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'Zoolander 2' is packed with celebrity cameos, but is it funny?

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Sarah: I agree, it was certainly more stupid than the original. But anyone who liked the first movie definitely should see this one, and that's not always the case with sequels. (See the awful Anchorman 2​, for example.)

My takeaway from the movie: It's awesome in its absurdity.

Britton: Absurd is a good word for it. Shortly after it begins, Zoolander 2 leans heavily into mocking fantasy genre tropes. There's talk of a "chosen one" that is important to the world of fashion, and the only man who can possibly save us has been in hiding for years. That man (Ben Stiller's Derek Zoolander, of course) has been living as a "hermit crab" after a tragedy that resulted in the death of his wife and separation from his son, Derek Jr.

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This story can't just be about a mythological chosen one out to save the world. It's also about a man getting over his wife. And getting his son back. And thwarting a conspiracy. While another character laments the fact that they never had a father. There's a lot happening in Zoolander 2, and sometimes I felt like it was trying too hard. Did you not feel that way?

Sarah: I didn't feel like it was trying too hard, but maybe that's because I didn't feel like there was a lot happening. It seemed to me to be a silly story, full of cameos, about two washed up models on a quest to save Derek Zoolander's son. Any other minor story lines seemed lost to their bumbling mis-pronunciations. It was one of those enjoy-the-ride kind of movies for me.

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Let's talk about cameos. Who were your favorites?

Britton: There is one cameo that easily destroyed all other cameos. Neil. DeGrasse. Tyson. I mean, look, I'm a nerd, so I'm pre-programmed to light up a bit when Tyson shows up in anything. He's like your fun-loving uncle who you're always happy to see at a family reunion because he can make you laugh while also teaching you science. So for me, he stole the movie with the few lines he had.

There were definitely a lot of guest appearances, though, including several celebrities from Texas. Who stood out to you?

Justin Bieber portrays himself in 'Zoolander 2.'
Justin Bieber portrays himself in 'Zoolander 2.'(Wilson Webb / AP)

Sarah: I thought Justin Bieber was hilarious.

I liked Fred Armisen's character, though I definitely don't understand what he was. That was part of the fun.

A few other likeable ones were Ariana Grande and Willie Nelson. One I didn't care for was Joe Jonas. Why is he popping up all over the place right now? I don't get it.

My favorite cameos, though, were Susan Sarandon doing a throwback to Rocky Horror Picture Show, which was genius, and Kristen Wiig. I'm embarrassed to say I didn't recognize Kristen Wiig until the credits. I loved her character so much, I hated her.

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Kristen Wiig portrays Alexanya Atoz in 'Zoolander 2.'
Kristen Wiig portrays Alexanya Atoz in 'Zoolander 2.'(Wilson Webb / AP)

Britton: My wife said the exact same thing about not recognizing Kristen Wiig until her name popped up. The makeup department did a stellar job with her.

We haven't talked much about Dallas-raised Owen Wilson, but that might be because he played his part exactly how you would expect him to. He seems to comfortably slide back into the role of Hansel, who I think is one of the more likable characters in the movie.

Sarah: You're exactly right. Owen Wilson was the Hansel we know and love. There's not a whole lot more he brought to the role this go 'round, and that's OK.

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So given that Zoolander 2 is generally dumber than most movies you enjoy, the big question: Do you recommend this movie?

Britton: Here's where I fall on that:

Is Zoolander 2 a good movie? Not really. But did I laugh while watching it? Totally.

It's a weird thing to say about a movie like this, but there were actually plot holes that kind of bugged me, even though they really don't matter in the grand scheme of things. You could also ask more serious questions about how the movie tackles topics like fat shaming or transgender issues, which could color the movie for some people more than any one annoying scene or character would.

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But if you're still quoting the original Zoolander​ today (and I wouldn't blame you. I quote it, too), then I think its sequel is worth watching with a good friend or group. But if you don't usually care for stupid movies or, heck, if you haven't seen the first Zoolander​, stay far away. There is nothing for you here.