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Plot Summary
A dim-witted male model named Derek Zoolander (Ben Stiller) is brainwashed
to assist in killing the prime minister of Malaysia. It's up to a nosy reporter named Matilda
(Christine Taylor) and Derek to learn of this plan and stop it before
Zoolander commits murder. At the same time, he must deal with rival Hansel (Owen Wilson)
who's popularity is surpassing his...
Review
What in the world was Stiller thinking? I like stupid movies. I like dumb humor. I
liked Dumb and Dumber, Mystery Men, Rat Race, and the
non-vulgar sequences in Meet the Parents, so I thought from seeing the previews
of Zoolander, it'd definitely be a flick for me. Nope. I was wrong.
I like Stiller, I liked Owen Wilson in Shanghai Noon, Armaggedon,
and he was pretty much the only redeeming quality of The Haunting. Here, in
Zoolander, his character is liable to disappoint some fans, as he has almost no
redeemable qualities in this film. Ben Stiller did a really good job as a brainless model,
but he didn't write up much for himself to work with. While the concept alone is funny,
I must agree with one critic who felt like the movie was more of an inside joke
than anything. I felt like I was fishing for something to laugh at. I wanted really badly
to enjoy the movie, but it just wasn't that funny.
Content didn't help the movie at all. It made me mad that the film seemed like it should be
an innocent comedy due to being so down-right stupid, but Stiller found no fault in including
a scene where Hansel and Derek both have sex with Matilda, and are soon joined by numerous
other male models. The whole scene is done in a very silly way and is meant to be funny,
but it was much more uncomfortable than silly (and should be if you think about it from
a Christian perspective). No nudity is seen, as we are shown the characters from shoulders and up
shots only, seeing their pleasured reactions to the encounter, which Hansel later describes as
a "freak fest." Aside from occasional crude dialog, there is another scene in which Derek is being
massaged in a spa and when he turns over on his back to talk to Matilda, we see the sheet covering
him is raised at his crotch. As he talks to Matilda, the masseuse tries to touch his erection
with two broom-like tools and it moves around under the sheet to avoid being touched. A gross
and also uncomfortable scene unnecessary for the film.
This is one film you're best to stay away from. It's stupid, crude, and just not funny for the most
part. While it does have its very occasional moments, with Stiller's character being fun to watch,
but often ridiculous, the film is a waste of time, and you're better off seeing Rush Hour 2 or
Rat Race, but of course with discretion. (Also, you may notice
that in many shots of the cityscape of New York, the filmmakers removed the Twin Towers because
of the September 11th attack on New York. For those who might look for them in the shots, it
is a little unsettling to see them missing, however, it might seem creepy to see them there...)
Overall, the film is a major disappointment. It's not worth dragging this review on much longer.
It just wasn't good and it's a shame cause it could have been.
Please read all the content details carefully.
- John DiBiase
(reviewed: 9/29/01)
Parental Guide: Brief Summary of Content
 Sex/Nudity: After a conversation about their
sex lives, Hansel and Derek both have sex with Matilda, and are soon joined by numerous
other male models. The whole scene is done in a very silly way and is meant to be funny,
but it was much more uncomfortable than silly. No nudity is seen, as we are shown the characters from shoulders and up
shots only, seeing their pleasured reactions to the encounter, which Hansel later describes as
a "freak fest." Aside from occasional crude dialog, there is another scene in which Derek is being
massaged in a spa and when he turns over on his back to talk to Matilda, we see the sheet covering
him is raised at his crotch. As he talks to Matilda, the masseuse tries to touch his erection
with two broom tools and it moves around under the sheet to avoid being touched -- a gross
and also uncomfortable scene unnecessary for the film. In a competition, we see Hansel reach into his
pants, wiggle his hand around and pull out his underwear. Zoolander then tries to do it as well.
Vulgarity/Language: 8 "s" words, 3 "g*dd*mn,"
1 "d*ck," 7 "a" words, 4 "d*mn," 2 "cr*p," 2 "h*ll," 3 "For Chr-st's sake,"
1 "Dear G-d"
Alcohol/Drugs: We see a brief video clip of Zoolander with
some alcohol, and Hansel acting like he's smoking a joint.
Some of Zoolander's family drink in a bar.
Hansel mentions tripping on acid.
Hansel, Zoolander and Matilda drink a drug-like tea.
Hansel mentions smoking peyote.
Blood/Gore: Katinka has a tiny bit of blood on her mouth
after being hit there.
Violence: Some fighting, some people die in an explosion, a man is shot and wounded (no blood or sight of the wound), etc
** Disclaimer: All reviews are based solely on the opinions of the reviewer. Most
reviews are rated on how the reviewer enjoyed the film overall, not on content. However, if the content
really affects the reviewer's opinion of the film, it will definitely affect the reviewer's rating.
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** (see below notation)
- for sexual content and drug references.
