Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- irreverent
- witty
- sardonic
- comedy night
- group viewing
What critics said
Critics found the film's biting premise and Steve Coogan's endearing, unrestrained performance consistently funny, though its patchwork gags and provocative satire produced a mixed overall response.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Dana writes and stages a sequel to Hamlet, making the production itself the film's primary narrative mechanism.
Dana's bad reviews, weak teaching, financial strain, and questionable artistic choices culminate in an extravagant original musical.
The film's school controversy and theatrical material take comic aim at Christians, gays, Latinos, Jews, and the ACLU.
Dana's alcoholism recovery, failed acting career, teaching limitations, and desperation directly inform his attempt to save drama through authorship.
Films like Hamlet 2, and why
Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan
irreverent, politically incorrect comedy driven by an outrageous performance and escalating comic set pieces
Ace Ventura: Pet Detective
broad absurdist satire, offensive humor, and a socially disruptive comic protagonist
The School of Rock
ensemble school setting, amateur theatrical production, and warm undercurrent beneath chaotic comedy
Waiting for Guffman
show-within-a-show structure, theatrical ambition, and comic failure turning into communal performance
Movie Details
- Director
- Andrew Fleming
- Release Date
- 2008-01-21
- Runtime
- 92 min
- Rating
- 5.9 / 10 (196)
Cast
- Steve Coogan
- Catherine Keener
- J. J. Soria
- Skylar Astin
- Phoebe Strole
- Melonie Díaz
- Arnie Pantoja
- Michael Esparza
- Natalie Amenula
- Marshall Bell
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Hamlet 2 about?
- A washed-up actor-teacher mounts an outrageously time-traveling Hamlet musical to save his failing high-school drama program and prove he can finally succeed.
- What is Hamlet 2 like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Hamlet 2 as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Hamlet 2 violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Hamlet 2.
- What did critics think of Hamlet 2?
- Critics found the film's biting premise and Steve Coogan's endearing, unrestrained performance consistently funny, though its patchwork gags and provocative satire produced a mixed overall response.
- Which films are like Hamlet 2?
- Films with a similar feel include Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The School of Rock, and Waiting for Guffman.
- How long is Hamlet 2?
- Hamlet 2 runs 92 minutes.
- Where can I watch Hamlet 2?
- In United States, Hamlet 2 is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
