Comedy sequels
aren’t anything new as the ‘Pink Panther’ and ‘Austin Powers’ series
proves. Making them stand out is how they bring freshness to their
comedic formula. Some have succeeded while others have stalled.
‘Zoolander 2’ sits comfortably in the former. An endlessly ridiculous
ride of mammoth proportions, much effort has gone into creating laughs.
There are plenty as the well-drawn and well-dressed characters face one
outrageous situation after another.
Derek Zoolander’s
(Ben Stiller) influence is still felt in the fashion world even if he has been
surpassed by more gorgeous models. When a bevy of beautiful people are
killed while wearing Zoolander’s famous ‘Blue Steel’ look, he is asked by
Interpol to investigate. Infiltrating the new world of high fashion with
his friend Hansel McDonald (Owen Wilson), Zoolander also has to avoid the
machinations of arch-enemy Jacobim Mugato (Will Ferrell). With friends
and foes on either side, Zoolander still has to dodge constant arrows while
wearing Prada.
Co-writer, creator
and director Ben Stiller knows how to have fun. Which is just as well as
‘Zoolander 2’ has an abundance of it. It doesn’t always work although
it’s doubtful there’s such a thing as a ‘perfect comedy’. If a gag falls
flat there’s always another to replace it within seconds. Stiller knows
how such films move with his comedic rhythm rarely faltering. Zoolander
is such an idiotic character it’s easy to laugh at and along with him and with
his co-conspirators in mirth-making equally adept.
Like a live-action
adult cartoon ‘Zoolander 2’ looks colourfully glorious. Mixed with the
always eye-catching Italian locations, ‘Zoolander 2’ has a glossy veneer worthy
of many fashion parades. The scenery is a mere back-drop to the
preposterous plot which the cast enjoy playing. Will Ferrell in
particular grabs his character’s weird antics with gusto. Although
some plot holes don’t make sense if you think too hard, the film delivers
laughs so fast such questions quickly vanish.
‘Zoolander 2’
occasionally falls flat but overall it’s a fun laugh-fest. You can’t
expect much else as it presents another adventure for one of the cinema world’s
best dressed, if intelligently challenged, fashion icons.
Movie Review Rating
out of 10: 7
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
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