Mr. Movie: ‘Zoolander 2’ funnier than original
Two things about sequels. One: Most ought not be done. Two: If you’re doing one, why wait 15 years?
Up front, I’m not a Ben Stiller fan and don’t find him funny. He was intentionally awful in Zoolander in 2001, and he’s just as intentionally awful in the sequel. Equally unimpressive are Owen Wilson and Will Ferrell, who are also not on my favorites list either.
Zoolander and Wilson’s Hansel are out of fashion and forced to return to center stage. Ferrell’s Mugatu is behind the ploy to draw them out by using Zoolander’s estranged son Derek Jr.
Zoolander and Hansel get help from Penelope Cruz, who plays an Interpol agent assigned to the global fashion division. Now that’s funny.
Rock star Sting has a small role, as well as Keifer Sutherland, Billy Zane, Justin Bieber and a dozen other stars and fashion icons.
Stiller — who also directs — does a much better job with this one than the original. It’s fast and funny in an out-of-fashion way. Even the normally unfunny Ferrell is funny.
Zoolander 2
Director: Ben Stiller
Stars: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Penelope Cruz, Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig, Benedict Cumberbatch, Sting, Justin Bieber, Kiefer Sutherland, Billy Zane
Mr. Movie rating: 3 stars
Rated PG-13 for mature themes. It’s playing at Regal’s Columbia Center 8, the Fairchild Cinemas 12 and Queensgate 12 and at Walla Walla Grand Cinemas.
5 stars to 4 1/2 stars: Must see on the big screen.
4 stars to 3 1/2 stars: Good film, see it if it's your type of movie.
3 stars to 2 1/2 stars: Wait until it comes out on DVD.
2 stars to 1 star: Don't bother.
0 stars: Speaks for itself.
This story was originally published February 11, 2016 at 1:08 PM with the headline "Mr. Movie: ‘Zoolander 2’ funnier than original."