‘Shrek 2’ Solid, Skillful Sequel To Earlier Dreamworks Hit
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While “Shrek 2” may not be as heartfelt or as fun as the first film, there’s still lots to enjoy about this DreamWorks sequel.
How so? Well, how can you possibly not like a movie where — as the citizens of Far, Far Away are fleeing from a giant marauding gingerbread man — the patrons of one Starbucks coffee shop seek shelter in another Starbucks? Which — of course — is located directly across the street from the first Starbucks.
Such are the charms of “Shrek 2.” A film that has plenty of stuff to amuse the kiddies. But — at the same time — features enough knowing, snarky satire to also entertain the adults & the teens in the audience.
The story pretty much picks up where the original “Shrek” left off. The ogre and his bride return from their honeymoon to find that they’ve received a summons from Fiona’s parents, King Harold (John Cleese) and Queen Lillian. Who request that the newlyweds journey to the Kingdom of Far, Far Away to take part in a royal celebration of Shrek & Fiona’s marriage.
As you might expect, Shrek isn’t all that eager to meet his in-laws. After all, these are the folks who locked Fiona up in a tower for being an after-hours ogre. So what are the Princess’s parent going to think when they find out that Fiona is now an ogress 24/7? Not to mention being the bride of the smelliest guy in the swamp.
So — in spite of Shrek’s reservations — he and his wife make the trip to Far, Far Away. With Donkey coming along for the ride to provide annoying commentary en route.
And when this trio finally arrive in Far, Far Away … Well, this is when “Shrek 2” really kicks into gear. For – for this go-round — the filmmakers have decided to expand their choice of targets. Whereas the original “Shrek” happily sent up fairy tales in general and Disney films in particular, “Shrek 2” now takes on Hollywood. Or — to be more specific — the pretensions of the Beverly Hills lifestyle.
So — as Shrek, Fiona and Donkey ride into town in their enchanted onion coach — they pass the enormous mansions of Far, Far Away celebrities like Rapunzel (Whose entrance gate is covered with strands of long blonde hair) and Cinderella (Whose home features a giant golden slipper above its gateway as well as a clock tower that’s permanently set to just before midnight).
As you might expect, Shrek and the newly ogre-ified Princess Fiona don’t exactly fit into this super slick environment. And while Queen Lillian tries to make the best of a bad situation, King Harold is truly horrified at the sight of his new son-in-law.
Why for? Because — as it turns out — King Harold had already arranged for a suitable suitor for Fiona: That vain pretty boy Prince Charming (Voiced by Rupert Everett). Who — as it turns out — is actually the son of the scheming Fairy Godmother (Jennifer Saunders).
The Fairy Godmother is — understandably — upset to find out that Princess Fiona has already found herself a husband. She insists that King Harold honor the terms of their earlier deal or face the consequences. Which is why the King must arrange to have a hit placed on Shrek.
And who’s the character who’s supposed to take Shrek down? None other than Fairy Tale Land’s most famous ogre-killer, Puss in Boots.
Puss in Boots is arguably “Shrek 2” ‘s most inspired addition. Ably voiced by Antonio Banderas, Puss is an extremely affectionate send-up of this actor’s early appearance in Tristar’s 1998 release, “The Mask of Zorro.” Loaded with charm & panache (not to mention hairballs), this furry swashbuckler basically makes off with every scene he’s in.
As for the rest of the film’s story … “Shrek 2” virtually inverts the first film’s formula. WithShrek briefly becoming a good looking human (with the hope that — by changing his outward appearance — the ogre will finally be able to please Fiona’s parents). Only to eventually discover that the only way to truly be happy is accept who you really are, both inwardly and outwardly.
Okay. I know. That’s kind of a sappy “Hallmark” card kind of message. But “Shrek 2” really keeps the treacle to a minimum by piling on the satire. Constantly skewering over-exposed celebrities like Joan Rivers and/or gleefully sending other motion pictures like “Mission: Impossible,” “Flashdance” and “Spiderman.”
So how does it all end? As you might expect, with a big musical number. And — more importantly — with the promise of “Shrek 3” coming to a theater near you sometime in the Summer of 2006.
So — like I said at the very top of this article — “Shrek 2” is a sold, skillful sequel to the first film. Directors Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury and Conrad Vernon has served up a movie that is sure to entertain adults and children. More importantly, turning “Shrek” into the tentpole film franchise that Dreamworks Animation desperately needs these days.
So keep a sharp eye out for “Shrek 3” & “Shrek 4” further on down the line. Not to mention “Shrek” the Broadway musical as well as a possible “Puss in Boots” spin-off film.
Oh…Speaking of things that you should keep an eye out for: Don’t make the mistake of leaving the theater before “Shrek 2” ‘s credit finish rolling. Otherwise, you may miss out on the somewhat rude awakening that Donkey’s lady friend — the fire-breathing female dragon from the first “Shrek” film — delivers to that furry little smart-ass.
“Shrek 2” is rated PG (Parental Guidance suggested). This film features several brief sequences that feature gags which involve bodily functions as well as sexual innuendoes. But — barring this fairly innocuous stuff (as well as a few short scenes that feature scares) — there’s really nothing in “Shrek 2” that will permanently scar your children.
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