Derek Zoolander (Ben Stiller) is the world's top model. Then Hansel (Owen Wilson) arrives. The new face du jour wins Male Model of the Year and usurps the throne, while Zoolander's world implodes when his friends are killed, and the media start a feeding frenzy.
Avant-garde designer Mugatu (Will Ferrell) steps in to play saviour, offering Derek a chance to model his new "derelicte" range of couture inspired by the homeless. But Mugatu has another agenda: to assassinate the Malaysian PM, whose child labour laws threaten his business.
Zoolander is brainwashed to carry out the deed, but the plan hasn't figured on interfering reporter Matilda Jeffries (Christine Taylor) and some unexpected allies...
Stiller's previous efforts as director - Reality Bites and The Cable Guy - were brave and trenchant. Zoolander's satire is blunt and broad-brush, but develops the idiot-made-good persona which has seen Stiller in perpetual employment. As were his family: wife Christine Taylor gets a major role, while mother, sister and brother-in-law get a scene each. Even the pet labrador gets a turn. But it's veteran comic Jerry Stiller (Ben's father) that walks away with the movie as Derek's agent, Maury, dressed as mutton and spouting Catskill-friendly shtick.
Did you know? The film has been banned in Malaysia, as the country is depicted as impoverished and dependent on sweatshops. Malaysia's censorship board deemed it "definitely unsuitable". The film was also initially banned in Singapore - due to bilateral sensitivities - but was made available in 2006 with a restricted rating.
(2 Star)
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