Movie Review: Hamlet 2
“Rock Me Sexy Jesus!”
What do you get when you combine a time machine, Jesus, and Einstein? A sequel to Shakespeare’s Hamlet of course! This comedic trip follows the saga of a Tuscan, AZ drama teacher who’s bottom of the barrel existence is shaken up by the high school’s decision to cut the drama program he holds so dear. Dana Marschz (Steve Coogan) decides to take his mismatched group of drama students to the top with an original composition to try to save his beloved class. When word gets out about the controversial dialog and musical numbers like “Rock Me Sexy Jesus” the community explodes along with Maschz’s personal life.
Duane Byrge of The Hollywood Reporter described Hamlet 2 as the premise as “a twist on the formula of let’s-put-on-a-show, with the twist being that no one wants the show”. He thought that the screenwriters had put together “a string of gags in a hit-and-miss dither”. Dward Douglas of ComingSoon.net described Hamlet 2 as “outrageously funny but it does require a certain type of sense of humor and the ability to laugh at very odd behavior and situations”. Douglas thought that Coogan played his character over-the-top, but found that through the film, “you really start to love him”. He described the premise as “ludicrous” but said, “Sometimes, you just have to turn off your brain and allow yourself to laugh.”
Ultimately I agree with most of what they say but in reality Hamlet 2 is a film that embodies a big budget style comedy into the style of indie film that is set to explore a character who is simply trying to make sense of it all and give younger folks something he never had, inspiration. I think Coogan was right on the mark, totally believable as a nobody drama teacher trying to figure things out. The film can be hit or miss but really depends on the type of audience member you are.
Hamlet 2 is definitely not going to appeal to everyone’s sense of humor and the style of the film wasn’t quite what I expected, but I still loved it. It was hilarious and still had the Sundance indi-film feel. And I never thought that Jesus could rock it sexy style either…give Hamlet 2 a chance and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed! If you enjoyed indie comedies with heart such as Garden State and Be Kind Rewind then this is a movie that is sure to please you . If you are interested in something a little different than this may also be your kind of film too!
