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Movie Forums :: Reviews :: Shrek 2 A Worthy Sequel |
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Posted on 6/06/04
Shrek 2 A Worthy Sequel
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Something funny seems to be happening with movie sequels these days: they're not always all that bad.
If anything, they've benefitted from the reputation of inferiority they've become known for: when a sequel even nears the quality of the film which spawned it, the contrast alone seems to cause critics and audiences alike to hold it in even higher regards than the original. Case in point: Shrek 2, a sequel completely on-par with the former, despite the fact that it's making gobs more at the box office and has been met with even more positive critical reviews than the first.
The film, which picks up right where the first left off, begins by following Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers) and Fiona (voiced by Cameron Diaz) on their honeymoon, incorporating plenty of nods to other modern movie blockbusters along the way. Such pop culture references have become a staple of the humor in the two films, and they continue to work because they never feel forced; each one fits perfectly with what's happening on-screen.
From the honeymoon, the story takes us to the kingdom of "Far Far Away," as the newlyweds receive an invitation from Fiona's parents, who have heard of her wedding and wish to bestow their blessing on her new husband. Naturally, they don't know she's now an Ogre 24/7, and are ill-prepared for the shock in learning that she's married to one, as well. They were expecting Prince Charming, you see, who's actually a character this time around. As is the Fairy Godmother, who's convinced ogres have no place alongside princesses, and serves as the film's villain.
The "meet the parents" angle is a brilliant way to continue the story that appeared wrapped-up at the end of the first film, but the gaggle of screenwriters outdo themselves with the addition of Puss in Boots, the world's only feline hitman. Puss is voiced to perfection by Antonio Banderas. Plans are already underway for a third and fourth film, but it's hard to imagine the franchise topping Puss' character, who effectively steals the show from the big-name talent returning from the first film.
This film, it should be noted, has all the humor of the first, but a great deal more heart. Moviegoers are, for the most part, coming in with a hint of emotional attachment to the characters already, and Shrek 2 has incorporated its gags into dialogue and character development more than adventure. Don't be surprised if you find yourself unusually choked up near the finale. And don't be surprised when Puss conveys your feelings in a perfectly-timed moment of comic relief.
If there's one thing these movies are about, it's showing that there's a hint of truth to fairy tales, no matter how outlandish they may seem on the surface. Shrek is no Prince Charming, and he knows it. But to Fiona, he might as well be. The message of the movies is that real life doesn't have to be like a fairy tale, because fairy tales exist to dramatize things about real life.
Goofy and witty, technically impressive, and with a message as positive and heartwarming as the first, Shrek 2 should appeal to all ages and demographics.
Now, here's hoping they can convince Banderas to stick around for Shrek 3.
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