Review of Zoolander (2001) by Chris W — 01 Oct 2013

Based on a sketch created for the 1996 VH1 Fashion Awards, this is co-writer, director and star Ben Stiller's goofy, but sharp satirical spoof of the fashion industry.

Derek Zoolander is an incredibly dim male model who, despite his success, is basically entering the twilight of his career. His reign as the king of male models is challenged by hot newcomer Hansel, and it seems like Derek should just give in and retire. He gets a boost when given the opportunity to work with elitist eccentric fashion icon Mugatu, but things get serious when it's revealed that Zoolander is being brainwashed to help out in an assassination plot.

I gotta be honest. This is a really silly, absurd, and ridiculous movie. It is dumb, but at the same time, it's also fairly smart as a satire. The thing is, the film really tows the line between sincerity and tongue in cheekness, and I think that's why some people really don't like this movie. A similar tactic was done with Tropic Thunder, but I think since these characters are so over the top that's what makes it hard for people to "get" this.

I'm not saying this film is genius, but I do think it is really funny even if it does get overbearing at times.

The concept is funny, the filmmakers clearly understand the world they're dealing with, and some of this satire is quite relevant and spot on. This is the kind of film that, in certain hands, would actually be a really harsh, serious, and damning film. Don't get me wrong, some of this is damning, but due to how it's done, it may not seem like it.

Stiller is a scream as Zoolander, Owen Wilson is lots of fun as Hansel, and Will Ferrell is an absolute scream as Mugatu. We also get Christine Taylor as a journalist trying to uncover the plot, Milla Jovovich as an intimidating henchwoman, and Jerry Stiller as a veteran agent/manager.

The film also has a crap load of cameos, but there's no way I'd be able to list them all here.

So yeah, there's decent performances, good writing, sharp ideas, and tons of laughs, so that should be enough to recommend this.