SummaryDana Marschz--the last name is pronounced...oh, any attempt is close enough, really--is a failed actor-turned-high school drama teacher. Shortchanged in the talent department, Dana still harbors ambitions and passions. At Tucson, AZ's West Mesa High School, Dana sees himself as an inspirational teacher, but when his department is targete...
SummaryDana Marschz--the last name is pronounced...oh, any attempt is close enough, really--is a failed actor-turned-high school drama teacher. Shortchanged in the talent department, Dana still harbors ambitions and passions. At Tucson, AZ's West Mesa High School, Dana sees himself as an inspirational teacher, but when his department is targete...
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 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.
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.
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 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.