In 2001, “Zoolander” told the story of two unlikely models, Derek Zoolander (Ben Stiller) and Hansel (Owen Wilson), who took the fashion world by storm. But it was Zoolander whose unique style and pouty expression mesmerized his legion of followers. To show their gratitude and to give back, the two models designed and built the “Derek Zoolander Center for Kids Who Can’t Read Good and Wanna Learn to Do Other Good Stuff Too.” When a disaster destroys the center, they are disgraced and even blamed for the tragedy. This humiliation leads them to break up and find their own individual forms of seclusion.
“Zoolander 2” picks up 15 years later, with Derek and Hansel coming out of isolation and determined to reclaim their mega-careers and overcome the lingering effects of their pasts.
Back in ’01, the first installment of “Zoolander” performed poorly at the box office but developed a following once it was released on DVD, resulting in this sequel. I didn’t see that film, but round two of this story deserves a similar box office fate. This movie is awful.The dialogue is loaded with silliness, not funniness. Writing good humor is an art, and these writers assume that anything these offbeat characters blurt out will be comical. The story is disjointed and at times is even painful to watch.
It wastes the talent of seasoned performers. In addition to Stiller and Wilson are Will Ferrell, Penelope Cruz, Kristen Wiig, Fred Amisen, Kiefer Sutherland, a short appearance by Justin Bieber and an even shorter one by MC Hammer. Sutherland, who has a small but recurring role, is actually the funniest. When a person who is infrequently on screen outshines those who have major roles, there is a problem.
Let’s not waste any more time on this debacle and get to our cast diversity rating. “Zoolander 2” gets a D. Its diversity is as bad as the rest of the film.
It’s rated PG-13 for crude and sexual content, a scene of exaggerated violence and brief strong language. It gets our lowest rating: Dead on Arrival.