Hamlet 2
  • Release Date: Aug 22, 2008
User Score
6.2 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 43 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 43
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 43
  3. Negative: 11 out of 43

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  1. NateH.
    Sep 1, 2008
    4
    I went in sort of expecting a good lampoon of sorts, I mean it has the words "South Park" and "Team America" right on the poster, instead I got a very cliched, by the numbers type of comedy. There were a few good laughs but they only made you realize how mediocre the rest of it was. I'll give credit where it's due, the play was pretty good, just not as hard hitting as I hoped.
  2. EricaErica
    Sep 7, 2008
    9
    I thought this movie was hilarious. Silly fun, with some clever parts!
  3. MarkS
    Jan 2, 2009
    9
    Coogan gives a superb performance I did not expect (even though I had been told). The film is hilarious--much funnier than some better-reviewed comedies (e.g. Forgetting Sarah Marshall, or Pineapple Express). And it is far more clever than even its champions give it credit for. I'm amazed people fault the plot (a wonderful send-up of "inspirational teacher" films); no one who understands comedy should level such a criticism, anyway. Comedies exaggerate, take liberties, bizzare segues. While most run-of-the-mill comedies (see anything by an ex-SNL star) start strong and lose steam after a half hour when the plot kicks in, this film is filled with creative set-ups and delivers consistent laughs all the way through. What more can you want? Rock me, sexy Jesus!… Expand
  4. AustinW.
    Aug 24, 2008
    9
    I think this is a love it or hate it movie. If you laughed at "Rock me Sexy Jesus" in the trailer, you'll love it. I certainly did.
  5. CraigA.
    Sep 2, 2008
    7
    Unfairly reviewed, this original attack on both the censorship and the creative freedom lobby showcases the stupidity of both. Steve Coogan's talentless but well-meaning drama teacher is cringeingly pathetic, yet strangely lovable.
  6. KathyS
    Sep 2, 2008
    7
    Steve Coogan is very funny. Catherine Keener is perfect as his wife. The AA recovering alkie humor is priceless. Can't wait for his next film!
  7. DianeM.
    Aug 30, 2008
    8
    I have tried all summer to see a "fun" movie that was also slightly meaningful. This fits the bill. Definitely mature, often extremely silly, but worth the time.
  8. FrankL
    Aug 30, 2008
    0
    Could not leave the movie fast enough. This was the worse movie I have seen in a long long time.
  9. jacobR
    Sep 1, 2008
    9
    This movie was so funny couldn't have laughed harder. For the people that say this movie is offensive .... whats wrong with you Jesus kicks Satan in the butt ...and he is damn sexy!
  10. EricaM.
    Sep 7, 2008
    8
    I loved the complete dedication of Steve Coogan to this role. He is so unabashadly pathetic and hopeful. Reminded me a little of Fellini's Nights of Cabiria - vis a vis the main character. I also loved the actual performance and the supporting cast of teenagers. The only reason it's not a 10 for me is that the wife / roommate subplot seemed a little weak, as did the casting for those characters... more for name value than true fit. Anyways. I completely recommend.… Expand
  11. JayH.
    Dec 16, 2008
    6
    Funnier than I was expecting, good performances, especially Catherine Keener. Steve Coogan does great also, he is well cast. It doesn't always work, but for the most part it has a lot more hits than misses.
  12. KenS
    Dec 26, 2008
    3
    The movie starts out slow and suddenly stops once it provides the entertainment of the play Hamlet 2. Many parts, such as Mr. M's wife, seemed to just be added in without a purpose to lengthen the boredom. With very few laughs throughout the film, the musical numbers might be the only 4 minutes worth watching.
  13. PrestonT.
    Aug 22, 2008
    10
    This movie was awesome. Steve Coogan owned the whole thing, I can't believe it's getting such mixed reviews. This was MUCH better than Tropic Thunder and Pineapple Express!!! Steve Coogan plays a hilariously flamboyant eccentric straight man who loves theatre, and tries to save the drama program at the high school from being shut down. There's even some slapstick laughs thrown in, but it's really the subtleties and attention to detail in Steve's character that make this movie so amazing. GO SEE IT!… Expand
  14. JaredC.
    Aug 25, 2008
    0
    A flaw, the movie is needed for no purpose. A highly advising recommendation, first of all don't see this offensive garbage. Second of all, Hamlet 2 is a dish full of rotten apple crisp. Ew!
  15. ChadS.
    Aug 25, 2008
    4
    "Hamlet 2" rocks "sexy Jesus" gently, when it should be rocking him "like a hurricane". The ABC song that plays over the closing credits sums it all up, as to why "Hamlet 2" doesn't rock hard, or often enough, for a generation raised on the offensive, but purposeful antics of Comedy Central's "South Park"(or Kevin Smith's "Dogma"). Trey Parker and Matt Stone would "Shoot That Poison Arrow" through the heart of evangelical Christiandom, unafraid and without mercy. "Hamlet 2", on the other hand, has "The Look of Love". It's a politically correct film about political incorrectness; an indie with the verve of a studio film(like Brian Dannelly's "Saved"). Case and point: high school drama teacher Dana Marschz(Steve Coogan) visits the home of a Hispanic pupil he presumes to be a troubled kid. His expectations are mistaken, however, when it turns out that Octavio(Joseph Julian Soria) is a scholastic star, raised by intellectual parents in a middle-upper class environment. This scene plays out like an ironical rebuke against pedagogical Hollywood, who asserts that all young Latin males are destitute and in need of a white savior to keep them off the streets. Since Octavio's background is clearly meant to surprise us, this scene has the unintended effect of being more racist than Epiphany's admission that she feels "anxious" around "ethnics". "Hamlet 2" is perfectly set up to disembowel a coded Christian film like John N. Smith's "Dangerous Minds"(starring Michelle Pfeiffer as a Christ-like figure), but too often pulls punches, and abides by an abridged lexicon of love.… Expand
  16. RayF.
    Aug 29, 2008
    9
    Hilarious from start to finish. If you dont get it - you dont get it.
  17. OpenDog
    Sep 25, 2010
    10
    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.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
54 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 28 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 28
  3. Negative: 2 out of 28
  1. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: David Edelstein
    50
    Coogan's mopiness is oddly riveting.
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  2. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Duane Byrge
    60
    Attaining somewhat of a bad parody of a comedy, screenwriters Andrew Fleming and Pam Brady have slapped together a string of gags in a hit-and-miss dither. Some of it is quite brainy.
  3. Variety
    Reviewed by: Dennis Harvey
    50
    Amusing but unevenly inspired tale of a deluded high school drama teacher's attempt to stage a career-saving extravaganza has some laughs, to be sure.
    Read full review
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