Dana Marschz is a failed actor-turned-high school drama teacher. Shortchanged in the talent department, Dana still harbors ambitions and passions. At work, that is; his personal life, with his dissatisfied wife Brie and their boarder Gary, leaves much to be desired. At Tucson's West Mesa High School, Dana sees himself as an inspirational teacher. But his adaptations of popular films, as performed by his top students Rand and Epiphany, are not resonating. When his latest--re-creating Erin Brockovich--is (more...)dismissed by the ninth-grade drama critic and his department is targeted for closure, Dana must reach deep into himself for creativity. After much perspiration, he conceives a sequel to Shakespeare's Hamlet--a musical-theater extravaganza that will disdain both political correctness and dramatic credibility. Rallying and rousing his class, Dana casts a wider net by recruiting transfer students like Ivonne for key roles. With rehearsals underway, objections from school officials and the community are soon raised, but Dana will not be denied his freedom of artistic expression. After all, "to thine own self be true." Dana gets unexpected support from ACLU attorney Cricket Feldstein and his favorite actress, Elisabeth Shue. Above all else, he fervently believes that his opus must be staged, and nothing can break his optimistic spirit.

• Official Web site

Rated R for language including sexual references, brief nudity and some drug content

Length: 92 minutes

Released: August 22, 2008 Limited

Score: 3.0

Cast: Steve Coogan, Catherine Keener, Amy Poehler, David Arquette, Elisabeth Shue

Director: Andrew Fleming
Producer: Eric D. Eisner
Writer: Pam Brady, Andrew Fleming
Genre: Comedy
Distributor: Focus Features