Hamlet 2
Release Date: August 22, 2008
6.3
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 59 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
35
Mixed:
9
Negative:
15
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
readytoeatOct 4, 2019
takes an acquired and acutely sardonic sense of humor to appreciate. existentialism at it's most retarded. love this movie forever
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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4
ChadS.Aug 25, 2008
"Hamlet 2" rocks "sexy Jesus" gently, when it should be rocking him "like a hurricane". The ABC song that plays over the closing credits sums it all up, as to why "Hamlet 2" doesn't rock hard, or often enough, for a generation raised on "Hamlet 2" rocks "sexy Jesus" gently, when it should be rocking him "like a hurricane". The ABC song that plays over the closing credits sums it all up, as to why "Hamlet 2" doesn't rock hard, or often enough, for a generation raised on the offensive, but purposeful antics of Comedy Central's "South Park"(or Kevin Smith's "Dogma"). Trey Parker and Matt Stone would "Shoot That Poison Arrow" through the heart of evangelical Christiandom, unafraid and without mercy. "Hamlet 2", on the other hand, has "The Look of Love". It's a politically correct film about political incorrectness; an indie with the verve of a studio film(like Brian Dannelly's "Saved"). Case and point: high school drama teacher Dana Marschz(Steve Coogan) visits the home of a Hispanic pupil he presumes to be a troubled kid. His expectations are mistaken, however, when it turns out that Octavio(Joseph Julian Soria) is a scholastic star, raised by intellectual parents in a middle-upper class environment. This scene plays out like an ironical rebuke against pedagogical Hollywood, who asserts that all young Latin males are destitute and in need of a white savior to keep them off the streets. Since Octavio's background is clearly meant to surprise us, this scene has the unintended effect of being more racist than Epiphany's admission that she feels "anxious" around "ethnics". "Hamlet 2" is perfectly set up to disembowel a coded Christian film like John N. Smith's "Dangerous Minds"(starring Michelle Pfeiffer as a Christ-like figure), but too often pulls punches, and abides by an abridged lexicon of love.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful
4
NateH.Sep 1, 2008
I went in sort of expecting a good lampoon of sorts, I mean it has the words "South Park" and "Team America" right on the poster, instead I got a very cliched, by the numbers type of comedy. There were a few good laughs but they only made I went in sort of expecting a good lampoon of sorts, I mean it has the words "South Park" and "Team America" right on the poster, instead I got a very cliched, by the numbers type of comedy. There were a few good laughs but they only made you realize how mediocre the rest of it was. I'll give credit where it's due, the play was pretty good, just not as hard hitting as I hoped.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
EricaEricaSep 7, 2008
I thought this movie was hilarious. Silly fun, with some clever parts!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
MarkSJan 2, 2009
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 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!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
AustinW.Aug 24, 2008
I think this is a love it or hate it movie. If you laughed at "Rock me Sexy Jesus" in the trailer, you'll love it. I certainly did.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
CraigA.Sep 2, 2008
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.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
KathySSep 2, 2008
Steve Coogan is very funny. Catherine Keener is perfect as his wife. The AA recovering alkie humor is priceless. Can't wait for his next film!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
DianeM.Aug 30, 2008
I have tried all summer to see a "fun" movie that was also slightly meaningful. This fits the bill. Definitely mature, often extremely silly, but worth the time.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
FrankLAug 30, 2008
Could not leave the movie fast enough. This was the worse movie I have seen in a long long time.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
jacobRSep 1, 2008
This movie was so funny couldn't have laughed harder. For the people that say this movie is offensive .... whats wrong with you Jesus kicks Satan in the butt ...and he is damn sexy!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
EricaM.Sep 7, 2008
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 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.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
JayH.Dec 16, 2008
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.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
3
KenSDec 26, 2008
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 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.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
PrestonT.Aug 22, 2008
This movie was awesome. Steve Coogan owned the whole thing, I can't believe it's getting such mixed reviews. This was MUCH better than Tropic Thunder and Pineapple Express!!! Steve Coogan plays a hilariously flamboyant eccentric This movie was awesome. Steve Coogan owned the whole thing, I can't believe it's getting such mixed reviews. This was MUCH better than Tropic Thunder and Pineapple Express!!! Steve Coogan plays a hilariously flamboyant eccentric straight man who loves theatre, and tries to save the drama program at the high school from being shut down. There's even some slapstick laughs thrown in, but it's really the subtleties and attention to detail in Steve's character that make this movie so amazing. GO SEE IT!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
0
JaredC.Aug 25, 2008
A flaw, the movie is needed for no purpose. A highly advising recommendation, first of all don't see this offensive garbage. Second of all, Hamlet 2 is a dish full of rotten apple crisp. Ew!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
RayF.Aug 29, 2008
Hilarious from start to finish. If you dont get it - you dont get it.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
OpenDogSep 25, 2010
Beats hand down most of the hyped independent comedies! Very intelligent, very funny! A real gem! The negative reviews are probably from the Friedberg-Seltzer crowd. Go figure.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
DawdlingPoetNov 26, 2021
Awkward comedy is the first phrase or possibly label that comes to mind when thinking of this title. By that I mean the movie includes alot of comedy whereby the main character displays extreme frustration and clumsiness, seeming to be goingAwkward comedy is the first phrase or possibly label that comes to mind when thinking of this title. By that I mean the movie includes alot of comedy whereby the main character displays extreme frustration and clumsiness, seeming to be going through some sort of midlife crisis. I suppose you could describe him as a bit of a lovable, clumsy goof perhaps - he's quite naive but passionate about his goal of keeping the drama department open. The comedy isn't especially of the 'laugh out loud' variety but I think its due to his character and the passion he has that keeps the viewer intrigued to see what happens. There is a comedy element but im not sure how to describe the comedy - perhaps quirky. I'd say that this movie has quite an 'indie' feel to it and people who see the title, may be put off expecting a historic Shakespearian English set movie but that obviously isn't the case. I wasn't sure what to expect but having quickly looked it up to read the basic synopsis online before watching, I thought it sounded quite interesting and would certainly make a change from perhaps more 'run of the mill' movies. I was familiar with Coogan as an actor and comedian from having seen some of his Alan Partridge shows on TV and having seen him in one or two other movies, including a brief appearance on Night At The Museum, which is much different to this of course, this being much less of a family based movie. Off the top of my head, I'd say that while watching this movie, it made me think of the hit TV show Glee - I suppose Dana is the equivalent of the energetic and enthusiastic Mr Schuester, the glee club (or singing and drama) teacher who is determined to help his seen proteges and keep his department going well. Also, similarly to Glee, the youngsters involved in the production are probably those who find it hard to fit in, or certainly excel elsewhere. The movie apparently dates from 2008, which is roughly just before Glee took off, coincidentally. Another movie that this somehow made me think of is a movie called How To Kill Your Neighbours Dog, which is also about a rather down and out, frustrated playwright.

I thought it was interesting to see the communities reaction to the idea of such a controversial play or musical being staged at a school, with numerous people having strong views and reinforcing their suspicions towards Dana. I suppose the musical parodies other religious based (or generally over the top) musicals and the one that would most come to mind is Jesus Christ Superstar, due to one of the most over the top musical numbers present in the production. I thought it was quite amusing to hear some of the commentary from other school pupils and other audience members while watching the show. I suppose it'd be fair to say that this movie raises the issue of religious tolerance, or of being accepting of watching what could be seen as quite reigiously controversial scenes within a stage production - with songs with quite controversial lyrics and mentions of Satan and Jesus. Really its hard to take the production or play/musical too serious though, when you hear what its about, involving a time machine and trying to change the outcome to the all too famous previous Shakespeare play - its quite laughable, fun and most importantly, not to be taken too seriously. I thought the very end of the movie was perhaps a bit extreme and less realistic but its really just a bit of fun and as far as that goes, it works quite well and was enjoyable, so I can't complain about that.

The movie runs for approximately an hour and a half and content wise, it contains some strong language and mild violence, plus some sexual references and obviously some elements of the production may potentially offend religious fanatics perhaps but I wouldn't say there's much else likely to offend. There are also one or two jokes about taking drugs which might put off some from watching with younger teens but the movie carries a 15 certificate to reflect this, which seems fair enough to me.

This is a difficult one. I think overall I probably would recommend it but its probably not the sort of movie that would automatically appeal to, or be enjoyed by, everyone (mind you, I suppose not many would, necessarily?). This is a fairly short movie, one with some amusing moments and an interesting main character - I didn't find myself too bored or disinterested and overall I'd say I enjoyed it, so on that basis then yes I'd recommend it, just don't expect it to have a great deal to actually do with Shakespeare or Hamlet (or cigarettes for that matter!). Its quirky and rather bizarre but if this appeals to you then I'd say its worth a watch.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
Normmacdonald69Nov 15, 2019
This is the funniest movie to ever be made. It is for anyone who has ever tried to create something. Steve Coogan gives a masterful performance. I just cannot say enough good things about this movie. You will be crying from laughing andThis is the funniest movie to ever be made. It is for anyone who has ever tried to create something. Steve Coogan gives a masterful performance. I just cannot say enough good things about this movie. You will be crying from laughing and then crying about how true to real life this movie is. This movie will not be fully understood by people who have never tried to create art. I love this movie. I make everyone I know watch it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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