Movie Review Zoolander 2 2016 Film

Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson and Will Ferrell revisit their beloved characters as another diabolical plot to demolish the sacred foundations of the fashion world unfolds.

Movie Review Courtesy - Hollywood Reporter @ Read The Full Review

Plus-size models are seldom flattered by squeezing into skimpy sample-size garments, and the reverse is also true in the case of Zoolander 2, which drowns its svelte skeleton in acres of fussy couture. Director, co-writer and star Ben Stiller resurrects his "really, really, ridiculously good-looking" male model alter ego 15 years after the irresistible first movie overcame disappointing box office results to earn cult adoration on DVD. But the imbecilic charms of a character that began as TV sketch material are too often misplaced in this wildly over-plotted, under-energized action comedy, plumped to a bursting point with celebrity cameos.

The goodwill of original fans and the fun of playing spot the star (especially in a Hansel orgy) should give the Paramount release an initial boost. But it seems more likely to be a fashion-week flash than a season-long sensation.

The movie boasts lots of eye-catching locations in the Italian capital — Bieber gets mowed down by the Pantheon; Alexanya's HQ is the Fascist architectural landmark, Palazzo della Civilta; and her hot-ticket Incredi-Ball takes place at the Baths of Caracalla. It's all shot with vigor and a glossy paintbox by Dan Mindel, fresh off The Force Awakens, and it's drenched in a thunderous score by Theodore Shapiro. But like a cute little outfit burdened with too many accessories, Zoolander 2 is a victim of overkill.

Distributor: Paramount
Production companies: Red Hour, Scott Rudin Productions
Cast: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Will Ferrell, Penelope Cruz, Kristen Wiig, Fred Armisen, Kyle Mooney, Milla Jovovich, Christine Taylor, Justin Theroux, Nathan Lee Graham, Cyrus Arnold, Billy Zane, Jon Daly, Sting, Benedict Cumberbatch
Director: Ben Stiller
Screenwriters: Justin Theroux, Ben Stiller, Nick Stoller, John Hamburg, based on characters created by Drake Sather, Ben Stiller
Producers: Ben Stiller, Stuart Cornfeld, Scott Rudin, Clayton Townsend
Executive producer: Jeff Mann
Director of photography: Dan Mindel
Production designer: Jeff Mann
Costume designer: Leesa Evans
Music: Theodore Shapiro
Editor: Greg Hayden
Casting: Rachel Tenner

Rated PG-13, 102 minutes