This is a comedy film which is co written, directed by and stars Ben Stiller as the main character. It also stars other great comedians Owen Wilson and Will Ferrell as well as cameo apearances from celebrities such as David Bowie, Gwen Stefani, Heidi Klum, Paris Hilton and Donald Trump amongst others.

The films main character is Derek Zoolander (played by Stiller) who is a male model with not much in terms of intelligence and a brain. He is though a top male model and has been the dominant male model in the industry for three years thanks to his patented "look," Blue Steel.

After three consecutive years of winning the "Male Model of the Year" award he is beaten by a hot newcomer Hansel (Owen Wilson). Following this Derek starts searching for a new meaning in his life. As he is doing this fashion mogul Mugatu (Will Ferrell) offers Derek a comeback in his new "Derelicte" line. What nobody suspected is that Mugatu plans to assassinate the new Malaysian Prime Minister on his visit to New York, so that cheap child labor is still available for Mugatu's fashion producing. He needed to find a dimwitted model to brainwash into killing the Prime Minister of Malaysia which was Zoolander. Will Zoolander be brainwashed into killing the Malayasian prime minister or will he be stopped ?

It's not an oscar winning comedy or an intelligent look at real life and it doesn't have the greatest storyline but it is very funny. The movie pokes fun at entertainment and in particular, the fashion and modelling industry. This was a hilarious take on it, and Zoolander although lacking much brain activity is actually quite likeable and Stiller plays the role of the airhead male model well. Ferrell and Wilson also provide a good support role in the movie. It is a bit over the top and silly at times but as with alot of these types of movies people will generally like this type of humour or find it over the top and stupid. Overall I found it an enjoyable and funny take on the fashion industry and modelling.

Film Details:

Directed by: Ben Stiller

Produced by:

Scott Rudin
Ben Stiller
Stuart Cornfeld

Written by:

Drake Sather
Ben Stiller
John Hamburg

Starring:

Ben Stiller
Owen Wilson
Christine Taylor
Will Ferrell
Jerry Stiller
Milla Jovovich
David Duchovny
Jon Voight


Distributed by:

Paramount Pictures
Village Roadshow Pictures

Release date 2001

Running time 89 minutes