In about 1997 a new genre was invented with the coming of `Austin Powers'. While it was a spoof of such, it wouldn't be considered in the same vein as the ZAZ/ Mel Brooks movies. And after hits like `Scary Movie' and flops like `Scary Movie 2', the latest in line is `Zoolander'. And this is easily as funny, if not funnier, than the second two `Austin Powers' movies. Written, directed and headlined by Ben Stiller, this was quite a hat trick to pull off. But the job was done and a good job at that. At the same time, this is hardly groundbreaking material. And in retrospect it's only laughing gas.
From some perspectives this is a satire on the style-crazy fashion industry in the same light as `Pret-a-Porter'. But the film is too stupid and inaccurate to be truly realistic, so this is best thought as a just-for-fun barrel of gags. As is the usual case, when the jokes hit they can be hilarious. But when they miss, they leave you staring blankly at the screen. And it does get a little carried with itself towards the end as it becomes to hip and trendy for all tastes. A slightly limp third act is well compensated for by hilarious proceedings. The central plot of the attempted assassination of the Prime Minister of Malaysia is a mere skeleton for the plot to stick to, and hardly the strongest point. But again, this isn't to be taken seriously.
The character of Derek Zoolander represents the vapid male model of today and is hilariously portrayed by Ben Stiller. In most of his other comedies (`Meet the Parents', `There's something about Mary') he played the protagonist who is the subject of the jokes, and it's great to finally see him as the antagonist as he has a good flair for comedy. Particularly funny is his part as a merman in the informecial for water. As the over-flamboyant opposition, Owen Wilson has rarely been funnier. Will Ferrell's obnoxious fashion designer Mugatu is a half-realised character. He starts out funny but towards the end becomes increasingly annoying. The rest of the support is decent all round from Christine Taylor, Milla Jovovich, John Voight and David Duchovny among others including a host of celebrity cameos.
The real star is the script that holds many memorable one-liners. And while many of the lines are delivered with impeccable gusto, others just fall flat. A good example is the classic `You can't think for yourself' `You're right, I can't' line. It isn't bad, but it's been used many times before and seems a little slack when attempted here. While it is shapeless, absurd and just as shallow as the subject matter itself, `Zoolander' is also one of the funniest movies around at the moment. If you want a good `stupid' comedy `Zoolander' is a passive and entertaining bit of gas. Just don't expect anything else. My IMDb rating: 6.4/10.
From some perspectives this is a satire on the style-crazy fashion industry in the same light as `Pret-a-Porter'. But the film is too stupid and inaccurate to be truly realistic, so this is best thought as a just-for-fun barrel of gags. As is the usual case, when the jokes hit they can be hilarious. But when they miss, they leave you staring blankly at the screen. And it does get a little carried with itself towards the end as it becomes to hip and trendy for all tastes. A slightly limp third act is well compensated for by hilarious proceedings. The central plot of the attempted assassination of the Prime Minister of Malaysia is a mere skeleton for the plot to stick to, and hardly the strongest point. But again, this isn't to be taken seriously.
The character of Derek Zoolander represents the vapid male model of today and is hilariously portrayed by Ben Stiller. In most of his other comedies (`Meet the Parents', `There's something about Mary') he played the protagonist who is the subject of the jokes, and it's great to finally see him as the antagonist as he has a good flair for comedy. Particularly funny is his part as a merman in the informecial for water. As the over-flamboyant opposition, Owen Wilson has rarely been funnier. Will Ferrell's obnoxious fashion designer Mugatu is a half-realised character. He starts out funny but towards the end becomes increasingly annoying. The rest of the support is decent all round from Christine Taylor, Milla Jovovich, John Voight and David Duchovny among others including a host of celebrity cameos.
The real star is the script that holds many memorable one-liners. And while many of the lines are delivered with impeccable gusto, others just fall flat. A good example is the classic `You can't think for yourself' `You're right, I can't' line. It isn't bad, but it's been used many times before and seems a little slack when attempted here. While it is shapeless, absurd and just as shallow as the subject matter itself, `Zoolander' is also one of the funniest movies around at the moment. If you want a good `stupid' comedy `Zoolander' is a passive and entertaining bit of gas. Just don't expect anything else. My IMDb rating: 6.4/10.