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Hamlet 2

Critics' Pick

(No longer in theaters)

Rating: R — for language including sexual references, brief nudity and some drug content
Director: Andrew Fleming Cast: Steve Coogan, Catherine Keener, Amy Poehler, David Arquette, Elisabeth Shue
Running Time: 92 minutes
Reader Rating: Write a Review

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Genre

Comedy

Producer

Eric D. Eisner

Distributor

Focus Features

Release Date

Aug 22, 2008

Release Notes

Limited

Official Website

www.hamlet2.com

Review

Hamlet 2 is a fable of a failed actor (Steve Coogan) who becomes a failed high-school drama teacher and has his faith restored by a class of (initially) uncooperative ethnic minorities—a parody of Dangerous Minds. I’ve always had a soft spot for Andrew Fleming (Dick), whose rhythms are less pushy than other American comedy directors, sometimes winningly, sometimes to the point of flaccidity. This one is on the limp side but gets points for weirdness. Coogan’s mopiness is oddly riveting. And the inspirational climax, a musical extravaganza in which Hamlet goes through a portal in time and joins forces with Jesus, is so god-awful it is very nearly inspired. — David Edelstein