When the school electives
are cut down, drama suddenly becomes the only choice, filling Dana’s
classroom with unruly and indocile students. As he somehow manages
to draw talent out of the more irreverent students, a fiscal crisis
hurls the arts programs onto the chopping block, and Drama class
is shut down. But in a last attempt to nurture his own artistic
struggles and the hidden talents of his ramshackle acting troupe,
Dana writes and choreographs a highly controversial play. The sequel
to Hamlet, Hamlet 2 focuses on undoing the tragedies that led to
the principle players’ deaths – with the help of a time
machine, Jesus, and impulsive song and dance.
Biting sarcasm and comical vulgarities hide the fact that few
of the jokes are intelligent. Blatant racism and religious spoofs
are easy methods of hilarity, and they ceaselessly level the audience
with laughter and unease. There are serious bits of drama occasionally
mixed in, but the characters are so unordinary that normal reactions
can’t possibly be anticipated. The power of booze, foul
language, cliché media extravaganzas, bold offenses and
oodles of enthusiasm make up for any lack of talent and the questionable
editing of the film. Praise must be given to Steve Coogan who
magnificently supports the entire film and keeps up viewer interest
almost single-handedly.
Narration and title cards are used (Act 4: Hope is a Demon Bitch),
Elisabeth Shue shows up to play herself, and Amy Poehler unleashes
the most cynical lines as her typical character (“I’m
married to a Jew – I’ve got nothing to lose”).
Some of the most rewarding moments are the unbelievably well-lighted
and choreographed song and dance sequences during the play itself,
and the many ramifications of desperately straying from the beaten
path of decency. Aside from the extra special meaning to Arizona
residents (Tucson is the butt of many a joke), Hamlet 2 is highly
entertaining nonsense – perhaps as amusing as it is repellent
to the easily offended.
- Mike Massie
