Shrek 2

Shrek and Fiona have returned from a romantic honeymoon, but their “honeymoon” as newlyweds doesn’t last very long when Princess Fiona’s family comes calling and much to Shrek’s dismay Fiona and Donkey travel with him to Far Far Away. Shrek has a couple of problems on his plate after meeting Fiona’s parents, the King and Queen of Far Far Away. First of all they are not thrilled that their princess is an ogre, but they are even less happy with the fact she is married to one. Shrek and his father-in-law will not be going on any fishing trips any time soon. Fiona is also upset with Shrek’s attitude towards her unwelcoming and confused parents. When Fiona’s fairy godmother finds out about the nuptials, she reminds the king that Fiona was supposed to be rescued by her son; Prince Charming and then Charming would become king. But now Fiona has married Shrek, the fairy godmother will have to go back on a favor she did for the king years’ ago. To make sure Fiona is free to remarry, the king hires an assassin to kill Shrek. Enter Puss n’ Boots: a cute little kitty with the sword and fighting skills on a Spanish knight. When Shrek and Donkey thwart his assassination attempt Puss confesses the king’s plan and Puss vows to help Shrek for sparing his life. Shrek decides to seek help from Fiona’s fairy godmother, unaware she is Prince Charming’s mother. She cruelly tells Shrek that ogres never find their “happily ever after”. Shrek breaks into the Fairy Godmother’s potion room and steals her “Happily Ever After Potion” to try to make himself handsome. The potion works and he becomes absolutely gorgeous; to make the changes permanent he must kiss Fiona, who has turned into her old self, by midnight. But the Fairy Godmother and Prince Charming have plans of their own to stop Shrek and make Fiona Charming’s bride.

This sequel to Shrek is just as clever and gratifying as the first movie. The writers kept the story fresh by developing another smart storyline that involves even more fairytale creatures. Antonio Banderas as Puss n’ Boots uses his experience as Zorro to great use in bringing Puss to life. Jennifer Saunders from French and Saunders fame is delightfully wicked as the Fairy Godmother and Rupert Everett as Prince Charming follows in his animated mother’s footsteps. The glorious Julie Andrews plays Fiona’s mother and who better than to be the Queen. Her husband the King is voiced by the brilliantly funny John Cleese. Other characters like Gingy, Pinocchio, and the Three Pigs have returned with all their comedic glory. Mike Myers as Shrek, Cameron Diaz as Fiona, and Eddie Murphy as Donkey; continue their perfect performances from the first movie with even more hilarity and character. The small rivalry that develops between Donkey and Puss n’ Boots over who is Shrek’s favorite friend is especially funny.

Shrek 2 also bounds with even more spoofs on both modern pop culture and fairytale classics. Far Far Away is modeled as a decadent Beverly Hills with all the princesses regarded as Paris Hilton like celebrities. Movies like Spiderman, Lord of the Rings, Ghostbusters, and Pretty Woman are al fair game for the Shrek treatment. Each little reference is like an inside joke between the audience and the writers. Adults and children will both find this sequel as charming and unforgettable as the first. Be sure to hang around for after the main credits to see a special addition to Donkey’s family. Shrek 2 is a laugh-riot to be had by all and brings the magic back to the fairytale stories of old.