupts, and the antics of his overblown ego entertain. His character works because as outlandish as he may be, he’s strikingly similar to many famous men in power.
Letdowns
Language jokes are confusing
When the jokes are dependent on intermediate knowledge of both English and another foreign language, it can get quite indecipherable. By the time you understand what they mean, the joke’s long gone, giving you a scene that lacks clarity and humour. Thankfully there aren’t many of these jokes around though.
“Zoolander 2” re-captures the magic of the original while updating itself for a modern audience.
“Zoolander 2” opens in cinemas 3 March, 2016 (Thursday).
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