HAMLET 2 REVIEW

I have a mixed review of “Hamlet 2,” literally. This, in a way, seems rude. At least with “Meet Dave” I could say, “This sucks! Avoid like an ear infection!”

Sure, the nature of the job is seeing movies I’ll have mixed feelings about; and when I get that job, alert me so I can cash a check. But, note that to review this movie, I have to reveal some plot points… like how it ends. So if you haven’t seen the movie, here’s my summation: “Rent it. Watch it at 30 frames a second until they actually put up ‘Hamlet 2,’ the play. Go real-time and enjoy.” Now… continue reading if you would like (spoilery) specifics.

There were two movies here, and Steve Coogan was great in both of them. In the first one (the “frame narrative,” to be technical), he’s playing a failed-actor-become-lousy-acting-teacher at a high school in Tucson, Arizona. To “save” the drama department, he decides to put on his own conceived masterpiece. Meanwhile, his unsupportive marriage falls apart in a vaguely funny, horrifyingly realistic way for the first two thirds of the movie. And yes, I think that kind of relationship actually happens (and ends) like that, especially in Tucson.

This part is “Waiting For Guffman” with a happy ending. Going in, I thought the movie was going to be “Waiting for Guffman” meets “Stand and Deliver.” Really, it was more “Save the Last Dance” meets “A Day Without a Mexican.” It’s a mess.

But once the drama department puts up “Hamlet 2” – the wholly irreverent and awesome sequel to “Hamlet” – I started to have fun. To indulge in EnglishDepartmentspeak – the movie within the movie was better than the movie.

Pam Brady and Andrew Fleming co-wrote “Hamlet 2,” Fleming directing. Brady has written and produced many “South Park” episodes, and Fleming wrote and directed “Nancy Drew.” This movie was childlike and dirty like “South Park” and cheesy and riff-laden like “Nancy Drew.” Yes, I saw “Nancy Drew” and, thankfully, this is not “Nancy Drew.”

I want to tell Pam Brady and Andrew Fleming: “Please do a stage production of ‘Hamlet 2.’ It will run forever and I will make reservations for it right now.”

End Review, Begin Fun Rabbit-Trail

Often, a movie is light enough to allow me some free time in my brain box for a little game I call “B” Message. All movies have them – some weird sociopolitical message buried/tossed into the romantic comedy, musical (and probably horror or melodrama, but I don’t watch those).

Films with easy-to-see “B” Messages:

“Dirty Dancing”: the message is: Keep Abortion Legal or someone you love will almost die being sawed at in a truck in an alley.

“Footloose”: Censorship is bad because it leads to your daughter whoring around with bad boys just to get back at you.

It can be right-wing or left-wing or just weird.

“Blue Crush’s” message was confusing. At first you think, Don’t trash hotel rooms or your maid will become a world class surfer and get you back. But that’s not it. The message comes in the last scene: Only through corporate sponsorship can we find true happiness.

“Nancy Drew’s” message was a simple one, for a simple crowd: If you are virtuous, you will lead by example.

I had some free time in my head when I watched “Hamlet 2.” The “A” Message was easy: Everyone Deserves a Second Chance – from Hamlet to Jesus to racist white kids. I uncovered two “B” Messages; feel free to play this game yourself and find your own. But, here we go: You’ll become successful if you somehow get rid of the wife who doesn’t believe in you. And: Self-absorption is the right track. Perseverance even in the face of no talent can lead you to some sort of anti-hero success.

God, I hope that one’s true.

Jackie Kashian