Zoolander No. 2 - Magnum Edition

The first "Zoolander" film is a gem, a diamond in the rough. It came and went from theaters with so little fanfare that it's almost baffling. Sure, its timing was rather awful, a film with a plot revolving around male model assassins to land right after the events of September 11th is less than ideal (to put it lightly). But luckily, in that early age of the DVD, it was able to find its footing and eventually garner the acclaim and devout fandom that it so rightly deserved.

So it is with great pain that I must say that in every way, "Zoolander No. 2" is no "Zoolander."

The film is hackneyed, dimwitted, poorly paced, and, in all honesty, just straight up lazy. Rather than the gift that so many fans hoped its long delayed arrival would be, it feels more like a slap in the face to such an extent that it has me questioning my adoration for its predecessor. But I'm sure these are all things that you have heard before, back when "Zoolander No. 2" first entered theaters. So what's the point in dredging all of this back up for the Blu-ray release? Well, that river of bland drudgery has bled into the land of at home viewing, the very place that once saved "Zoolander."

Do not be fooled by this Blu-ray release's subtitle that not only implies a feat of size but also preys upon your memories of what came before. There is nothing "Magnum" about this release. This edition comes with your Blu-ray copy, a DVD version (why even bother), and a digital download. It's nice to have, but it's also nearly an expectation for these kinds of releases. Where "The Magnum Edition" really disappoints is its special features, or more accurately, lack thereof. There are no commentaries, director or otherwise, no deleted scenes, hell, there isn't even a blooper reel. Instead, you receive two behind-the-scenes featurettes, one about shooting in Rome (yawn) and another that acts like a greatest hits compilation of "Zoolander" clips. The only special feature worth your time is the sweet tribute to "Zoolander" creator Drake Sather. Both touching and informative, it provides a glimpse into the mind of a forgotten comedian and, apparently, the true life blood of Derek Zoolander. It's nice, but it really isn't enough to make this worth your time.

Ultimately, "Zoolander No. 2: The Magnum Edition" is a half-assed release of a film that should be wiped from the annals of cinematic history. This is not a Blu-ray release, it is an affront to the greater "Zoolander" fandom.

"Zoolander No. 2: The Magnum Edition"
Blu-ray Combo Pack
$39.99
http://www.paramountmovies.com/