ZOOLANDER 2

Directed By: Ben Stiller 
Written By: Ben Stiller, Justin Theroux, Nicholas Stoller & John Hamburg 
Based On Characters Created By: Ben Stiller & Drake Sather 
Cinematography By: Daniel Mindel 
Editor: Greg Hayden 


Cast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Penelope Cruz, Will Ferrell, Milla Jovovich, Justin Theroux, Kristin Wiig, Benedict Cumberbatch, Christina Hendricks, Olivia Munn, Jon Daly, Billy Zane, Andy Dick, John Malkovich, Alexander Skarsgard, Moshe Kasher, Fred Armisen, Kiefer Sutherland, Naomi Campbell, Ariana Grande, Kate Moss, Sting


Derek and Hansel are lured into modeling again, in Rome, where they find themselves the target of a sinister conspiracy.

Not only did this sequel take too long. It seems stupider and rather toothless. Like it's character it seems more middle aged then anything.

This film is definitely bigger. It takes too long to come to fruition and is overbaked

A sequel no one really asked for or expected that ends up being more sill than funny.

This film seems more zany like a 70's type spoof.

The film seems more a return vehicle for Owen Wilson who's seems more reinvigorated rather than his usual laid back style.

Kiefer Sutherland is the films MVP and he only had a sizable cameo but he brings the laughs each time with his dry delivery and stone face. --The cameos here seem more uncomfortable for sown of the players. Like poor Sting who seems to be the only cameo who had to be visually credited.

The first film had plenty of cameos bit here it goes overboard on trying to be hip. Though it comes off as someone too old trying to be hip and keeping their original style. While also trying to fit in with current trends. As they seem willing to try everything to see what sticks. While making fun of themselves and their misunderstandings to get everyone to laugh with them instead of only at them.

The film is almost like a skit that has overstayed it's welcome, but has moments of of fun and sharpness that reminds you of why you once liked it or at least the characters... Once.

At least the first film gave to aspects to like about the main character of Derek Zoolander.

Director/Star Ben Stiller, Replacing his real life wife Christine Taylor as a love interest and allows for a new romance and conquest that is welcome. It feels less forced especially in the romantic scenes.

Penelope Cruz Seems here only to be the love it wrest and though with Interpol. She is not as dangerous or intergal to the plot. Though she is the smart one of the group while looking flawless. As in a movie full of supermodels. She seems to be the object of lust. Who is supposed to be a plain Jane. She is another star name to add to the cast list and attract a more international audience. Though for her it let's her be in a big budgeted sure fire hit sequel that unfortunately bombed. Though if it didn't credits her with being in a hit. That she had nothing to do with but that doesn't matter

Being associated with a hit is always a plus in whatever volume. Here she gets to be a sexy costar a comedic version of a Bond girl and after so many dramas. She gets to let loose and show she has a sense of humor.

Seems to know fashion changes fast yet still stays grand. As to what's in and what is vintage. As if to can remember the first film's release. Watching this film only helps you remember how old you are. As this film seems more strictly for fans of the original, but offers nothing new. In Fact it seems like more window dressing for the same outfit.

It's supposed to be an espionage spy film. Then it should change more than just locations and co-stars. The film should feel like a different type of adventure. Rather than just the same only more international. Unlike something like WAYNE'S WORLD 2. This film doesn't seem smarter, focused or as self aware. The thing those films had in common are they seem more like parodies of various things that come along. It might be the SATURDAY NIGHT LOVE training of the film's stars and casts.

Though this film tries to stick more to it's own story and comedy. Rather than too much spoofing

Though it feels more fun and loose, more energetic as it is confident that it's success is assured. Though really the only thing that is assured are the visuals. From more an inspiration point.

The film has plenty of 80's music references that seems more indebted to the Director's who happens to also star in the films taste. If in discussing this I keep comparing it to the first film it is intentional, because as you watch the film you can't help but remember the first film as this film doesn't have enough original elements to rest on it's own identity. You are never taken off with it.


Grade: C-