Hamlet 2 (2008)

In my humble opinion, the 2008 comedy Hamlet 2 directed by Andrew Fleming is one of the most underrated comedies of the past decade. This sensational movie starring Steve Coogan is a laugh riot, but it never sacrifices quality writing or directing for cheap laughs. The script is very tight and the premise is original and hilarious.

In a world where we are bombarded with inspirational teacher movies at least three times a year (“How do I reach these keedz?!”), Hamlet 2 emerges as a brilliant yet heartwarming satire of that tired genre. When West Mesa High drama teacher Dana Marschz learns that the drama program is being eliminated at the end of the year, and he can only do one more production. He decides to make the most balls-out insane original production imaginable, and eventually he is shut down by the school board. However, with the help of his ragtag group of students, they perform the play outside of school, and it becomes a national hit.

Hamlet 2 satirizes the inspirational teacher genre by making Dana Marschz the antithesis of that archetype. He is delusional, dimwitted, a recovering alcoholic, and his wife leaves him for his best friend. He cannot afford a car so he roller-skates to school. The movie also takes a very early meta turn when Dana himself talks about inspirational teacher movies- he cites Dead Poets Society and Mr. Holland’s Opus. It’s obvious he wants to be the one to “rehabilitate” his rough class full of rowdy students of various races- but it turns out they don’t need help at all. He does. Instead, the students are the most mature and level-headed people in the entire movie. They are the ones to tell Dana to get his act together and they make the play, titled Hamlet 2 (a sequel to Shakespeare’s Hamlet), actually happen.

The screenplay is excellent, and very obviously written by Pam Brady, who is known for her work with Trey Parker and Matt Stone. The work is politically incorrect, taking potshots at everyone from Jewish people to Hispanics to Christians. Yet the movie doesn’t even toe the line of being offensive. It’s a ferociously funny, atypical script, with lines and moments that you’ll miss the first time you watch it.

I can’t forget to mention the soundscape of the film. The play that Dana Marschz is writing is a musical. They tease you with little moments throughout the film, but you don’t get the full scope until the play is actually performed. The most memorable songs are “Raped In The Face” and “Rock Me Sexy Jesus”- songs you will have stuck in your head for days, but feel very uncomfortable singing in public.

Does Hamlet 2 have widespread appeal? Absolutely not. But will you have the most fun in the world watching it? Absolutely yes.