Jump to content

Hamlet 2: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Metacritic proper inline reference needed. WP:ELDUP Duplicate links in External links section not needed. Fix dead Roger Ebert link.
Line 10: Line 10:
| writer = Andrew Fleming<br />[[Pam Brady]]
| writer = Andrew Fleming<br />[[Pam Brady]]
| narrator = Steve Coogan
| narrator = Steve Coogan
| starring = [[Steve Coogan]]<br />[[Catherine Keener]]<br />[[Amy Poehler]]<br />[[David Arquette]]<br />[[Elisabeth Shue]]
| starring = {{Plainlist|
* [[Steve Coogan]]
* [[Catherine Keener]]
* [[Amy Poehler]]
* [[David Arquette]]
* [[Elisabeth Shue]]
}}
| music = [[Ralph Sall]]<br />[[Steve Brown (composer)|Steve Brown]]
| music = [[Ralph Sall]]<br />[[Steve Brown (composer)|Steve Brown]]
| cinematography = [[Alexander Gruszynski]]
| cinematography = [[Alexander Gruszynski]]
Line 17: Line 23:
| distributor = [[Focus Features]]
| distributor = [[Focus Features]]
| released = {{Film date|2008|08|22}}
| released = {{Film date|2008|08|22}}
| runtime = 92 minutes<!--Theatrical runtime: 91:51--><ref>{{cite web|title=''HAMLET 2'' (15)|url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/hamlet-2-2009-0|work=[[British Board of Film Classification]]|date=2008-09-26|accessdate=2013-03-16}}</ref>
| runtime = 92 minutes<!--Theatrical runtime: 91:51--><ref>{{cite web |title=''HAMLET 2'' (15) |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/releases/hamlet-2-film |work=[[British Board of Film Classification]] |date=2008-09-26 |access-date=2020-03-16 }}</ref>
| country = United States
| country = United States
| language = English
| language = English
| budget = $9 million
| budget = $9 million<ref name="numbers" />
| gross = $4.9 million<ref name="numbers">{{cite web |title=Hamlet 2 (2008) - Financial Information |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Hamlet-2#tab=summary |website=[[The Numbers (website)]] }}</ref>
| gross = $4.9 million
}}
}}
'''''Hamlet 2 ''''' is a 2008 American [[comedy film]] directed by [[Andrew Fleming]], written by Fleming and [[Pam Brady]], and starring [[Steve Coogan]], [[Catherine Keener]], [[Amy Poehler]], and [[David Arquette]]. It was produced by [[Eric Eisner]], [[Leonid Rozhetskin]], and Aaron Ryder. ''Hamlet 2'' was filmed primarily at a [[New Mexico]] high school from September to October 2007. The film premiered at the [[2008 Sundance Film Festival]] and was distributed by [[Focus Features]].
'''''Hamlet 2 ''''' is a 2008 American [[comedy film]] directed by [[Andrew Fleming]], written by Fleming and [[Pam Brady]], and starring [[Steve Coogan]], [[Catherine Keener]], [[Amy Poehler]], and [[David Arquette]]. It was produced by [[Eric Eisner]], [[Leonid Rozhetskin]], and Aaron Ryder. ''Hamlet 2'' was filmed primarily at a [[New Mexico]] high school from September to October 2007. The film premiered at the [[2008 Sundance Film Festival]] and was distributed by [[Focus Features]].
Line 53: Line 59:


==Production==
==Production==
The play shown within the film was written on deadline for production.<ref name=done>{{cite news | author=David M. Halbfinger | title=Done Deals Finally Start To Appear At Sundance | publisher=The New York Times | date=2008-01-23}}</ref> The film was budgeted at a little over $9 million.<ref name=finally>{{cite news | author=Lauren A.E. Schuker | title=Comic 'Hamlet 2' Finally Gets Sales Going at Sundance | publisher=Wall Street Journal | date=2008-01-23}}</ref> Production began in September 2007 in [[New Mexico]].<ref>{{cite news | author=Francesca Martin | title=Great Danes go head to head | publisher=The Guardian | date=2007-09-12}}</ref>
The play shown within the film was written on deadline for production.<ref name=done>{{cite news | author=David M. Halbfinger | title=Done Deals Finally Start To Appear At Sundance | publisher=[[The New York Times]] | date=2008-01-23}}</ref> The film was budgeted at a little over $9 million.<ref name=finally>{{cite news | author=Lauren A.E. Schuker | title=Comic 'Hamlet 2' Finally Gets Sales Going at Sundance | publisher=Wall Street Journal | date=2008-01-23}}</ref> Production began in September 2007 in [[New Mexico]].<ref>{{cite news | author=Francesca Martin | title=Great Danes go head to head | publisher=The Guardian | date=2007-09-12}}</ref>


Filming took place mainly at [[West Mesa High School]] in [[Albuquerque, New Mexico|Albuquerque]], where actual students were permitted to perform as extras in the film.<ref>{{cite news | author=Megan Martin | title=Students learn about making movies from an on-the-set perspective | publisher=[[Albuquerque Journal]] | date=2007-11-06}}</ref> Filming concluded on October 31, 2007.<ref>{{cite news | author=Dan Mayfield | title=N.M. movies make Sundance cut | publisher=[[Albuquerque Journal]] | date=2008-01-11}}</ref> The film was executive produced by Albert Berger and Ron Yerxa, who also produced ''[[Little Miss Sunshine]]''.<ref name=finally/>
Filming took place mainly at [[West Mesa High School]] in [[Albuquerque, New Mexico|Albuquerque]], where actual students were permitted to perform as extras in the film.<ref>{{cite news | author=Megan Martin | title=Students learn about making movies from an on-the-set perspective | publisher=[[Albuquerque Journal]] | date=2007-11-06}}</ref> Filming concluded on October 31, 2007.<ref>{{cite news | author=Dan Mayfield | title=N.M. movies make Sundance cut | publisher=[[Albuquerque Journal]] | date=2008-01-11}}</ref> The film was executive produced by Albert Berger and Ron Yerxa, who also produced ''[[Little Miss Sunshine]]''.<ref name=finally/>
Line 67: Line 73:
The film was also released as part of a four movie, "teen-comedy" collection from Universal in 2011.
The film was also released as part of a four movie, "teen-comedy" collection from Universal in 2011.


==Critical reaction==
==Critical response==
''Hamlet 2'' received mixed reviews from critics. On [[Rotten Tomatoes]] the film has a rating of 62%, based on 142 reviews, with the site's critical consensus reading, "The script's biting premise and Steve Coogan's endearing, off-the-handle performance make ''Hamlet 2'' an hysterical -- if slightly painful -- ride."<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hamlet_2/ |title = Hamlet 2 (2008) |accessdate = 2009-08-01 |publisher = [[Rotten Tomatoes]] }}</ref> On [[Metacritic]], the film has a score of 54 out of 100, based on 28 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".
On [[Rotten Tomatoes]] the film has an approval rating of 62%, based on 145 reviews, with the site's critical consensus reading, "The script's biting premise and Steve Coogan's endearing, off-the-handle performance make ''Hamlet 2'' an hysterical -- if slightly painful -- ride."<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hamlet_2/ |title = Hamlet 2 (2008) |access-date = 2020-10-01 |website= [[Rotten Tomatoes]] }}</ref> On [[Metacritic]], the film has a score of 54 out of 100, based on reviews from 28 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".<ref>{{cite web |title=Hamlet 2 |url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/hamlet-2 |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=2020-05-04 }}</ref>


[[Roger Ebert]] gave the film 3 out of 4 stars, calling the film "an ideal showcase for the talents of Coogan."<ref name="Ebert">{{cite web|url=http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080821/REVIEWS/331|title=Hamlet 2 :: rogerebert.com :: Reviews|last=Roger Ebert|work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]]|accessdate=10 January 2013}}</ref> ''[[The New York Times]]'' states that the film "made sure to take shots at [[Christians]], [[Homosexual|gays]], [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Latino]]s, [[Jew]]s, the [[American Civil Liberties Union]], and [[Elisabeth Shue]], one of its lead actresses."<ref name=done/>
[[Roger Ebert]] gave the film 3 out of 4 stars, calling the film "an ideal showcase for the talents of Coogan."<ref name="Ebert">{{cite web |date=August 21, 2008 |author=Roger Ebert |author-link=Roger Ebert |title=Hamlet and Jesus return in rockin' musical sequel |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/hamlet-2-2008 |work=[[Chicago Sun-Times]] |access-date=10 January 2020 }}</ref> ''[[The New York Times]]'' states that the film "made sure to take shots at [[Christians]], [[Homosexual|gays]], [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Latino]]s, [[Jew]]s, the [[American Civil Liberties Union]], and [[Elisabeth Shue]], one of its lead actresses."<ref name=done/>


Duane Byrge of ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' described ''Hamlet 2'' as "a slam-bang patchwork of more inspired comedies, such as ''[[Ace Ventura: Pet Detective]]'' and ''[[Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan|Borat]]''." Byrge described the premise as "a twist on the formula of let's-put-on-a-show, with the twist being that no one wants the show." He thought that the screenwriters had put together "a string of gags in a hit-and-miss dither."<ref>{{cite news | author=Duane Byrge | url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKN2356654020080123 | title="Hamlet 2" sends up suburbia in rowdy fashion | work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] | publisher=Reuters | date=2008-01-23 | accessdate=2008-01-24}}</ref>
Duane Byrge of ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' described ''Hamlet 2'' as "a slam-bang patchwork of more inspired comedies, such as ''[[Ace Ventura: Pet Detective]]'' and ''[[Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan|Borat]]''." Byrge described the premise as "a twist on the formula of let's-put-on-a-show, with the twist being that no one wants the show." He thought that the screenwriters had put together "a string of gags in a hit-and-miss dither."<ref>{{cite news | author=Duane Byrge | url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKN2356654020080123 | title="Hamlet 2" sends up suburbia in rowdy fashion | work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] | publisher=Reuters | date=2008-01-23 | access-date=2008-01-24}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
Line 82: Line 88:
* {{IMDb title|1104733|Hamlet 2}}
* {{IMDb title|1104733|Hamlet 2}}
* {{mojo title|hamlet2|Hamlet 2}}
* {{mojo title|hamlet2|Hamlet 2}}
* {{rotten-tomatoes|hamlet_2|Hamlet 2}}
* {{metacritic film|hamlet2|Hamlet 2}}


{{Hamlet}}
{{Hamlet}}

Revision as of 12:52, 15 October 2020

Hamlet
Theatrical release poster
Directed byAndrew Fleming
Written byAndrew Fleming
Pam Brady
Produced byEric Eisner
Leonid Rozhetskin
Aaron Ryder
Starring
Narrated bySteve Coogan
CinematographyAlexander Gruszynski
Edited byJeff Freeman
Music byRalph Sall
Steve Brown
Production
companies
L+E Pictures
Bona Fide Productions
ContentFilm International
Distributed byFocus Features
Release date
  • August 22, 2008 (2008-08-22)
Running time
92 minutes[1]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$9 million[2]
Box office$4.9 million[2]

Hamlet 2 is a 2008 American comedy film directed by Andrew Fleming, written by Fleming and Pam Brady, and starring Steve Coogan, Catherine Keener, Amy Poehler, and David Arquette. It was produced by Eric Eisner, Leonid Rozhetskin, and Aaron Ryder. Hamlet 2 was filmed primarily at a New Mexico high school from September to October 2007. The film premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival and was distributed by Focus Features.

Plot

Dana Marschz is a recovering alcoholic and failed actor who has become a high school drama teacher in Tucson, Arizona, "where dreams go to die". Despite considering himself an inspirational figure, he only has two enthusiastic students, Rand Posin and Epiphany Sellars, and a history of producing poorly received school plays that are essentially stage adaptations of popular Hollywood films (his latest being Erin Brockovich). When the new term begins, a new intake of students are forced to transfer into his class as it is the only remaining arts elective available due to budget cutbacks; they are generally unenthusiastic and unconvinced by Dana's pretensions, and Dana comes into conflict with Octavio, one of the new students.

Dana is floored when Principal Rocker notifies him that the drama program is to be shut down at the end of the term. Seeking to inspire his students, Dana undertakes to write and produce an original play: a sequel to Hamlet featuring time travel to avoid the deaths of the characters, and new, more controversial content, including the introduction of Jesus Christ as one of the characters, complete with a song-and-dance number titled "Rock Me Sexy Jesus". The kids gradually warm to the project, but Rand – cast as a bi-curious Laertes and overshadowed by Octavio as Hamlet – storms out of the drama group and provides a copy of the play's script to Principal Rocker, who orders Dana to stop the controversial production.

Dana is further traumatized when his wife Brie leaves him for the uninteresting, but fertile, boarder Gary they had taken into their home to supplement their modest income, and reveals that he himself is infertile. Despondent, Dana falls off the wagon and tries to abandon the project, but his students encourage him to continue, arranging an abandoned warehouse and rave spot, technical assistance, and security being provided by the high school's football and wrestling teams. Dana also learns that the cancellation of the play has become a civil liberties issue encouraged by fanatical ACLU activist Cricket Feldstein. As a result, the play opens to a sold-out house, including a critic from The New York Times. Rand returns to the group, apologizing for his desertion; Dana allows him to return to the role of Laertes.

The play itself initially meets with a mixed reception, due to its controversial content and mangling of the original play; in keeping with a running joke throughout the movie, much of the content revolves around the characters using time travel to mend their troubled relationships with their fathers; it ends with both Hamlet and Jesus forgiving their fathers for the wrongs done to them. Although initially reluctant to engage with the play, with several protesters infiltrating the audience to stage a direct protest, the play gradually wins the audience over. Dana and his favorite actress, Elisabeth Shue – whom he is now dating – meet Dana's students to prepare for the show's Broadway opening, complete with original cast.

Cast

Production

The play shown within the film was written on deadline for production.[3] The film was budgeted at a little over $9 million.[4] Production began in September 2007 in New Mexico.[5]

Filming took place mainly at West Mesa High School in Albuquerque, where actual students were permitted to perform as extras in the film.[6] Filming concluded on October 31, 2007.[7] The film was executive produced by Albert Berger and Ron Yerxa, who also produced Little Miss Sunshine.[4]

Release

A rough edit of Hamlet 2 was prepared for the 2008 Sundance Film Festival, where it was a late addition, three days prior to its scheduled screening.[4] The film premiered at the festival on January 21, 2008. After the screening, an all-night bidding war took place for rights to distribution, which Focus Features won for $10 million, acquiring worldwide rights to the film.[8] The purchase of Hamlet 2 nearly broke the Sundance record set by Little Miss Sunshine, which sold for $10.5 million in 2006.[4] In wide release, the film grossed roughly half of the rights cost.

The film had a limited release on August 22, 2008, followed by a wide release on August 27. Its UK release was originally scheduled for December 28, 2008, postponed until February 27, 2009, and eventually cancelled.

Home media

The DVD was released December 21, 2008. The DVD includes deleted scenes, an audio commentary, and a sing-along.

The film was also released as part of a four movie, "teen-comedy" collection from Universal in 2011.

Critical response

On Rotten Tomatoes the film has an approval rating of 62%, based on 145 reviews, with the site's critical consensus reading, "The script's biting premise and Steve Coogan's endearing, off-the-handle performance make Hamlet 2 an hysterical -- if slightly painful -- ride."[9] On Metacritic, the film has a score of 54 out of 100, based on reviews from 28 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[10]

Roger Ebert gave the film 3 out of 4 stars, calling the film "an ideal showcase for the talents of Coogan."[11] The New York Times states that the film "made sure to take shots at Christians, gays, Latinos, Jews, the American Civil Liberties Union, and Elisabeth Shue, one of its lead actresses."[3]

Duane Byrge of The Hollywood Reporter described Hamlet 2 as "a slam-bang patchwork of more inspired comedies, such as Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and Borat." Byrge described the premise as "a twist on the formula of let's-put-on-a-show, with the twist being that no one wants the show." He thought that the screenwriters had put together "a string of gags in a hit-and-miss dither."[12]

References

  1. ^ "HAMLET 2 (15)". British Board of Film Classification. 2008-09-26. Retrieved 2020-03-16.
  2. ^ a b "Hamlet 2 (2008) - Financial Information". The Numbers (website).
  3. ^ a b David M. Halbfinger (2008-01-23). "Done Deals Finally Start To Appear At Sundance". The New York Times.
  4. ^ a b c d Lauren A.E. Schuker (2008-01-23). "Comic 'Hamlet 2' Finally Gets Sales Going at Sundance". Wall Street Journal.
  5. ^ Francesca Martin (2007-09-12). "Great Danes go head to head". The Guardian.
  6. ^ Megan Martin (2007-11-06). "Students learn about making movies from an on-the-set perspective". Albuquerque Journal.
  7. ^ Dan Mayfield (2008-01-11). "N.M. movies make Sundance cut". Albuquerque Journal.
  8. ^ Anne Thompson (2008-01-22). "Focus Features acquires 'Hamlet 2'". Variety. Retrieved 2008-01-24.
  9. ^ "Hamlet 2 (2008)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 2020-10-01.
  10. ^ "Hamlet 2". Metacritic. Retrieved 2020-05-04.
  11. ^ Roger Ebert (August 21, 2008). "Hamlet and Jesus return in rockin' musical sequel". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 10 January 2020.
  12. ^ Duane Byrge (2008-01-23). ""Hamlet 2" sends up suburbia in rowdy fashion". The Hollywood Reporter. Reuters. Retrieved 2008-01-24.
Wikiquote has quotations related to Hamlet 2.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hamlet_2&oldid=983649443"