Hamlet 2
Failed actor-turned-worse-high-school-drama-teacher Dana Marschz rallies his Tucson students as he conceives and stages politically incorrect musical sequel to Shakespeare's Hamlet.
The film underperformed commercially against its small-scale budget of $9.0M, earning $4.9M globally (-46% loss). While initial box office returns were modest, the film has gained appreciation for its bold vision within the comedy genre.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Hamlet 2 (2008) reveals carefully calibrated narrative design, characteristic of Andrew Fleming's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 32 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.3, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Dana Marschz teaches drama at a failing Tucson high school, showing his mediocre production and desperate need for validation as a failed actor.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 11 minutes when The drama program is cancelled due to budget cuts, threatening to end Dana's teaching career and last connection to theater.. At 12% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 22 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This indicates the protagonist's commitment to Dana actively chooses to write and stage "Hamlet 2," his original sequel to Hamlet, as a way to save the program and prove himself., moving from reaction to action.
At 46 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat The school board bans the production due to its offensive content, raising the stakes. What seemed like a solution becomes a bigger problem., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 69 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Dana hits rock bottom: his marriage falls apart, he's fired, the production seems impossible, and he questions whether his dream is worth the cost., indicates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 73 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 79% of the runtime. Dana realizes the play isn't about critics or validation—it's about the students and artistic expression. He chooses to stage it anyway., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Hamlet 2's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. By mapping Hamlet 2 against these established plot points, we can identify how Andrew Fleming utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Hamlet 2 within the comedy genre.
Andrew Fleming's Structural Approach
Among the 7 Andrew Fleming films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.0, demonstrating varied approaches to story architecture. Hamlet 2 represents one of the director's most structurally precise works. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Andrew Fleming filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Andrew Fleming analyses, see The Craft, Nancy Drew and Dick.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Dana Marschz teaches drama at a failing Tucson high school, showing his mediocre production and desperate need for validation as a failed actor.
Theme
A student or colleague suggests that some dreams don't come true, hinting at the theme of artistic integrity versus commercial/critical success.
Worldbuilding
Establishment of Dana's world: his strained marriage, his two remaining drama students, his delusions of grandeur, and the school's lack of support for the arts.
Disruption
The drama program is cancelled due to budget cuts, threatening to end Dana's teaching career and last connection to theater.
Resistance
Dana resists giving up, debates what to do, and begins formulating a plan. New students arrive including the rebellious Rand and cricket player.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Dana actively chooses to write and stage "Hamlet 2," his original sequel to Hamlet, as a way to save the program and prove himself.
Mirror World
Dana bonds with his diverse group of drama students who believe in him, representing the authentic artistic community he's always wanted.
Premise
The fun of creating the outrageous play: ridiculous songs, time machine plot device, controversial content, and the students' growing enthusiasm.
Midpoint
The school board bans the production due to its offensive content, raising the stakes. What seemed like a solution becomes a bigger problem.
Opposition
Opposition intensifies: ACLU gets involved, community protests, Dana's wife leaves him, his mentor Cricket criticizes him, and he faces professional ruin.
Collapse
Dana hits rock bottom: his marriage falls apart, he's fired, the production seems impossible, and he questions whether his dream is worth the cost.
Crisis
Dana processes his failure and loss, contemplating giving up on the play and his artistic dreams entirely.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
Dana realizes the play isn't about critics or validation—it's about the students and artistic expression. He chooses to stage it anyway.
Synthesis
The finale performance of Hamlet 2 with all its absurd glory: "Rock Me Sexy Jesus," time travel, and Dana finally creating something authentically his own.
Transformation
Dana has transformed from seeking external validation to finding meaning in artistic integrity and his impact on students, regardless of critical success.