Movie Review: Shrek 2

Stars: 5 out of 5
Pros: Lots of jokes that will make everyone laugh.

Cons: Some of the jokes are needlessly crude and suggestive

The Bottom Line:

Fractured fairy tale

More laughs as the fun and spoof

Gets a strong sequel




Ogres Don't Live Happily Ever After

2001 brought a surprise smash hit to the big screen in the form of Shrek. This computer animated movie spoofed fairy tales as it told the story of an ogre who fell in love with a princess. Since ogres don't live happily ever after (and Hollywood wanted a sequel), we get Shrek 2.

Shrek (Mike Myers) and his new bride Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) are just settling down to their happy ever after when they get a summons. Fiona's parents (Julie Andrews and John Cleese) want to meet their new son-in-law. Shrek knows that their little secret will ruin the meeting. After all, who wants an ogre for a son-in-law, even if your daughter is one, too?

Against his better judgment, the two set out accompanied by Donkey (Eddie Murphy). When they reach Fiona's kingdom, Far Far Away, their reception is everything that Shrek feared it would be, which crushes Fiona.

Unbeknownst to them, danger is lurking in their future. Fiona's Fairy Godmother (Jennifer Saunders) had a deal with Fiona's father. Now the two will do whatever it takes to make that come true.

Can Shrek bring Fiona happiness? Will the evil plot succeed?

The first movie was a hit because is was original, clever, funny, and had a great message. This one isn't as original and is a variation on the same theme. We're still learning to look beyond appearances to see the beauty within. This movie does go about it slightly differently, but the message is certainly still the same.

The great this is, the movie is funnier. The jokes and cultural references are everywhere. It may make the movie dated in 10 years, but for now, it is hilarious. Being a Disney fanatic, I must admit to wincing at a few of the barbs at Disney, but there are fewer of them here. Having said that, one of my favorite gags is the song that starts when we first meet Fairy Godmother. The spoof of Disney songs includes singing furniture. The standout new character is assassin Puss in Boots, voiced by Antonio Banderas. He is hysterical with his turn from cute to attack in one second routine. He makes Donkey jealous, which leads to some funny lines as well.

All the major voice talent is back and again do a great job of bringing their characters to life. The new actors fit right in. Even though I recognized most of the voices, I forget who they are and get engrossed with the characters. You can't ask for more then that.

Technology has advanced in the three years between movies, and it makes for a better movie this time around. Things look more real, especially the humans. And the fairytale creatures fit better into this real world.

The only flaw with the film is that, once again, some of the laughter comes from crude jokes and suggestive situations. Since this movie aims at kids, that's a disappointment. Watch it before you let your kids see it to determine if you think it is appropriate for them.

And I can't end this review without talking about Far, Far Away Idol. This DVD exclusive has many of the cast members performing songs for a panel of judges that includes Shrek, Fiona, and the real Simon Cowell. These songs are perfectly matched to the characters. For example, the three blind mice sing "I Can See Clearly Now." It only runs about five minutes, but these short clips are worth it. At the end, you get to vote for your choice, but most of them seem to take you to the same ending.

Shrek 2 has jokes that anyone will get no matter what their age. Be prepared to laugh when you sit down to watch this funny film.