2008 Directed by Andrew Fleming
In this irreverent comedy, a failed actor-turned-worse-high-school-drama-teacher rallies his Tucson, AZ students as he conceives and stages politically incorrect musical sequel to Shakespeare's Hamlet.
Crude humor and satire Underdogs and coming of age Song and dance Relationship comedy songs, musical, singing, comedy or funny funny, comedy, humor, jokes or hilarious teenager, school, friendship, funny or nerds comedy, funny, humor, hilarious or jokes school, teacher, student, classroom or kids Show All…
I agree that some bits don't play as all that clever anymore, but the point of it, that it's a comedy which ultimately rewards authenticity and champions kind-heartedness, is something I still really love.
And I'm such a sucker for movies about people making art, doubly so if its people driven by the spirit of creativity more than the craft of creativity.
Operation Distract-My-Wife-The-Nurse-In-These-Trying-Times-With-Stupid-Laughs marches on.
Picture this: it’s the summer after eight grade. You’re at a soccer tournament in another city. Your team isn’t particularly good. You lose your games. You are unbothered because you have convinced your dad to drive you and one of your teammates to the Cineplex so you can go and see Hamlet 2. The theatre is nearly empty. Those who are there are not enjoying themselves. You are. Your laughter peaks during the performance of “Rock Me Sexy Jesus.” Even as a child you are comforted knowing you’re on the right side of history with this one. Hamlet 2 is a masterpiece.
Well we finally got a contract on the Cogerson house. That coupled with putting a contract on a new house...has not left much time to watch movies. My streak of watching a movie a day for the entire 2014 year will be really tested at the end of August...as I will be homeless for 6 days. Today was a challenge to watch a movie...as we started moving stuff to my mom's house...and when I finally got some free time...a storm came through and knocked out the power.
But with 90 minutes to spare I was able to watch Hamlet 2. In this one Steve Coogan plays a failed actor-turned-worse-high-school-drama-teacher. When his school plays based on movies like Erin Brockovich and…
This movie was a lot funnier 12 years ago. That's the thing about cutting-edge humor -- the edge is always moving, and sometimes it regresses and goes in the wrong direction, bringing us to where we are today. Still, Steve Coogan doesn't disappoint here, and Catherine Keener's supporting performance as Coogan's disgusted wife is brilliant (no surprise). The Elisabeth Shue stunt casting also still works. The faux musical of the title is a real mess, and not always in a good way, but the song "Rock Me, Sexy Jesus" is a tune for the ages. Best thing about the movie.
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The movie that should have made Steve Coogan a huge star in North America, undone by the most appalling marketing I can remember for an indie film. Filthy, irreverent, hilarious, with the final musical product of 'Hamlet 2' being some of my favourite in-cinema experiences ever.
This is the 'let's put on a show' trope stretched to the nth degree, this hit really close to home to anyone who's ever worked in the theatre or in arts education.
I love this movie, unapologetically.
I’m sorry but no actor has ever been more committed to a character than Steve Coogan in this movie, also FYI this is my favorite movie ever made and every time I watch it I enter an altered state and I refuse to assign it a rating
Smartly scripted comedy starring Steve Coogan as Dana Marschz, failed actor turned high school drama teacher, Dana spends his life trying to please his uninterested bitch of a wife (Catherine Keener) and the 13 year old editor of the school newspaper who is always slating his plays. He constantly wears jammie trousers and he roller-blades to work, he's basically one of life's looser's. When the head of the school threatens to close the drama department down Marschz decides to write an original play, Hamlet 2 is what he comes up with.
The film spoofs the likes of Dangerous Minds and Dead Poets Society, its genuinely funny and is anchored by a great performance from Coogan who is well supported by a colourful cast including Elizabeth Shue, Skylar Astin and Amy Poehler (who basically plays a potty mouthed version of Lesley Knope).
Also look out for the song 'Rock me Sexy Jesus', the film is worth watching for that alone.
"We are putting on this play and if you don't like it, then tough titties you ass-turd monkey fucker!" - Dana Marschz
A failed actor-turned-high-school-drama-teacher (Steve Coogan) stages a politically incorrect musical sequel to Shakespeare's Hamlet featuring a time-travelling Jesus. Hamlet 2 is one of 00's overlooked comedy gems with a brilliant comedic turn from Coogan.
The story structure is kind of garbage but the laughs are there throughout and that’s what matters
“I feel like I'm in a cage! And I feel like Nicolas Cage in Leaving Las Vegas! Starring my good friend, Elisabeth Shue!“
Why are delusional drama teachers with a god complex such a universally understood phenomenon.
“You’re a liar, everybody has rain gutters!”
“ I feel like I'm in a cage! And I feel like Nicolas Cage in Leaving Las Vegas! Starring my good friend, Elisabeth Shue!”
“Get away from me, you devil bitches!”
“I wanna party with you Jesus!”
Every sentence of this movie is pure unadulterated genius. Pam Brady and Andrew Fleming are clearly worshippers of the old testaments, penned by the master, Christopher Guest. They manage to join the ranks of David Wain and other satirists. Most people don’t seem to enjoy this level of absurdity, which makes this movie severely underrated.
I can’t praise this hilarity enough. If you like ‘Hot Rod’, golden(early)-era ‘South Park’, or Team America, do yourself a favor and check out another great work of Pam Brady, outstanding writer. It’s a shame her show ‘Lady Dynamite’ with Maria Bamford was canceled.
Cult classic! All hail Steve Coogan!
