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Hamlet 2
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MPAA RATING: R for language including sexual references, brief nudity and some drug content
Starring Steve Coogan, Catherine Keener, Amy Poehler, David Arquette, Elisabeth Shue, and Melonie Diaz
Dana Marschz--the last name is pronounced...oh, any attempt is close enough, really--is a failed actor-turned-high school drama teacher. Shortchanged in the talent department, Dana still harbors ambitions and passions. At Tucson, AZ's West Mesa High School, Dana sees himself as an inspirational teacher, but when his department is targeted for closure, Dana must reach deep into himself for creativity. After much perspiration, he conceives a sequel to Shakespeare's Hamlet - a musical-theater extravaganza that will disdain both political correctness and dramatic credibility. With rehearsals underway, objections from school officials and the community are soon raised, but Dana will not be denied his freedom of artistic expression. After all, "to thine own self be true." Dana gets unexpected support from ACLU attorney Cricket Feldstein and his favorite actress, Elisabeth Shue. Above all else, he fervently believes that his opus must be staged, and nothing can break his optimistic spirit. (Focus Features)
| GENRE(S): | Comedy |
| WRITTEN BY: |
Pam Brady
Andrew Fleming |
| DIRECTED BY: | Andrew Fleming |
| RELEASE DATE: |
DVD: December 16, 2008 Theatrical: August 22, 2008 |
| RUNNING TIME: | 92 minutes, Color |
| ORIGIN: | USA |
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
The average user rating for this movie is 5.8 (out of 10) based on 29 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Mark S gave it a9:
Coogan gives a superb performance I did not expect (even though I had been told). The film is hilarious--much funnier than some better-reviewed comedies (e.g. Forgetting Sarah Marshall, or Pineapple Express). And it is far more clever than even its champions give it credit for. I'm amazed people fault the plot (a wonderful send-up of "inspirational teacher" films); no one who understands comedy should level such a criticism, anyway. Comedies exaggerate, take liberties, bizzare segues. While most run-of-the-mill comedies (see anything by an ex-SNL star) start strong and lose steam after a half hour when the plot kicks in, this film is filled with creative set-ups and delivers consistent laughs all the way through. What more can you want? Rock me, sexy Jesus!
Ken S gave it a3:
The movie starts out slow and suddenly stops once it provides the entertainment of the play Hamlet 2. Many parts, such as Mr. M's wife, seemed to just be added in without a purpose to lengthen the boredom. With very few laughs throughout the film, the musical numbers might be the only 4 minutes worth watching.
Jay H. gave it a6:
Funnier than I was expecting, good performances, especially Catherine Keener. Steve Coogan does great also, he is well cast. It doesn't always work, but for the most part it has a lot more hits than misses.
BloggingFun gave it a7:
Hamlet 2 is a fun and light hearted comedy with a cast that really makes this ensemble film complete. It’s a unique twist on the inspirational teach flick and is definitely worth seeing (even if you wait for DVD).
Erica M. gave it an8:
I loved the complete dedication of Steve Coogan to this role. He is so unabashadly pathetic and hopeful. Reminded me a little of Fellini's Nights of Cabiria - vis a vis the main character. I also loved the actual performance and the supporting cast of teenagers. The only reason it's not a 10 for me is that the wife / roommate subplot seemed a little weak, as did the casting for those characters... more for name value than true fit. Anyways. I completely recommend.
Erica Erica gave it a9:
I thought this movie was hilarious. Silly fun, with some clever parts!
Craig A. gave it a7:
Unfairly reviewed, this original attack on both the censorship and the creative freedom lobby showcases the stupidity of both. Steve Coogan's talentless but well-meaning drama teacher is cringeingly pathetic, yet strangely lovable.

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