Amazon Holiday

Friday, August 29, 2008

Hamlet 2

Q: What’s the movie about?

A: A down on his luck drama teacher (Steve Coogan) tries to put on the play of his life, with a bunch of apathetic students, to try to save the drama program from being phased out.

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Steve Coogan, Catherine Keener, David Arquette, Amy Poehler, Melonie Diaz, Elisabeth Shue, Marshall Bell, Joseph Julian Soria, Skylar Astin, Phoebe Strole, Michael Esparza, Arnie Pantoja, Natalie Amenula, Shea Pepe

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: PhotobucketGo! This quirky little film is full of unexpected dialogue and unconventional (read: inappropriate) teaching methods. Like when a teacher asks a student to punch him in the gut, what lesson would you guess he's trying to teach that student? Because I have no clue, and I can't guarantee that seeing the movie will answer that question for you either.

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: Everyone may not laugh at the same time, but you'll all find something to laugh at.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: Not likely, but you will find yourself tapping your feet and singing along to the catchy musical theater number, "Rock me, sexy Jesus."

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: It won the honor of being the highest priced sale at Sundance this year, so that's pretty big.

Q: How is the Acting?

A: Steve Coogan is so Steve Coogan in this one. If you like Steve Coogan's schtick, you'll know exactly what I mean. If you don't know Steve Coogan's schtick, this would be a good introduction to it. And Catherine Keener, who's naturally more suited to play edgier roles than fluffy love-interests, has an opportunity to show us what she does best-- which is be unhappy and in your face about it.

Q: How is the Directing?

A: Although I have no idea what the final stage play was about or how it had anything to do with Hamlet 1 (as they hilariously call William Shakespeare's little dramatic frivolity), I was drawn in by the staging and design of the piece.

Q: How is the story/script?

A: I'm not sure at all about the logic behind pretty much everything in the third act, but if I don't scratch my head too hard, I realize that I still had fun. Just don't think about it.

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6 comments:

Jacstev said...

I also think this film is worth to watch as a smart and hip comedies that we've come to expect from the indie circuit. I like Elisabeth Shue who is so fantastic playing a parody of herself.

Monique said...

I love when she says, "What I miss the most is the kissing."

Farzan said...

Even though this film wasnt a big hit, I heard it was surprisingly good. Another good review

Mystery Man said...

I wish this movie would have done better at the box office. It was awesome. Unfortunatley, people today just want to see dark movies, not feel good comedies.

Monique said...

It's up to people like us to spread the word and get people in the theaters!

Anonymous said...

I know this comment isn't very timely; but this movie is horrible. It is so horrible it caused me to seek out your blog, find your review of it, and then post how horrible it was. Potential viewers of HAMLET 2 would be more entertained by gouging their eyes out with a spoon.

I think this 'comment' section needed the balance.

--rp