Zoolander (2001) User Reviews

Funny For Those Who Like Absurd Humor

[ccthemovieman-1 · 8/10 · 19 July 2007]

This has to be a movie that people would either laugh their butt off watching, or turn it off and never finishing it because it was so stupid. Fortunately, as someone who loves absurd humor, I was entertained by it. Yes, it's one of the dumbest films you'll ever see, but it's supposed to be stupid, a satire on the shallow people and world of male fashion models.

Ben Stiller is outstanding as "Derek Zoolander," the brainless model who's number one male model status is upended by newcomer "Hansel," played by Owen Wilson. In light of Wilson's recent real-life drug problems, I couldn't help but think "how can these actors play absurd roles like this and be normal?" It's almost understandable by so many in the film business are whacked! You have to hand it to them, though: Stiller, Wilson, Millo Jovovich and Will Ferrell are good at playing weird people, as they do here. But it's all in fun - plus a serious comment about child labor - and the movie is simply to be enjoyed for what it is. Of course, it's stupid overall, but it's a spoof, like the Austin Powers films.

Film fans and celebrity geeks will enjoy all the cameos in here, along with the wild outfits - male and female - and all the goofy looks on the faces, mainly Stiller's poses. In between all the dumbness is some smart satire on several topics dealing with the fashion business. Just know what you are getting into here, and you should get enough laughs to make it an entertaining hour-and-a-half.

Zoolander is stupid funny!

[gregherk · 8/10 · 21 October 2001]

Derek Zoolander is stupid. So is his movie. But by no means, is Zoolander humorless. Directed by and starring Ben Stiller, Zoolander is a very funny movie, if you know what to expect. Based on a character that Stiller created for the 1996 VH1 Fashion Awards, Derek Zoolander was originally intended to satirize the fashion industry. The movie does no less and as a result, has received some very negative patron reviews. Audiences went into Zoolander expecting another Ben Stiller, Meet the Parents-type comedy, and when they got an offbeat movie about the fashion industry's plot to assassinate the prime minister of Malaysia, they didn't know how to react. To enjoy Zoolander, one has to forget all expectations and see the movie for what it is supposed to be: ridiculous.

Derek Zoolander (Stiller) is the fashion industry's number one male model, but his career is slouching and boy beauty Hansel (Owen Wilson) provides tough competition. Fashion designer Mugatu (Will Ferrell) takes advantage of this and Zoolander's stupidity, and brainwashes him to kill the Malaysian prime minister, after he put an end to vital fashion industry sweatshops. The talented cast and an excellent soundtrack add absurdity to the already farcical plot. Zoolander gives both Ferrell and Wilson the opportunity to do what they do best. For Saturday Night Live's Ferrell that is embracing and developing the demented, while for Meet the Parents' Wilson, it is the chance to play a comedic, confident, character role. Stiller's father and wife also appear in supporting roles, with Jerry Stiller as Maury Ballstein, Derek's agent, and Christine Taylor as Matilda Jeffries, a TIME magazine reporter. Jerry Stiller, like Wilson, always manages to find humor in every role he plays, and in Zoolander this remains especially true. Taylor, being a veteran of the Brady Bunch movies, is not stranger to satire either. Well-chosen and placed music adds laughs and heightens the tone and feel of the movie. With songs ranging from Wham!'s `Wake Me Up Before You Go Go' playing as cruising music for Derek and his male model friends, and Michael Jackson's `Beat It' as the background music for a face-off between Derek and Hansel, any remaining seriousness is diminished. And yet even more surprise and absurdity is added by the many unexpected cast members and cameo appearances. Others appearing in Zoolander include David Duchovny, Jon Voight, Vince Vaughn, Andy Dick, David Bowie, Cuba Gooding Jr., Winona Ryder, and even Ralph Lauren's own male model, Tyson Beckford. I can understand people disliking this movie; it is temperamental. This is the kind of movie that varies depending on the audience and a person's expectation. Generally though, if you keep an open mind and realize that it is not meant to be serious in any way, your view of the movie shouldn't go anywhere but up. Zoolander is absurd, ridiculous, and overall, an incredibly stupid movie. I suggest you see it.

"Zoolander" is stupid in every way

[napierslogs · 7/10 · 20 July 2010]

"Zoolander" is stupid, but it's stupid in every way: its characters, its plot, and its jokes, but that starts adding up to fun. I will admit that I laugh most times I watch it, sometimes I groan because of the stupidity, but I usually have a smile on my face.

The plot? Derek Zoolander (Ben Stiller) is a washed-up model who has been brainwashed to kill a foreign Prime Minister. Sound stupid? That's because it's supposed to be. We have a handful of male models, all of them with IQs lower than their body fat percentage, and all of them getting into situations that they are not mentally equipped for.

You can't watch "Zoolander" for its story or its characters, you can only watch it for its inane humour. And the fact that these are men being shown off as models and not women.

An absurd but smart send-up of our image-obsessed culture

[ken_gewertz · 24 June 2002]

Released a few short weeks after Sept. 11, Zoolander became the target of "this is why they hate us" diatribes. I didn't see it until months later and immediately recognized what I can only hope I would have seen if I had watched it earlier--that this is a superb satire/farce. There aren't many movies that manage to be both silly and smart at the same time, and this is one. It is not only a send-up of the modeling and fashion industries, admittedly easy targets, but of our whole image-obsessed culture which commodifies love, spirituality, patriotism, heroism just as easily and unthinkingly as it does kitchen appliances. This is not a "stupid" movie, even though it is about stupid people and stupid situations. It keeps the targets of its satire within its sights at every moment, never letting that focus flag to pursue maudlin subplots, but at the same time, it is unfailingly hilarious, with marvelous comic acting, sight-gags, sets, and costumes. The screen is just packed with visual jokes at almost every moment. This is not a movie that anyone needs to be embarrassed to watch or enjoy. But it is also just plain damned fun!

Man It's Exhausting

[daveisit · 7/10 · 22 April 2005]

Derek (Ben Stiller) and Hansel (Owen Wilson) are the worlds greatest two models. And nobody in the world could play them quite like Stiller and Wilson. Stiller was also a writer and the director of Zoolander and knows how to put together a movie.

While the movie often focuses on Derek and Hansel out modelling each other, I believe the real contest was off screen being played out on screen between the two. This being who could play the more sarcastic and larger than life model. Stiller may win this, but the sheer arrogance of Wilson's on screen demeanor tips the scale in his favour for me. When the two work together they are up there with the great duo's of comedy.

This is far from Stiller's best work however, moving along a little too slowly at times. Having said this it is still well worth a look and should give you plenty of laughs providing you appreciate the Stiller Wilson combo.

Zoolander is funny enough to excuse for how spectacularly goofy it gets

[Screen_Blitz · 7/10 · 14 October 2017]

Ben Stiller is the titular character of this comedy that does not believe in being particularly smart. It is dumb, but with such infectious comedic energy by Stiller and friend Owen Wilson poured on screen, it is funny enough to look past how ridiculous it gets. Stiller, also filling in the director's chair, conducts a comedy that lends a satirical look at the modeling industry and how competition can bring out both the best and the worst in those who compete for the big prize. This is where the small, but significant amount of cleverness comes into the picture. But it is Stiller and Wilson are smoke the air with their comedic energy to make this into a film that offers just enough laughs and fun to compensate for its short runtime. While it certainly isn't consistently funny, with occasional botched attempts at humor, it knows how to tickle the funny bone for a film that resists against engaging the brain. This film follows acclaimed fashion model Derek Zoolander (played by Ben Stiller), a three-time consecutive award winner who is on his way to claiming his fourth prize as "Model of The Year". All this hopes are eventually crushed when the prize goes to his rival Hansel (played by Owen Wilson). To make matters worse, he find himself on the cover of a magazine mocked as an "idiot" by columnist Matilda (played by Christine Taylor). Throwing in the towel, Zoolander decides to pursue on a new path, possibly opening up an institute for children who have trouble reading. His goals are soon put a halt by dubious fashion designer Mugatu (played by Will Ferrell) who uses a machine to brainwash him into killing the prime minister of Malaysia as an outcry against child labor. With this mind out of whack, you must turn to Matilda and form a bond with his rival Hansel to help from committing this diabolical plot.

Ben Stiller leads a cast of comedic veterans who seem to have fun acting like dimwits, and the result is a ride through whacky stupidity. But if you are willing to scoot past the dominating stupidity and the politically offensive plot of assassinating a foreign leader for a debatable cause, you are rewarded with a hilarious good time. This film offers a clever escapism into dumb territory where acting foolish equates to gut-busting laughter and its cast prove their ability for displaying solid comedic timing, even when it fails on an occasional basis. Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson cook up an infectious comic energy in nearly scene they both meet on screen, and the energy unravels into funny laugh-out-loud sequences including a fashion showdown scene, another segment owing homage to '2001: A Space Odyssey', and the final scene showcasing their attempts at turning the tables on the comically antagonistic Will Ferrell. Supplementing these scenes are loads of unexpected celebrity cameos including David Bowie, Natalie Portman, Lenny Kravitz, Cuba Gooding Jr. and many others. On the other hand, there are moments where the cast falls shorts when taking a stab at the funny bone, whether it is from attempting slapstick gags that are better fit for 'The Three Stooges', or spewing vulgar, but PG-13 friendly dialogue. No need to worry though, Stiller, Wilson, and Ferrell manage to compensate for some of the dull moments. Christine Taylor, Stiller's wife, and Jerry Stiller (playing Zoolander's agent), his dad, have a few good lines, but perhaps not enough to count for memorable roles. For Taylor, her most memorable would be an orgy scene that demands for editing cuts when the film was initially slapped with an R-rating.

Zoolander is a comedy loaded with laughter and infectious charisma, and Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, and Will Ferrell deserve the credit for this. Yes, it is goofy, but it is a goofy ride that is worth hopping into if you are hungry for some feel-good laughs. While the movie isn't consistently with its hilarity, it is definitely enough to warrant a viewing for a fair number of comedic fanatics.

One of the funniest and quotable movies of all time that I have no clue how it's rated this low.

[johnnybravoctk · 10/10 · 15 May 2022]

Only a 6.5 for one of the best comedies ever!? Come on that's ridiculous. To this day, it still creates enormous amounts of memes. Anything that does that, you know is a classic.

Essentially just one long joke: our hero is stupid.

[Pjtaylor-96-138044 · 6/10 · 19 October 2018]

'Zoolander (2001)' has its fair share of funny moments but it's essentially just one long, sort of uninspired joke: our protagonist is a male model and is 'therefore' stupid. That's not to say that the two identifiers are intrinsically linked, rather that the film seems to tie them together - perhaps unwittingly - in a way that almost seems mean-spirited, or at least approaching that. This is through omission as opposed to inclusion, necessarily, but it still stands out as an issue considering that every male model character is also portrayed as, shall we say, less than intelligent. This definitely becomes played-out pretty quickly considering that the gags all stem from this, the film's apparent core principle and, as I mentioned, only real, reoccurring joke (or at least the basis for it). Neither of the main issues I've mentioned, not the near mean-spirit nor lack of innovation, are helped by the fact that the main supporting player is portrayed as being just as comically "bone-headed" as our hero; this doesn't provide a good foil for (or contrast to) our lead and it definitely doesn't help with the film's stereotyping problem. It's not like there isn't any enjoyment to be had and, like I mentioned, there are a few laughs here and there. However, a lack of originality does seep in pretty quickly and the picture isn't all that compelling in general. 6/10

Gets better each time I watch it

[dangermouselor · 10/10 · 25 August 2005]

A really great take on the modelling world. Each Time I watch it I see something else that makes me howl with laughter. Out of all the Stiller/Wilson collaborations this is definitely the funniest. There is so much going on in the film and I love the way all the celebs join in on the joke. Zoolander has a great soundtrack a very humorous plot and is light enough to enjoy whatever the mood.

I would definitely recommend a few viewings before you make judgement. Will Ferrell is manic as Mugato and Wilsons Hansel is as laid back as all his all his characters. The scene in the coal mine is the best. Enjoy whilst partaking of an Orange Mocha Frappucino. More from the duo please or a Zoolander II

Silly and good for a few laughs.

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 29 December 2016]

If you are looking for a cerebral comedy, you certainly should not pick "Zoolander". It's dumb, rather silly and...dumb. But, it's also good for a few laughs and is a very amiable time-passer filled with lots of amazing cameos.

The film is about a narcissistic idiot male model, Derek Zoolander (Ben Stiller). He's world famous but also quite empty-headed...so empty-headed that Mugatu* (Will Ferrell) is planning on brainwashing him into murdering the president of Malaysia. Why? Well, because Mugatu and the other evil fashion designers want to keep operating their sweatshops around the globe and the new leader of Malaysia is in favor of outlawing child labor! Fortunately, a writer for "Time", Matilda Jefferies (Christine Taylor**) is there to help uncover the plot and with the help of another really stupid male model (Owen Wilson) the three of them work to disrupt Mugatu's plans.

I will freely admit that the plot is pretty shallow and nonsensical as well as the ending being a bit dumb. However, the film is still works quite well because it is still quite funny and pokes a lot of fun at the fashion/modeling industry. While it's not a hilarious, must-see comedy, it does the trick and makes you laugh. And, it's interesting to see the many, many, many cameos by the rich and famous (such as David Bowie, Donald Trump, Natalie Portman, Lenny Kravitz, Fabio, Gwen Stafani and many more) as well as a chance to see nepotism in action, as Ben Stiller's parents (Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara), his sister (Amy Stiller) and his wife (Taylor)!

*Mugatu is the name of a nasty white ape-like monster from a Star Trek episode, "A Private Little War".

**If Taylor looks familiar, you might just remember her as the actress who played Marcia in the fabulous "Brady Bunch" movies.

No way!

[t-lund-1 · 1/10 · 15 October 2004]

I found this one of the most stupid films I have ever seen, and I needed my wife to tickle me in order to be able to laugh while watching it. The film was so bad that my wife actually got angry in the middle of it, asking how it was possible that this film was ever produced.

I have nothing against Ben Stiller, in fact I think he is one of the most brilliant comedy-actors around, but in this film he not only misses the target, he shoots blanks!

Maybe it's just me not being able to relate to the humor the film is built around, but on the other hand I am a guy that laughs fairly easy, and understands most jokes I see on screen. Just not with this film. It could be me that is wrong, but I choose to say that it is this film and not me there is something wrong with!

1/10

The previews didn't lie, you get what you see.

[synefra · 9/10 · 9 October 2001]

I gave this movie a 9/10 for this reason, if you have seen the previews, you know what you are going to see. You are going to see a movie that is exactly the kind of humor that the preview TELLS and SHOWS you it contains. They don't expect Oscars, and arent even trying for them. This movie is not to be taken seriously, its for FUN, people. The movie's main characters did great jobs, and had good charisma between them, there were tons of other actors putting in small bits (some of which were amazingly funny, I laughed out loud in a few parts, and I almost never do that). There were some truly funny moments, moments I found much funnier than I thought the film would be. When I told friends and family I saw it they all said, `You did?' when I said I liked it they said with even more incredulity, `You did?!' because I don't like certain kinds of stupid humor. I liked the Three Amigos, but hated Austin Powers. Potty humor doesn't do it for me. But this movie was surprisingly witty and funny without thinking it had to be disgusting to be humorous. There were a few parts I could have lived without, gladly, but overall you get what you think you are going to get, and more!

Stiller Family Production

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 28 April 2012]

I see that another Zoolander film is in the works right now with Ben Stiller repeating his character of the brain dead male model. As it's been over a decade I hope that his character ages properly with the time. His career as the 'it' boy of the fashion industry should be over by now, but no reason he can't have a son breaking into the business.

And what a business it is. Zoolander is a film with the premise that male models as a rule are so impossibly dumb and so vain about their looks that they are the most manipulatable people on the planet. And when you've got them being trained as assassins as fashion mogul Will Ferrell is doing, you've got the basis of some pretty good comedy.

The lines in Zoolander aren't really that important, this is a character driven comedy and you'll take away Ben Stiller's character of Derek Zoolander, kid from the coal mining area of South Jersey who got out of that environment and made it to the top of his profession. But a new, equally gorgeous and equally dumb Owen Wilson starts threatening the king and beats him as he goes for a fourth crown as male model of the year.

Ty Cobb when he went for tenth straight batting championship and lost to Tris Speaker never went through such soul searching as Ben Stiller does her. If he can't be the prettiest face, time to agonizingly reappraise your life. It's then when he gets signed by Will Ferrell and tricked into his brainwashed assassin's school.

Now why do you think they want the Prime Minister of Malaysia killed. It's because he's standing up for the workers in the Asian sweatshops that turn out all the designer clothes that the beautiful people wear, actually wanting them to be paid a living wage. Got a kill a radical like that.

And speaking of beautiful people an array of celebrities both play themselves and have small bit roles in the film. That includes Ben Stiller's mother Anne Meara on in the blink of an eye as an animal rights protester. Milla Jovavich has a nice turn as a beautiful assassin and Ferrell's chief killing aide. So does Christine Taylor as both investigative reporter and good girl who get 'sandwiched' between hunks Stiller and Wilson.

Although Zoolander's gags occasionally fall flat i think most people will get a portion of laughs of all kinds at Ben Stiller's and Owen Wilson marvelous characters.

dumb and dumber

[AngelHonesty · 3/10 · 5 January 2020]

I didn't know It was possible to make a show this dumb, but apparently it is. It's so stupid that its not funny. The jokes are beyond bad and the way they have the very talented actors acting; its distasteful.

A Classic of the Idiot Genre

[erialc0 · 18 December 2004]

Since Zoolander was released, I think I can safely say that it's become one of the most popular dumb comedies of the past ten years (a decade that was all too saturated with dumb comedies). Maybe it's the tongue-in-cheek attitude, or the clever writing, or the fact that it's immensely quotable ("I'm pretty sure there's more to life than being really, really, ridiculously good looking"). But whatever it is, it makes for a terrifically fun movie.

Ben Stiller is Derek Zoolander, three-time male model of the year, whose brainpower never quite caught up to his really, really ridiculous good looks. After losing his title to up-and-coming model Hansel (he's so hot right now), played by a Zen-ed out Owen Wilson, and the death of three of his model friends in a tragic gasoline fight accident, he goes on a quest to find his purpose in life. Turns out, his purpose in life is as the face of Mugatu (Will Ferrel with the world's best hair)'s new Derelicte fashion campaign--or so he's led to believe.

The plot is not strong. The characters are not fleshed out. But Ben Stiller keeps Derek's stupidity hysterical instead of irritating, and the rest of the cast adds gimmick after gimmick to keep things running. (Come on, the coal mines of New Jersey? Tell me that's not funny.)

This is not Spinal Tap, more like Dumb and Dumber

[paul2001sw-1 · 7/10 · 19 October 2005]

Ben Stiller's 'Zoolander' is supposedly a stinging satire on the world of fashion. But the picture is creates is so over the top, and the plot so exaggeratedly stupid, that it fails to hit any real targets: there's also an extremely large quantity of product placement to endure. However, while it might not be satire, it is full of a great string of gags about stupid people. The truth is that many of these are just damn funny, and in a comedy, that's arguably the most important thing. As a director, Stiller is no genius, and there are some clunky moments with the camera-work and music; and the acting (of Stiller and others) is also pretty basic. This doesn't mean you won't laugh.

A hilarious 'poke' at the fashion industry

[silentcheesedude · 9/10 · 27 June 2004]

When Zoolander came out, I remember big deal plugs that were made for this film by the media. The movie, after all, is poking fun at entertainment, in particular, the fashion and model industry. This was a hilarious take on it, and Zoolander, our main character, is stupidly lovable. Ben Stiller proves once again his flexibility with his comedic acting. Just watch 'Meet the Parents'and this, you'll think it's 2 different actors. Showing you how much work Ben can do, he also helped write and produce the movie. Owen Wilson usually ends up in a movie with Ben, and he's hilarious too. And of course Will Ferrell is always a riot. Read the Plot Outline in the details, there's not much to it. But you don't watch movies like this for incredible story lines, do you?

No, it's not an oscar winning comedy, most aren't. It's not an intelligent look at real-life, it's not the greatest storyline driven kind of movie, and it doesn't have top notch acting. But it's incredibly funny, especially the DVD. The DVD is filled with so many extra goodies, it's worth getting. The movie is filled with cameos like David Bowie, Paris Hilton, Billy Zane, AH! There are so many, you just have to see the list yourself.

Rent or buy it, and leave your brain on the table next to the popcorn. Because there's more to life then being really, really, ridiculously smart.

Very intelligent movie about stupidity

[CinefanR · 10/10 · 31 January 2012]

Not a favorite on the first viewing, when it premiered, this movie is - I have to admit it now - hysterical. Don't forget that it's a parody, it's quirky, completely ridiculous, insane & over the top and yes, people in it act stupidly. I'm not a fan of Ben Stiller, I haven't enjoyed any other movies of his, but this is spot on. I say justice has been done: it's been finally revealed that stupidity knows no gender when it comes to the fashion world, and it comes in epic proportions.

By the way, the fashion world redeemed itself by participating in this movie. Watch for the countless cameos from famous people in the industry. The fact that they accepted to make a little fun of themselves shows that they do have a sense of humor, and that's quite refreshing.

Oh, and Jon Voight deserves an Oscar for his deadpan performance as Derek's estranged father. He made me break down and cry tears of laughter over the terrible drama of the Zoolander family. Words are useless here, just watch the movie!

A Comedic Duo That's Actually Funny

[joycee-1 · 7/10 · 11 October 2005]

I am generally of fan of old movies, ranging from Gone With the Wind to The Godfather. That said, I feel that Zoolander is a very funny, entertaining film, especially considering that it's a relatively current film.

When I first saw it on TV (I rarely go to the movies anymore - too many bad ones are getting good reviews) I thought I would only watch it for a few minutes. I assumed it would be dumb - and it is - but it a way that's genuinely funny. Ben Stiller, his dad, and his mother in a cameo are all great.

But it's Owen Wilson who caught my eye. This is a guy that has the same kind of good looks, intelligence and charm that some of the best comedic actors of years gone by had. His broken nose only adds to his persona. He writes, too. I hope he continues both his acting and writing career. I've read that he does a lot of improvising, and that some of his best lines are off the cuff. This is a hallmark of someone who is truly funny, with great timing.

The scenes where he prances & struts (on his skateboard & off) are perfect. He plays the fool, who is actually not a fool, to perfection.

The many cameos in this movies are fun. I recognized several of them, and so will you. I rated this movies a 7 instead of higher only because the theme gets pretty trivial and silly at times.

AUSTIN Posers--Hip, Daffy, Yet Kinda Sweet

[dtb · 8/10 · 26 March 2002]

In Entertainment Weekly, Ben Stiller described this feature-length adventure of the moronic male model he created for the VH1 Fashion Awards as "MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE meets EYES OF LAURA MARS." Me, I can sum it up in two words: "AUSTIN Posers." No, better yet, I'll boil it down to one word: "endearing." That's right, endearing! As lighthearted as it is lightheaded, this daffy spoof of conspiracy thrillers and the mad, mod world of male models and other hipsters has a surprising undercurrent of sweetness to it. Star/director/co-writer/co-producer Stiller plays dopey Derek Zoolander as a gentle, essentially kind-hearted naif under his hip veneer. The same is true of Owen Wilson, putting his twang and quirky humor to good use as Derek's rustic yet hippy-dippy rival-turned-ally Hansel. I suspect folks will like ZOOLANDER even better on DVD, since there are tons of hilarious extended scenes and deleted scenes as well as the original Zoolander TV sketches that Stiller & Co. did for VH1. As Derek says in the voiceover intros on the DVD menu, the ZOOLANDER disc is a wonderful introduction to "the world of DiviDuh"! :-)

Insulting the intelligence of viewers

[psyche42 · 1/10 · 19 June 2005]

Derek Zoolander is probably the most wanted male model in the world. He looks like an angel,his body is flawless,his gestures and movements are perfectly taught.Unfortunately,perfect appearance doesn't always mean perfect intellect.Derek is the most stupid being in the world... ...and this is one of the worst movies ever.I really don't want to disappoint people who like it but I HAVE NO CHOICE!In my opinion this movie should be banned,because there's a big possibility of getting as dumb as Derek is.I literally felt my brain cells exploding during watching it.Ben Stiller had to be in really bad situation when he took this role. So if you want to see this movie...DON'T DO IT!!!

Stiller and Wilson are great together

[sittler · 28 September 2002]

A hilarious, ridiculous comedy that does a great job of poking fun at celebrity. Ben Stiller seems to think that fame is rather silly and he shows his contempt for it in the form of male super-model Derek Zoolander. The intellect-challenged, self-absorbed Zoolander pouts, struts and mispronounces wonderfully throughout this comedy that's aimed at being stupid.

The "plot-line" begins when Derek is targeted by a clandestine fashion alliance in need of a dim-witted, male super-model. Fitting the bill to a tee, Derek is brainwashed via a Clockwork-Orange-esque treatment that orders him to kill the visiting Prime Minister of Malaysia, whose progressive take on child-labour laws and sweatshops has become a serious thorn in the side of the fashion cartel. Whenever Derek hears "Relax" by Frankie Goes To Hollywood, that's his trigger to kill the Prime Minister.

Some movies try so hard at being ridiculous that it actually kills its comedic value (see "Scary Movie" and "Scary Movie 2"). It's quite a feat to maintain a balance, which Zoolander accomplishes.

You'll either love or hate this movie. If you like silly, you'll like Zoolander. Also, I found that this movie gets better with age, so don't be so quick to cast it aside.

Watched it because of the memes, stayed because of a decent movie

[darapjohnson · 6/10 · 21 August 2023]

I'm going to just admit it... I only watched this because of the several memes that came out of it now 20-something years later (damn time passes by fast...) and I got to say, although it wasn't my kind of humour which was surprising to me because I find most stuff funny, this was still pretty great and I can see why it gathered a sort of cult following if you can call it that, over the years. I just don't know why this didn't tickle my funny bone. I understood the satire, the comedy, the overacting and so on and so forth but this maybe at most got a smile out of me if even that and once again it's weird because I actually did like this. That aside though, Ben Stiller did a great job with this movie and all the actors were fun and dedicated to their parts. The story although bizarre, was pretty fun too. "Zoolander" I would definitely recommend to everyone, just give it a chance.

Delightfully moronic

[cbdemented · 10/10 · 29 September 2001]

Is it dumb? Yes. Do you get dumber watching it? Yes. There is little argument that Zoolander is the dumbest movie of the new millennium, but it is so well done in it's stupidity it is really worth seeing. I found myself breathless from excessive laughter several times throughout this picture, so leave your brain in the lobby and prepare to laugh at perhaps some of the dumbest jokes in a Hollywood movie, ever!

It's so awful it's terrific. At times. Funny and star studded.

[secondtake · 7/10 · 9 November 2013]

Zoolander (2001)

A preposterous and often hilarious (and often very goofy) comedy set in the world of high fashion. And international politics, kind of.

Ben Stiller is the title character, and he's so affected and "stupid" he's perfectly funny. Even when he makes the same move with his head, pursing his lips and looking blankly across the room, over and over, it's funny. Every time. He has to deal with being exceedingly stupid, vain, good looking, and now, suddenly, unsuccessful.

He loses his "crown" as best model to Hansel, played by Owen Wilson. He also manages to very be funny, though less by acting and more by having an absurd role —new hippie hedonist. As supermodel. Okay, whatever!

There is an extremely dull if pretty reporter who is looking into this fashion world, especially a bizarre Mugatu character played by Will Ferrell. Evil ensues. David Bowie shows up for a contest. A whole slew of actual fashion names lend themselves for cameos. It's a rollicking movie. It even makes a little sense, which is good because it doesn't need to, and we want the resolution to happen.

And oh yeah—you get to relax to Frankie Goes to Hollywood, the perfect empty hyped up pre-techno dance studio bland band, which has a key role, via vinyl. Milla Jovovich has a small role that's a little like Uma in "Kill Bill" and her name is worth the ride: Katinka Ingabogovinanana. Look for little appearances by big names: Christian SLater, Donald Trump, Jon Voight, Natalie Portman, Paris Hilton (duh, yeah!) and Heidi Klum (her too), Fabio, Lenny Kravitz, K-Roc, Richie Rich, Billy Zane, Vince Vaughn, and so on!

Is this any good? I suppose not. But what are comedies for? To make you laugh. And this does that enough times to make it worth the suffering elsewhere if you hunker down and don't worry too much. And there's even a sequel.