|
|
|
|
|
As a
rule, sequels typically just can’t live up to their hype. There are only a few
exceptions to the rule—a few sequels that are every bit as good as the original. And,
once in a blue moon, a sequel comes along that’s actually better than the original
(like Spider-Man
2, for example). Shrek 2 is one of those rare sequels—it has more laughs
and more fun than 2001’s Shrek (see Coinneach’s
review).
Mike Myers returns as Shrek, the lovable yet somewhat crusty
ogre. After he and his beloved Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) return from their
honeymoon, they receive an invitation from Fiona’s parents, asking the happy couple to
venture to the kingdom of Far Far Away for a ball to celebrate their marriage. Together
with Donkey (Eddie Murphy), they make the long, long trip to Far Far Away, where Fiona’s
parents are in for a big surprise—their daughter has married an ogre, and she’s turned
into an ogre, too. Fiona’s father (John Cleese), the king, is mortified—since he
promised the Fairy Godmother (Jennifer Saunders) that her son, Prince Charming (Rupert
Everett), would marry Fiona—and he hires Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) to kill
Shrek.
Shrek 2 sold millions of copies in its first days on DVD—and
for good reason. To kids, it’s a fun fairy tale (it’s rated PG—and not G—for a reason,
though most kids probably won’t catch most of the subtle crude jokes and references), but
there are also enough pop-culture references and inside grown-up jokes to keep Mom and
Dad busy. And the laughs (for all ages) are pretty much non-stop. It’s one of those
movies that kids will want to watch over and over—and Mom and Dad won’t complain.
|
|
|
|
