Hamlet 2

Hamlet 2 sounds promising enough. Dana Marschz, a failed actor, settles for a job teaching high school drama and puts on stage performances of past Hollywood successes. And there are only two students in the drama class. And the program is being cut due to a lack of funding. So in a last hoorah sort of effort he writes an original musical to help earn the $6,000 needed to save the program. The musical, as I'm sure you're well aware is Hamlet 2 (complete with time machine).

Unfortunately, just because something sounds promising doesn't mean it turns out well. Instead of a hilarious movie what we get is a glimpse into the life of a man whose life is basically falling apart - with unhilarious results.

However, the movie does pick up its pace and becomes somewhat enjoyable during the third act, when the Hamlet 2 play begins. Instead of seeing a movie about some losers' life we see what could have been a great movie involving team work, second chances, and a sexy singing Jesus. Had the movie actually been a musical movie of Hamlet 2 the audience may have actually enjoyed the movie rather than seeming bored throughout the entire thing.



Along with the hilarious play itself there are some enjoyable performances by Elisabeth Shue and Amy Poehler - neither of whom is in the movie enough.

While the movie isn't unbearable and does have some amusing moments this is one that you should definitely wait to see until it's on DVD...or HBO.

C+