Hamlet 2: A Smart ‘Stupid Comedy’

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By Kathleen Davis

With most movies nowadays, viewers know what they are getting into before they watch the film. The trailers and promotions for Hamlet 2, however, left me wondering exactly what kind of movie I would be watching. From the trailer you can tell it is a comedy and involves some musical numbers, but honestly what can you expect from a movie that has been reviewed as “dementedly hilarious” by Entertainment Weekly? I expected nothing more than another crude, run of the mill comedy.

The main character in the film Dana Marschz (yes, his last name is the object of multiple jokes in the film), played by Steve Coogan, is a hopelessly terrible actor turned just as terrible Drama teacher. He spends school years getting his two acting students to put on plays based on popular films, such as Erin Brockovich. Marschz finally believes the Drama department is building when many students join his class. It turns out, though, that the extracurricular classes are being cut and Drama is the only one left. Drama ends up on the cutting board next and Marschz devises a plan to save the program. He writes a musical sequel to “Hamlet” and despite claims that it is lewd and inappropriate finds a way to put it on. It is in fact crude, politically incorrect, and just plain crazy. Despite all of these things, however, Marschz, his students, and the play’s audience all manage to learn something from it - the lesson being anything from forgiveness to just how awesome Jesus is.

The film features an array of hilarious characters. Catherine Keener, who plays Dana Marschz’s cynical wife, is deadpan and witty the whole movie. The students acting in the play all have their great moments and of course help the main character work past all of the bad things in his life. Even the some of the smaller roles played by Amy Poehler and Elisabeth Shue are packed full of hilarity.

This movie definitely exceeded all of my expectations. I went in thinking I was going to see a very dumb comedy and came out tired from laughing. It may be a little crazy and wacky, but that makes this comedy stand out from any other comedy in theaters today.

Originally Published: Issue 704 - September 10, 2008

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