Ben Stiller has emerged as a defining comedic figure of his era, captivating audiences with memorable performances in films like The Night at the Museum, Dodgeball, and Meet the Parents. His talents extend beyond acting; Stiller has also made a significant impact as a director. He debuted as a director with the romantic comedy Reality Bites in 1994, a film that contributed to his early acclaim. Following this success, Stiller helmed various projects, including The Cable Guy and the critically lauded Tropic Thunder.
Stiller’s comedic repertoire is notable for its sequels. The beloved Meet the Parents spawned Meet the Fockers, ultimately culminating in the trilogy with Little Fockers released in 2010. Rumors persist about a potential fourth film in this series, which would see Stiller reprise his iconic role. Likewise, the Night at the Museum franchise, which began in 2006 and concluded with Nights at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb in 2014, stands as another testament to the enduring popularity of Stiller’s comedic ventures, despite mixed reviews for certain sequels.
Ben Stiller Considers Zoolander 2 His Most Misunderstood Film
Critics’ Opinions Leave Him Puzzled
Stiller has expressed that Zoolander 2 stands out as his most misunderstood film. This 2016 comedy serves as a sequel to the critically acclaimed Zoolander released in 2001. Unfortunately, it failed to perform at the box office, generating merely $56.7 million against an estimated budget of $50 million. The film faced harsh criticism, reflected in a dismal 22% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, alongside an even lower audience score of 20% on the Popcornmeter. Its reception has led to its classification as one of the more poorly regarded offerings in Stiller’s filmography.
During an interview on Hot Ones, Stiller articulated his belief that Zoolander 2 is significantly undervalued. He stated, “it’s very hard to analyze why critics like or don’t like something.”Despite the negative feedback, he maintained that he finds it challenging to comprehend why the film was regarded in such a negative light.
I mean, look, it’s very hard to analyze why critics like or don’t like something. I’m always surprised when critics love something, and I’m always surprised when they hate something. Because it’s so subjective. I mean, Zoolander 2, probably, I gotta say. I think it got kinda, you know. It’s like hard to think it was that bad that people didn’t like it that much. But maybe I’m wrong.
Our Perspective on the Reception of Zoolander 2
A High Bar to Meet
Considering the MPA rating, it is evident that Zoolander 2 opted for a more conservative tone compared to its predecessor. Stiller faced immense pressure while crafting the sequel; the original had garnered an enthusiastic fanbase which raised expectations. Consequently, any perceived shortcomings in the follow-up were likely to be harshly judged by fans eagerly anticipating its arrival.
For those interested, Zoolander 2 is currently available for streaming on Prime Video and MGM+.
Source: First We Feast
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