Hamlet 2 (#6)

In a summer that has been hyped as big for comedy I was under whelmed by two of the biggest hits. Pineapple Express and Tropic Thunder. Although different in tone, both lacked that quotable, better on repeated viewing, push the boundaries and surprise you with a laugh that sneaks up on you quality that I had expected from both. Where I felt let down by both of those movies, Hamlet 2 delivers.

From Pam Brady and Andy Fleming, two South Park writers, who worked on the tv show, movie, and Team America, Hamlet 2 spotlights a really exceptional Brittish comic named Steve Coogan. Coogan plays a failed actor, turned high school drama teacher, who takes his drama program getting shut down as an opportunity to stage his opus.

The plot is pretty standard, but clever parody on a couple of movie clichés; the teacher inspiring his students to success, the community coming together to make a work of art, a likable loser persevering in the end. It feels like it shouldn’t work, but it really does. Coogan, who I haven’t seen in anything before, but understand he’s a notable comic performer in England, really holds the whole movie together. His performance is a really unique mix of wide-eyed hopefulness, unhinged manic behavior, and quick clever one liners. Think a mix of Steve Carrel from the Office, Will Ferrell, and Stan’s dad Randy on South Park.

The movie is also full of strong supporting comic turns. Catherine Keener plays Coogans unsupportive wife. Amy Poheler plays a feisty ACLU attorney who helps make sure the show goes on. And in a surprising and enjoyable role, Elizabeth Shue, plays Elizabeth Shue, in a wry and self deprecating performance.

Hamlet 2 was really enjoyable. It was silly and clever, with great comedic performances, and some really clever and memorable lines. I'll definitely keep an eye out on more from Steve Coogan or this writing team.