Review of Zoolander

Who would have thought that a stupid comedy about a clueless fashion model, being brainwashed to kill the Prime Minister of Malaysia would be so hilarious!? Who would had thought, that years later, that film would be popular enough to get garter a sequel? Nobody thought that in the late 90s. When the character of Derek Zoolander (Ben Stiller) was first create in a series of Russell Bates, TV Shorts for the 1996/1997 VH1 Fashion Awards. It only reach, moderated success as a minor hit. When Zoolander was released to theaters, it was two weeks after 9/11 & no one was going to the movie theaters in fear of a terrorist attack. If they did, they weren't going to see, a comedy based on three year old TV short, that barely noticeable. There was a lot of fear that this movie would indeed flop. Director, Writer, and Producer, Ben Stiller was even, asked by the studios to push back the release date, because they felt that nobody would bother watching it. Instead, Stiller didn't push it, because he thought that people of the America needed a laugh after so much misery. He really stood his ground on the subject & released it, regardless if it makes money or not. In the end, his risky decision really did paid off, as the film was a box office success as many saw his absurdity satire on the fashion industry, funny as hell! For me, personally, I have to agree, Zoolander is a really fun watch. I love the movie, at the time and after rewatching it, years later. I still found it to be, very funny. The movie has a lot of very quotable dialogue and the slapstick humor that became so memorable. Even, the most hilarious of body language pose, 'Blue Steel', later become popular, as the notorious duckface look in the selfie generation. Without spoiling the movie too much, I have to say, I was never a huge fan of fashion, but I have to say, Ben Stiller's performance as the blank-faced, slack-jawed, self-obsessed male model is one of his better movie characters. He made me, want to see this film. He was very funny as the clueless, wash up model. His co-star, Owen Wilson, not so much. Wilson was alright as the new male model Hansel taking Zoolander's runway; however, his character is somewhat, underdeveloped. I just wish, the movie had some better jokes for him. At least, he wasn't annoying. I like how, this movie serves as one of the very first, main-stream Ben Stiller & Owen Wilson's joint comedies. They both were able, to play off each other's strengths, to the point, that their on-screen chemistry, became, somewhat of a marketing tool for their later films. As much, as I love the two leads, the supporting characters, the frat pack and celebrity cameos were just as good. Christine Taylor as Zoolander's love interest, Matilda Jeffries & Jerry Stiller as Zoolander's manager, Maury Ballstein was alright in their roles, but if I had to pick one; that outshine them all, it would be Will Ferrell as Jacobim Mugatu, the film's villain. He was so comical. He have the right amount of body language and dialogue timing to make every scene work. I never laugh so hard at his work, before then. He really show, that he can carry a film, after this performance. Glad, their original choice, Andy Dick drop out. Gees that would be horrible! Anyways, the music in this film is also a great treat. It's nice, rehearing songs like 'Relax" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood & 'Wake me up before you go, go" by Wham. It plays so well, with the scenes, it's surround with. I also love, how much the movie does shout outs to director, Stanley Kubrick, with all the film references such like Derek's brainwashing sequence which mirrors 1971's A Clockwork Orange & Derek and Hansel imitate the "Dawn of Man" sequence in 1968's 2001: A Space Odyssey, complete with the soundtrack playing 'Sprach Zarathustra'. I also, like how whole movie is clearly inspired by the 1962's The Manchurian Candidate. What a classic movie! However, some people believe that Zoolander was more of a rip-off of the 1998 satirical novel, Glamorama by author Bret Easton Ellis. I do have agree with those critics. The similarities between the two media sources are a bit jarring to say the least. No wonder, why Ellis attempted to take legal action against the film. Glad, both parties were able to settle out of court. Still, the movie had some other troubles. The film was never shown in Malaysia, the country mentioned in the film, as it is depicted, the country as impoverished and dependent on child labor's sweatshops. Not only that; but the plot of trying to assassinated the prime minister of Malaysia seem too dark for the country. Malaysia's censorship board deemed, the film definitely unsuitable and banned it. Nevertheless, a certain amount of people from Malaysia has gone on, to watch it, and enjoy it. However, there are somethings that didn't work with Zoolander, for me, personally. I didn't like how the film didn't fix loose ends. Honestly, whatever did happen to shadowy evil council who have been killing world leaders for decades? Also, what did happen to J.P Prewitt (David Duchovny)? There are just, too much questions, this movie didn't answer. Overall: Not only listen to your friend Billy Zane. He's a cool dude, but listen to me, check out Zoolander. You'll be laughing your head off, for sure. It's a great comedy masterpiece.