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Shrek 2 2004 |
Review by Jonathan Cornwell |
Directed by Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury, Conrad Vernon
PG, 105 min. (some crude humor, a brief substance reference) |
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Starring: Voices: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Julie Andrews, Antonio Banderas, John Cleese, Rupert Everett, Jennifer Saunders
Producers: Jeffrey Katzenberg, David Lipman, Aron Warner, John H. Williams
Screenplay: William Steig, J. David Stern, Joe Stillman, David N. Weiss
Distributor: Dreamworks Pictures
Released: 5.19.04 (Wide) |
Rating:
 (out of ) |
When Shrek was released three years ago, the animated genre was changed forever. The irresistible combination of
lifelike computer-generated images, lovable characters, and witty storyline proved to be the year's most popular film.
A sequel was almost a foregone conclusion considering the first film's success, but bringing another effective chapter to
life was a challenging endeavor since Shrek's story was a definitive one. With Shrek 2, directors Andrew Adamson,
Kelly Asbury, and Conrad Vernon have fashioned an engaging, often hilarious follow-up to one of the decade's most
loved films. Written by the team of William Steig, J. David Stern, Joe Stillman, and David N. Weiss, Shrek 2 is peppered
with contemporary pop references and insightful parody, enlivening a storyline that would seem by-the-numbers in their absence.
By the conclusion of its shorter-than-it-seems running length, the film has satisfied viewers and accomplished its
aims without sacrificing any of the original's luster.
Shrek 2 picks up where the first film left off. Shrek (Mike Myers) and Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) are married
and enjoy their honeymoon, only to be greeted back at the swamp by a lonely Donkey (Eddie Murphy) and a troupe of trumpeteers
announcing an invitation from Fiona's parents, King Harold (John Cleese) and Queen Lillian (Julie Andrews), to visit
their castle in the kingdom of Far, Far Away. Reluctantly, Shrek agrees to accompany Fiona to meet the in-laws, along with
Donkey, who isn't exactly the best companion on a long trip. Once there, the citizens of the kingdom are aghast at Fiona's
new appearance and her ogre husband, and her parents are shell-shocked. Enter Fairy Godmother (Jennifer Saunders),
whose son, Prince Charming (Rupert Everett), was denied his destiny of rescuing Fiona from the dragon-protected castle
depicted in the first film. She conspires to replace Shrek with Charming, and when Shrek learns of the plot, his own
desire to please Fiona results in taking a potion to make him human. Now, with the help of Donkey and a new ally,
the feline assassin Puss 'n Boots (Antonio Banderas), Shrek must once again prove his love for Fiona.
The film relies on a littany of spoofs and parodies to carry the day. Some of them include references to other films
such as The Lord of the Rings, Mission Impossible, Ghostbusters, and the television show "Cops."
These sequences are purposely over-the-top and very funny, keeping the viewer laughing while absorbing the fantastic
visuals, which once again set the standard in the young genre. There are moments, such as the slow-motion shot of
the Gingerbread Man diving after a giant Gingerbread Man, who is falling backwards into the castle's moat, that are
brilliantly realized. And the city of Far, Far Away is obviously meant as a parody of Hollywood, as the
glitzy red carpet entrance (hosted by a character voiced by Joan Rivers) to the grand ball would suggest. These devices
are zany and fun, and the filmmakers have made the right choices to elevate the film above its material.
The multitude of colorful and useful characters are the key to Shrek 2's success. While Shrek and Fiona are
their usual solid selves, Donkey (in another fine performance from Murphy) is given a rival to spice things up - Puss 'n Boots. This wonderful creation is clearly
the film's highlight - as voiced by Banderas, the feline's hilarious mannerisms (licking himself and purring at awkward times)
ingratiate the viewer further. Although this cat carries a sword for protection, it's his rendition of a helpless, scared kitten
(which he uses to manipulate his enemy's heart) that is his primary weapon. Other characters such as the aforementioned
Gingerbread Man, the Three Blind Mice, and Pinnochio, offer instant laughs as they come to the aid of Shrek and company.
Finally, Rupert Everett, John Cleese, and Julie Andrews provide the necessary inspiration for their distinct characters.
For fans of Shrek, this enjoyable sequel could hardly do more to please. It's certain to make a ton of money,
which all but guarantees another chapter in an unfolding franchise. For once I'm not dismayed at the thought of continuous
sequels, as it offers the opportunity to spend some more time with creative filmmakers and likable characters that are a joy to watch. Shrek 2
is an experience that, in the final analysis, should be one of the high points of the summer movie season.
© 2004 Jonathan Cornwell
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 | Masterpiece - Film perfection |
 | Excellent - A Must See |
| Good - Highly Recommended |
| Fair - Worth seeing |
| Average - Viewable, but not recommended |
| Below average - View at own risk |
| Poor - Avoid at all costs |
| Very poor - An embarassment to the film industry |
| Zero | Awful - One of the worst films ever made |
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