By: debbie lynn elias
William Shakespeare. We have all either endured or embraced his works through our formative educational years. And while more often than not, the most that many of us can recall are titles of the most famous works or a signature line or two, but for the one character we can all relate – Hamlet. Intensely dark, we all seem to be able to relate to the themes of lack of parental understanding, forgiveness, wanting, needing, solitude and the fact that pretty much everyone kicks the bucket one way or another. For actors, however, Shakespeare is the epitome of performance and skill, to be revered beyond all others. For Dana Marschz, Shakespeare and “the craft” is sooo much more.
For years, Dana Marschz (say it anyway you want, it is literally unpronounceable) has struggled at being a success as an actor. Why, you may all have seen – or not – his inimitable performances advertising herpes medication, the Jack La Lanne Juicer and other various and sundry product items. Frustrated with his lack of success, Marschz ultimately realizes his true talent, his true gift, his true calling – that of being a drama teacher at West Mesa High in Tucson. Every school needs a good drama department and what with his stellar stage productions of musical film adaptations of dramatic films such as “Erin Brockovich”, his talents and dedication are sure to be noticed. Or not. In this case, they are noticed; noticed by the 9th grade theatre critic Noah Sapperstein who finds Mr. M’s productions empty, ridiculous, boring and overall crap. And it is because of this insightful reviewing that West Mesa High is cancelling its drama department at the end of the semester. But, Sapperstein has a brilliant suggestion for Marschz – why not write and perform an original work, his own work and prove his worth. Inspired, Marschz knows just what to do.
Particularly affected by the character of Hamlet in light of Marschz’ own tempestuous unfulfilled relationship with his father, Marschz decides to write a sequel to Hamlet. What if Hamlet lived? What if he made everything right with the world? What if he forgave his father? What if he. . . .well, you get the idea. Of course one must ask how do you write a sequel when the main character is dead. But Mr. M has the answer to that – – bring in a time machine, a cast comprised of Latino gang bangers (taking the course because it’s all that’s available as some classrooms were shut down due to asbestos), some rather famous historical figures, including a very sexy Jesus Christ walkin’ on water and a gay men’s chorus, all rockin’ out in a Broadway worthy musical extravaganza and just blow the lid off of Tuc son with the production to end all productions.
Adding fuel to the already comedic fire are the parodied trials and tribulations of the befuddled and fumbling Marschz whose life is falling apart at every turn. Besides being, let’s face it, a total loser as an actor (although his passion and dedication to the art is beyond admirable), his marriage is a shambles, he has no respect from his students but for this two stars Rand (closeted and with the hots for Mr. M) and Epiphany (who gives new meaning to the term “holy roller”) and is essentially oblivious to the world around him as he roller skates to work falling flat on his face each and every day, although his one huge bright spot is meeting his idol Elisabeth Shue who has given up acting for nursing so she can help people.
Fighting Principal Rocker and the bulk of the Tucson community, with the help of zealous ACLU attorney named Cricket Feldstein, Dana Marschz is determined to not let the curtain fall on this multimedia extravaganza.
Steve Coogan is at his foppish best as Dana Marschz. He is the “new” Martin Short and Jerry Lewis all rolled into one for the 21st Century. He has such a great sense and ability of physical comedy that were this a silent film, his performance alone – with no sound and no words – would still garner thunderous laughs. Harold Lloyd is definitely smiling down on Coogan=2 0from that comedy cabin the sky! And wait until you see him moonwalk on water! What I find most appealing about Coogan though came on the day I interviewed him. On screen he is a comedic genius, while in person, a quiet, gentile, English proper, articulate, extremely thoughtful and interesting man who speaks passionately about the many films he has produced, including “Snow Cake” and the upcoming “Safety Glass.” He takes great pride in both good performances and quality work be it in front of or behind the camera. However, he did make the most of the knowledge that we were interviewing in the “John Edwards Room” at the Beverly Hilton. Yes, that room, that John Edwards, that campaign filmmaker. And no, we did not get room souvenirs for E-Bay although Coogan looked high and low for some.
Catherine Keener steps in as Marschz’ wife Brie, while David Arquette tackles the Marschz’ tacitly annoying roommate Gary. I have to say I wasn’t too impressed with Keener or Arquette, although they were necessary plot points pivotal to the story. While I believe only Coogan has the chops to pull of Mr. M, there are many other actors who could have been just as, if not more, effective than Keener and Arquette in their roles. I will say though that Kenner is a standout with two scenes in particular, however, the real kudos for those I believe goes to screenwriter Pam Brady.
Amy Poehler is a scream! Ironic ally, while everyone is hooting and hollering over her hilarity as ACLU attorney Cricket Feldstein, little do people realize that some ACLU attorneys are actually that “Nazi” in their pursuit of justice and the Constitution. Given that personal knowledge only made Poehler’s performance even funnier for me.
The drama students really shine – Melonie Diaz, who I first noticed in “The Beautiful Ordinary” is charming. She has a hard edge but conveys great emotion perfecting a 180 degree turn to strong softness. Beautiful performance. Newcomer to the big screen, Skylar Astin, is more than admirable as the prissy obnoxious Rand. Damn, you wanted to slap him silly! Another one I have caught in various roles is Joseph Soria. He really pulls off some fine dramatic work as Octavio and displays an unexpected brilliance of sensitivity. As for Phoebe Strole – PERFECT CASTING!!!!! Star of Broadway’s “Spring Awakening” along with Astin, her Broadway exuberance and “larger than life” persona is icing on the cake with this film. She is phenomenal. And of course, Elisabeth Shue as Elisabeth Shue. Never have I seen a more glorious self-deprecating performance. She is luminous and luminously funny.
Written by “South Park” veteran Pam Brady and Andy Fleming, HAMLET 2 is non-stop laughs from start to finish. Witticisms, vulgarity, parody, comedy, slapstick and drama, verbally assault the senses with wild exuberance all punctuated by the inspired directi on of director Andy Fleming. Known by me for his superior work on the 1999 “Dick” a Watergate spoof nailed to a tee, as a director, he is shear comedic genius. But, as good as his work was on “Dick”, with HAMLET 2, he really goes for broke and literally breaks the bank with laughter. However, if you can stop laughing long enough to actually listen to the “play” and its dialogue, Fleming and Brady have some heartfelt emotion and genuine Shakespearean theatrics with a very poignant message embodied in the performance. And the bawdy, risky and ribald dialogue is actually quite Shakespearean and quite funny.
Tony Fanning’s production design is fantastic. All those years as an art director really pays off for him here as he incorporates vivid imagery, set design, color, high tech – many may not notice the detail of the production and sets, but Fanning’s talents are definitely not lost on me. Without his vision, the climactic performance would never have been as effective or ebullient. I have to say, apart from Fleming’s and Brady’s script and dialogue, Fanning’s production design is the standout for me. And not to be missed are the soundtrack and musical performances. Not only appropriate but powerful, take special note of Coogan and cast performing “Rock Me Sexy Jesus” as well as the exquisitely pure and moving choral rendition of Elton John’s classic “Someone Saved My Life Tonight.”
To laugh or not to laugh – THAT is the question. And with HAMLET 2, there is most definitely only one answer – LAUGH LAUGH LAUGH!!!! Wildly inventive, irreverent and beyond entertaining, HAMLET 2 is a Must See Film of the summer.
Dana Marschz: Steve Coogan
Brie Marschz: Catherine Keener
Epiphany: Phoebe Strole
Rand: Skylar Astin
Cricket Feldstein: Amy Poehler
Directed by Andrew Fleming. Written by Fleming and Pam Brady. Rated R. (92 min)
