'Hamlet 2' Review

Steve Coogan plays a failed actor turned high school drama teacher in Hamlet 2. Watch the trailer: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/hamlet-2/32650/main

    Here's another example of a movie that isn't as good as the previews or as some of the rapturous reviews lead you to believe.  The plot is simple enough: A hapless actor teaches drama to uninterested high school students in Arizona. The local scenery is as bleak as his life. His lovelife is a shambles, his students belittle him at every opportunity, and his job is being phased out as well as his drama class due to budget cutbacks. He needs to win over his class to put on a play that will convince the school board to save their program. Accused of doing nothing original, he writes a musical call 'Hamlet 2'.  That's an interesting premise  except, as he is reminded, didn't everyone die in the first one so how can there be a sequel?

    He solves that problem and what a show it is!  Imagine Grease but with a number called 'Rock Me Sexy Jesus' which triggers the consternation of the authorities who want to close down the production. The actual show is the best part of the movie but it's a long wait to get there. Most of the jokes seemed forced as Steve Coogan tries hard to be sympathetic but comes across over the top. I thought he was one of the best things in  Sophia Coppola's Marie Antoinette where he gave a restrained dramatic performance.  He tried too hard in Hamlet 2's comic and serious scenes. You find it difficult to feel for him but he eventually wins you over by the end.  But again it's a long journey.....

    My wife & me were the only ones at Labor Day's 5:30 showing so that tells you how well this movie is doing at the box office. I think it would work better on the small screen so wait until it comes out on DVD or on cable.