Comedy sequels are a tricky business. There's almost no example anyone can point to that says the sequel was better than the original for the genre. The best you can hope for is that it breaks even with the original and doesn't dilute what came before. 22 Jump Street, for example, was a fine sequel to the first one whereas Anchorman's follow-up, sadly, didn't have the same impact as the original.
Zoolander 2 picks up a good few years after the original, with the lovable dolt Zoolander, now a retired widower, living out an existence in Arctic New Jersey. When contacted by Billy Zane, he's given a chance to get back into the fashion world and heal the rift with his son, Derek Jr. (Cyrus Arnold). Meanwhile, Hansel is off living with an orgy commune headed by Kiefer Sutherland. Yes, that Kiefer Sutherland. He too has given up on the fashion world, however he's tempted back in an attempt to find his father - who he's been told was just a beat cop. Hired by Alexanya Atoz, played by the scene-stealing Kristen Wiig, they're quickly made fools of as part of her show by Benedict Cumberbatch - who plays... well... the character is called All. It's hard to explain.Long story short, they uncover a hopelessly convoluted conspiracy that involves Derek Jr., high fashion and a somewhat tenuous excuse to bring Will Ferrell's Mugatu back into the fold.
It's needlessly complicated, but essentially, it's an excuse for Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson to get back into character and make fools of themselves again. On that basis, Zoolander 2 works. Neither have lost a step as the brain-dead models, each riffing and working off one another with an ease you'd expect from working together so closely. As mentioned, Kristen Wiig's heavily-modified Russian (we think?) designer eats up the screen whenever she's there; her heavy accent and bizarre mannerisms - she floats instead of walks - are just a joy to watch. Likewise, Will Ferrell's Mugatu is just as insane as he was previously.
Penelope Cruz, meanwhile, has been crowbarred in as a semi-love interest and is out of step with what's going on. Cyrus Arnold, as Zoolander's son, does a reasonably good job of taking over from Christine Taylor as the voice of reason amid all the stupidity. There's also an endless parade of cameos, including (deep breath) Justin Bieber, Usher, Ariana Grande, Anna Wintour, Tommy Hilfiger, Susan Sarandon, Demi Lovato, Kate Moss, Willie Nelson, Katy Perry, Neil DeGrasse Tyson and probably a few hundred more as well. The comedy does rely heavily on these cameos and, for the most part, they work. There is something truly funny about seeing MC Hammer trying to explain why the Hammer-pants were so popular from his Fashion Police cell. Likewise, Kiefer Sutherland's role as the love interest to Owen Wilson is also equally funny.
The jokes come thick and fast throughout, however the success rate depends entirely on whether or not celebrities making fun of themselves does it for you. It does lack a certain bite to it, as the jokes are reasonably good-natured and there's nothing too dark or satirical about it. The film does take a firm swipe at hipsters, with one snapback hat-wearing designer meeting a grisly end. That's really about as edgy as it gets. For the most part, Zoolander 2 is a fine sequel to the first one. Some of the jokes are quite memorable and the incessant cameos do wear a little thin, but there's enough fun to be had that it won't be a major concern.