Derek Zoolander makes a return to the big screen in this sequel to the 2001 film – but is it as good as the original?
The Guardian: *** Peter Bradshaw said: “Derek and Hansel aren’t as hot right now as they used to be.”
The Atlantic: David Sims found: “It’s a film that has no real reason to exist, and it spends its entire running time reaffirming that fact.”
Deadline.com: Pete Hammond wrote: “It’s really just a mess that feels like everyone onscreen is having a better time than anyone who pays to see this thing.”
Radio Times: ** Stella Papamichael commented: “With the first film, Stiller delivered an inspired blend of spy spoof and goofy fashion satire; here, the grand intrigues overshadow the characters.”
Variety: Justin Chang thought that: “The results may delight those who believe recycled gags and endless cameos to be the very essence of great screen comedy, but everyone else will likely recognize Stiller’s wannabe Magnum opus as a disappointment-slash-misfire, the orange mocha crappuccino of movie sequels.”
The Hollywood Reporter: David Rooney wrote that: “like a cute little outfit burdened with too many accessories, Zoolander 2 is a victim of overkill.”
The Telegraph: *** Helen O’Hara commented that: “if this is Derek’s swan song then he leaves amid a flurry of feathers and bustle – surely all a male model could wish for.”
Empire: ***Olly Richards summed it up saying: “Yet the whole thing is so ridiculous, and so enthusiastic, that it wins you over. Zoolander 2 is as endearingly brainless as its title character.”
Rolling Stone: ** (1/2) Peter Travers said: “For me, Zoolander 2 is all about watching Derek and Hansel mix it up with returning villain Mugatu (Will Ferrell, so hot right now and forever) and his lady love.”
Time Out: **** Kate Lloyd wrote: “mostly, ‘Zoolander 2’ hits the mark with style. Just don’t expect anything too deep.”
Spectator: Francesca Steele summed it up saying: “In its sequel, the jokes, if you can call them that, are trying way too hard.”
Overall verdict: the sequel relies too heavily on the jokes from the original film for it to be a great success. Maybe stick to the original film.