Movie Review: ‘Hamlet 2’ would have Shakespeare rolling in his grave — with laughter

After playing the lead in a juicer infomercial, an extra in a “Xena: Warrior Princess” episode and the afflicted in a herpes commercial, thespian Dana Marschz has ended up a high school drama teacher “where dreams go to die.”

That would be Tucson, of course.

With its demented humor, pointed commentary and funky local references “Hamlet 2” could have been tailor-made for Tucsonans.

Warning: This is so politically incorrect, magic or disdain will be felt within the first five minutes. So, if it’s disdain, switch theaters or get your money back, but if it’s the former, prepare your belly for one of the best comedies of this year.

Steve Coogan is genius as the Hollywood hasbeen who never really was. He’s settled into being Mr. Marschz, the drama teacher at West Mesa High (there are a few references that showcase just how lazy producers can be — e.g. a Gilbert business can be seen in one shot) who likes to base all his plays on Hollywood screenplays.

After his rendition of “Erin Brockovich” opens to terrible reviews in the school paper (“Last year’s production of ‘Mississippi Burning’ makes this year pale in comparison”) Marschz is desperate to put on a great play next year. Though he won’t find the inspiration at his adobe home.

Dana’s personal life is somehow worse than his professional. Not only is he stuck living in Tucson, his only companions are his thankless wife Brie (Catherine Keener), who might have to go back to selling pot if Dana doesn’t do something about their finances, and her moocher friend Gary (David Arquette, who’s real-life acting career seems to be following that of our lead here).

The couple have been trying for a baby for sometime to no avail so they visit the Prickly Pear Fertility Clinic to see what the problem is. The nurse that greets him is none other than Elizabeth Shue, who has come to Tucson to get out of the limelight.

After some smitten references to “The Karate Kid” and “Adventures in Babysitting” Dana invites Shue to speak in front of his drama class when school resumes.

The new semester at West Mesa has brought new challenges. An asbestos problem in one of the portable classrooms has forced several kids to sign up for drama that would prefer to take shop.

“Ethnics” have been added into the mix so Mr. Marschz watches “Dangerous Minds” to prepare for his new class and lets one of the students punch him because then he thinks they’ll respect him like they did Michelle Pfeiffer. Tons of offensive, in-your-face social commentary ensues which is hilarious depending on where your P.C. meter registers (one of the writers of “South Park” is responsible for H2).

After getting the newcomers enthused about acting, Marschz finds out the drama program is being cut after this year. So he starts to rack his brain for a play that might be good enough to save the arts department.

After consulting with the teen critic that always hammers his productions, he throws out his idea for interpreting “The Lake House” (funniest reference yet) and opts for writing an original piece.

“Hamlet 2” is produced after Dana spends 47 hours at his computer wearing nothing but a sweater (a comedy hardly makes it to the screen without a gratuitous nude scene nowadays).

Maybe it’s the “crane” and “wax on, wax off” mentions, the constant quoting of “Dead Poets’ Society” or the character of Jesus moonwalking on water that makes H2 so enjoyable. Or maybe it’s the “Raising Arizona” feel and dozen shout-outs to Tucson that made it fun.

Either way it’s sure to be a cult classic — maybe one that Mr. Marschz himself can interpret someday.

Adrienne Mackey is the film critic for the Green Valley News.

The Details/b>

3/4 Stars

Comedy

Run time: 92 minutes.

Rated R for language including sexual references, brief nudity and some drug content.

Starring: Steve Coogan, Catherine Keener, Joseph Julian Soria, Skylar Astin, David Arquette, Elisabeth Shue, Amy Poehler.

Written by: Pam Brady and Andrew Fleming.

Directed by: Andrew Fleming.