Hamlet 2 **1/2

Cast: Steve Coogan, Catherine Keener, Joseph Julian Soria, Skylar Astin, Phoebe Strole, Melonie Diaz, David Arquette, Elisabeth Shue, Amy Poehler
Director: Andrew Fleming
Running Length: 1:32
MPAA Classification: R

Dana Marschz (Coogan) is a bad actor who has been relegated to teaching high school drama. There are two kids who want to be in his class, but the rest are there because they are “trouble” kids and the principal had to put them somewhere. Dana, however, wants to make a difference and challenge these kids. Previous plays that class performed were adaptations of movies, and garnered little accolades. Dana decides to write something original, and “Hamlet 2” is born. This musical sequel to Shakespeare’s masterpiece soon raises the ire of the principal. After he attempts to shut it down, Dana and the class take the play off of school grounds, and soon the community is clamoring to see exactly what all the buzz is about.

“Hamlet 2” is an interesting idea that is only somewhat effective. I almost wish that there was more shown of the actual play, in which Hamlet goes back in time to become friends with Jesus. The play is never fully flushed out, and we are only treated to snippets, including the musical number, “Rock Me Sexy Jesus.” (They actually give a good reason why this song is not blasphemy). Coogan is good and the talent-challenged Dana, the poor schlub with a good heart. The problem with the movie is its unevenness, alternating between really funny and not that funny at all. This is one to wait for on DVD.

Wanted ***

Cast: James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman, Angelina Jolie, Terence Stamp, Thomas Kretschmann
Director: Timur Bekmambetov
Running Length: 1:50
MPAA Classification: R

Wesley Gibson (McAvoy) is an accounts manager with no excitement in his life. He doesn’t seem to even like himself too much. Then, one day he meets Fox (Jolie), and his world is turned upside down. Fox is a member of a thousands-year old secret society of assassins. Wesley’s father was also a member, with a lot of talent when it comes to killing people. Wesley believed his dad to be dead for years, but it turns out he was just murdered by Cross (Kretschmann), and the fraternity wants Wesley’s help in delivering justice. Soon, Wesley discovers that he has special skills like his father, and is learning the ways of the fraternity. But all is not as it seems, and Wesley may be in deeper than he realizes.

“Wanted” is an interesting action film. It is reminiscent of both “The Matrix” and “Fight Club”, but resembles neither. It is full of interesting, logic-suspending fight/assassination scenes that are visually impressive to watch. McAvoy brings life to Wesley and makes him someone that the viewer can relate to. The storyline is different enough and interesting to make it an above average action film. The supporting cast gets the job done as well. Can Morgan Freeman do any wrong? Overall, “Wanted” delivers a pretty intense 110 minutes, and is not a mindless summer action movie. This is worth checking out.

Tropic Thunder ***1/2

Tropic Thunder ***1/2Cast: Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr., Brandon T. Jackson, Jay Baruchel, Danny McBride, Steve Coogan, Nick Nolte, Tom Cruise, Matthew McConaughey
Director: Ben Stiller
Running Length: 1:46
MPAA Classification: R

On the set of a Vietnam movie, the start are proving difficult for director Damien (Coogan) to handle. Those stars include: Speedman (Stiller), a one time action star whose better days are behind him; Portnoy (Black), a heroin-addicted funny man whose fame is a result of fart jokes; and Lazarus (Downey Jr.), an Oscar-winning method actor that has received “pigment alteration” to play a black soldier. Damien decides to take the stars to the jungle and shoot the film guerilla style, hoping for realism. A land mine and some drug dealers change the equation, and soon the line between fiction and cold hard reality are blurred.

“Tropic Thunder” is a satiric look at the movie industry on all levels. Director Stiller obviously knows the industry and is not afraid to show the less glamorous side of things. Somewhat surprisingly, of the three leads, the non-comedian Downey gets the biggest laughs. Tom Cruise is also excellent and almost unrecognizable as a studio executive. There is plenty of action here too. This is a really funny movie that gives a non-flattering look at the movie business. I highly recommend this film.