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Zoolander (2001)
Starring: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Christine Taylor
Director: Ben Stiller
Plot: A not-so-bright male supermodel suffering from the competition of a blonde newcomer is brainwashed by a clothing magnate into assassinating the Prime Minister of Malaysia.
Review: An easy-going, light-hearted spoof of action flicks and the New York fashion industry,
Zoolander isn't a very deep or penetrating satire by any means, but it sure is amusing. Through its hilarious look at male models strutting on catwalks, "fashion-speak drivel", IQ-and-taste-challenged denizens, and mock magazine covers there's lots of winks and gags to be had. Based on a skit originally created for the VH1 Fashion Awards, it's all about how shallow, full of self-importance (and, well, dumb) these people are! As director, Stiller
(Reality Bites, Cable Guy) brings a very Saturday Night Live approach to the humor, even going so far as getting fellow comedians in on the joke, and it's clear that everyone's joining in on the fun. From a plot out of a James Bond spoof with shades of The Manchurian Candidate, some soap-opera level melodrama, the silly humor is not to all tastes and the jokes don't always hit their target, but enough of them do to make for a consistently clever and often funny affair. Stiller is at his best in the kind of film that allows him to embody clueless characters from broad strokes, but he also gives lots of leeway to his
Starsky & Hutch co-star Wilson who plays his vain, vapid competitor. Also of note is Will Ferrell who makes for a hilarious villain, and the supporting / cameo players - from the likes of Milla Jovovich, Jerry Stiller, David Duchovny, Jon Voight - is a blast. The sum total of the film's sketch-like parts don't quite add up to a completely satisfying whole, but there's enough slapstick and zany, quotable dialogue to make it fun. Though your enjoyment will greatly depend on how much you like Ben Stiller doing his shtick, for those tired of or who have a fine disregard for the fashion industry excesses,
Zoolander will most definitely tickle and entertain.
Comedy: 6/10
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