Another old(er) film! This month I've felt like catching up on blockbusters I may have missed in 2015/early 2016. As they say, it may be an oldy but it's a goody!
15 years after the smash hit Zoolander graced our cinema screens with it's satirical portrayal of models and the fashion world, the title character is back. Zoolander 2 follows a worn out Derek Zoolander after the death of Matilda, the collapse of his centre for illiterate children and the loss of custody of his son, Derek Jr. Interpol are investigating the confusing assassinations of several of the worlds biggest celebrities, who in their final captured moments point to Zoolander as a clue. Hansel and Zoolander are reunited by mutual pal Billy Zane - not the first celebrity cameo and not the last either - and are recruited by Valentina, an Interpol agent, to help investigate the suspicious murders. From this point on, the film becomes increasingly more ridiculous. A theme amongst the films I have reviewed this month!
With Zoolander, I feel that the attention is focused on the celebrity cameos above all else. And, to be honest, it appears this film was made, not to make another stellar Zoolander film but, in a bid to let celebrities act a little silly for a change. It is bizarre seeing respected actors like Benedict Cumberbatch as characters like All. But, I suppose that is part of the allure. The entire film felt like an odd fancy dress party, hosted by Ben Stiller, where the dress code was 'insane'. The weirdest part of it all was seeing Susan Boyle. Why was she even on a list of suggested names for this film? Because it's weird. Nothing about the film flowed like the original and the excessive and unnecessary cameos overshadowed every other aspect of the film. The cameos are, however, the perfect camouflage for a film that genuinely lacks substance. Perhaps studio executives, producers and directors alike, should reconsider flooding their film with famous faces when attempting to revive a franchise.
Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson and Will Ferrell were reunited and it really did feel so good while it lasted. The three clearly work well together and do make for some seriously funny moments. I simply wish the film was better written to include more of the original films charm. The whole plot was a twisted, Zoolander take on The DaVinci Code. With secret groups of fashion icons conspiring to kill the descendant of lesser known Steve from the Adam and Eve tale as several 'rock stars', I am using this term loosely as Justin Bieber is involved, aim to protect the chosen one (Zoolanders son - woops spoilers).
Yet again, a film I'm happy to have skipped in the theatres to view at home for free. It's truly a sad moment when you realise films like this are funded over special and profound indie projects.
Released in the summer of 2015, Pixels was welcomed by a wave of negative reviews. Despite grossing close to $250 million in the box office, critics made it very clear that Adam Sandler's gamer flick was one you could afford to miss. The 2015 film is based on a French short, by the same name, from 2010 by Patrick Jean. And it seems a lot of the original wonder of the short is lost in the longer, Hollywood edition. Pixels reboot was directed by Chris Columbus, of Harry Potter and Mrs Doubtfire fame, and is packed with a star studded cast that would be expected in a film produced by and starring Adam Sandler.
I feel like this film raises questions deeper than intended - if any moral or message was ever deliberately planned at all! In particular, this film has made me consider Sandler's position in Hollywood and his ability to draw in the masses with sub-par films. Why is it, an actor/comedian is continuously making bank with films that would drown had any other lead been attached? I'm a self confessed fan of some of his earlier work, 50 First Dates, The Wedding Singer and The Longest Yard will continue to be some of my lazy Sunday viewing faves. But since 2011, Sandler's work has taken a steep dive into boring and repetitive territory. With the exception of the first Hotel Transylvania film which was surprising and a great addition to Sony Pictures repertoire.
So, how did the film hold up? Well, the core concept is great. Who hasn't thought about alien invaders being actual... Alien Invaders?! But beyond that, the film was average. Whilst being incredibly funny at parts, the entire film fell victim to Sandler's old habits. Several forced jokes and scenarios could have been left of the cutting room floor without hindering the plot. But I would be lying if I said I didn't chuckle consistently throughout. For a film with little substance it was unsurprisingly easy to watch. The 'action' scenes were tame and lack lustre as blood and fear are hard to translate into pixels. But this film is certainly not aimed at the film goers of the 21st century who are left bored without excessive violence so the pixel replacements are fitting. The utter ridiculousness of it all is Pixels saving grace. A foolish president, tech savy aliens and a technical engineer hero apparently is a recipe for pleasant home viewing. But with films like this in the past I have always stated that, although enjoyable on a very basic level, I'm so happy I did not pay money to watch this in the cinema.
