Review of Zoolander (2001) by Brett H — 25 Feb 2016

Zoolander is the hilarious cult comedy from writer/director/star, Ben Stiller, who satirizes the off-the-walls and ridiculous world of modeling in one of the most quotable comedies of the 21st century.

This film is on a different level of dumb, but the writing is so outlandish and goofy, that many of the jokes actually become brilliant; and we're all the better for it. The film's plot centers on the Number One Male Model of the world, Derek Zoolander who's the perfect candidate to be brain-washed into killing the Malaysian Prime Minister for nefarious reasons; which is just.

...amazing. Right from the get-go, we're introduced to the dim-witted, Zoolander, and his boyish, simpleton charm works amazingly well and it's easily one of Stiller's most iconic roles and his pose, Blue Steel has become a pop culture phenomenon.

The supporting cast is greatly rounded out by Jerry Stiller (Stiller's father), Christine Taylor (Stiller's wife), Milla Jovovich, Will Ferrell as the hilarious villain, Mugatu, and of course, Owen Wilson, as that damn, Hansel whose chemistry with Stiller is effortless, considering how many films they've made together.

The film benefits highly from random cameos, insane slapstick moments, and of course, the memorably silly dialogue that you can quote for the rest of your life. This film is a time-capsule comedy that came out at exactly the right time, poking fun at the current overblown state of the fashion industry and the brilliant concept paves way for some huge laughs and incredibly silly moments.

There are too many memorable scenes to mention but if you don't laugh at the gasoline fight, the center for ants, or the break-dance fight; there is something wrong with you!