Hamlet 2 (2008)

User Rating:

6.5/10   

Director:

Andrew Fleming

Writers (WGA):

Pam Brady (written by) &
Andrew Fleming (written by)

Release Date:

27 August 2008 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy

Tagline:

One high school drama teacher is about to make a huge number 2

Plot:

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.

Plot Keywords:

Alcoholic | High School | Cell Phone | Profanity | Mexican Restaurant

US TV Schedule:

Sun. July 12

7:20 AM

MAX

Cast

Steve Coogan	...	Dana Marschz
Catherine Keener	...	Brie Marschz
Joseph Julian Soria	...	Octavio
Skylar Astin	...	Rand Posin
Phoebe Strole	...	Epiphany Sellars
Melonie Diaz	...	Ivonne
Arnie Pantoja	...	Vitamin J
Michael Esparza	...	Chuy
Natalie Amenula	...	Yolanda
Marshall Bell	...	Principal Rocker
David Arquette	...	Gary
Elisabeth Shue	...	Elisabeth Shue
Amy Poehler	...	Cricket Feldstein
Shea Pepe	...	Noah Sapperstein
Marco Rodríguez	...	Mr. Marquez

MPAA:

Rated R for language including sexual references, brief nudity and some drug content.

Runtime:

92 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English | Spanish

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | DTS

Certification:

USA:R (certificate #44121) | UK:15 | Netherlands:6 | Argentina:13 | Finland:K-11 | New Zealand:R16 | Australia:MA | Singapore:M18 | Iceland:7

Filming Locations:

Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA

Company:

Bona Fide Productions

Trivia:

Steve Coogan is also doing the narration.

Goofs:

Factual errors: When the drama students are forbidden to stage their play on school property, they move the show to a warehouse used for raves because promoters won't be using it because they are at Burning Man Festival in Nevada. But the play supposedly takes place near end of traditional school year (May or June) and Burning Man always takes place on Labor Day, in September.

Quotes:

Dana Marschz: Chuy, you're going to have a magical life. Because no matter where you go, it's always going to be better than Tucson.

Movie Connections:

References Star Wars (1977)

Soundtrack:

Jealous Heart

Seeing the trailer ruined the movie for me.

Hamlet 2 (2008) had an ad campaign that seemed to focus on the fact that it was from the co-writer of South Park, but they are not referring to Matt Stone or Trey Parker (who had absolutely nothing to do with this movie). They are talking about Pam Brady who mostly produces the show, but has some co-writing credits on a couple of the episodes and on the South Park movie. So, if you're going into this expecting something like Orgazmo or Team America, then you'll probably be disappointed.

That being said, the movie is still pretty clever and funny. Aside from a slow beginning, an annoying amount of pratfalls, and two completely pointless characters (played by Catherine Keener David Arquette), it's a pretty funny movie.

Unfortunately this is one of those movies where the funniest parts are spoiled by the trailer. My suggestion would be to skip the theatrical release and wait for it to come out on DVD. By that time, you probably will have forgotten the ad campaign, and you'll really be able to enjoy it.