Premise -
Zoolander is the tale of male model Derek Zoolander (Ben Stiller) whom is
on the downslide of his carer thanks to new, hot model on the block Hansel
(Owen Wilson). Zoolander is to be used to assassinate the Prime Minister
of Malaysia because the he is introducing anti-slavery laws in his
country, effectively ending the sweatshop trade that keeps the fashion
industry afloat.
It
sounds ludicrous and it is. Male models are used because they're vacant
minds are perfect for suggestion. In effect what you have is a very thinly
veiled attack at the shallowness of the fashion industry.
I am huge
fan of Ben Stiller, however I can't help but be a little disappointed with
Zoolander.
Stiller is
credited as Star, Director, Co-Producer & Co-Writer. Maybe it's a case
of spreading himself to thin, but like 'Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back',
Zoolander is too patchy with it's comedy to be a must see movie.
Again, like J&SBSB a
mind-boggling array of cameo's are on offer. Jon Voight, Vince Vaugn, Fred
Durst, David Bowie, Stephen Dorff, Larry Sanders & Fabio are merely a
small selection of the famous faces in this movie.
When Zoolander is funny;
it's a hoot, a laugh riot. However too often it is bogged down with joke
after joke about how stupid male models are, after the first 10 minutes
you kinda get it. There are some glorious gags in Zoolander though, keep
an eye out for a side splitting 2001 parody, possibly the highlight of the
film.
Will Ferrell's
stock has gone up a good few points in my book over the last couple of
days. Between this and J&SBSB he is looking good for the future. I
will defiantly keep an eye out for his next flick. Stiller is as always on
top form, Zoolander is a character he has been doing for many years and it
shows, he is at home playing him and his interactions with Owen Wilson are
gold. It's a shame the two don't share more screen time.
On a more sombre note, there
are many shots of the New York skyline. The WTC have been digitally
removed and it feels, well kinda eerie.
Not good enough to recommend to everyone, but I guess
if you like Austin Powers style humour there is enough good comedy to be
suitably entertained.
