Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey travel to the kingdom of Far Far Away to meet Fiona's parents, who don't know their daughter married an ogre.
COMEDY/FAMILY/FANTASY
|
Shrek 2 (2004)Directed by Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury, Conrad Vernon
Written by Andrew Adamson, Joe Stillman, J. David Stem, David N. Weiss Starring Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas, Julie Andrews, John Cleese, Rupert Everett, Jennifer Saunders Sequel to 2001's Shrek Based on characters created by William Steig Oscar Nominations - Best Animated Film, Best Original Song (Accidentally in Love) |
Shrek 2 is a fantastic sequel that maintains the spirit of the first film while adding some great backstory and hilarious characters to the franchise. It doesn't quite exceed the original, but it is definitely on par with it. This time around, we are introduced to a boatload of fairytale characters as well as a great deal more hidden innuendo.
The voice talents remain impeccable, with the additions of several new players. Antonio Banderas steals the show as the ogre-slaying hitman with a heart of gold Puss in Boots. Julie Andrews and John Cleese have terrific vocal chemistry as Fiona's royal parents Queen Lillian and King Harold. Then of course, the villains for this film rival Lord Farquaad in evil. Rupert Everett plays the ridiculously chiseled Prince Charming, while Jennifer Saunders plays his heartless mother the Fairy Godmother. Once again, I admire how this franchise turns certain tropes in their heads, making good evil and evil good. The story in Shrek 2 hits a lot closer to home. It deals with Shrek meeting the in-laws and butting heads with them, while doing his best to make his wife happy. The Shrek franchise has always been great at taking real-life problems and adding a little fairytale flavor to them, particularly with the second film. I thought it was an excellent sequel and a terrific movie. |