Aniko
05-18-04, 08:22 PM
I read this review on the train on my way to work this morning and thought I’d share it. It’s from USA Today, by By Claudia Puig. I already wanted to see Shrek 2...heck, even my parents want to join me when I take the kids...but this review got my blood flowing even more. :D
http://images.usatoday.com/life/_photos/2004/2004-05/18-shrek-inside.gif
'Shrek 2': A fairy tale come true for audiences
By Claudia Puig, USA TODAY
It's a rare sequel that is as good as its predecessor, but DreamWorks' Shrek 2 (* * * * stars out of four) is just as funny, sweet and engaging as the first film starring the big galoot. Shrek (voiced by Mike Meyers) finds a new sidekick in the lovable, but scrappy Puss-In-Boots (Antonio Banderas).
But in this one, the lovable green giant (voiced again by Mike Myers) and his neurotic donkey pal (reprised by Eddie Murphy) are upstaged by the resplendent Puss In Boots (Antonio Banderas).
Shrek and Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) are on their honeymoon. The sequences in which they gambol through scenic spots are a great send-up of all the corny montages of live-action movies.
The first film had similar moments, but Shrek 2 takes things a step further with an homage to From Here to Eternity. But that nod is then turned on its ear with another cinematic reference that takes a jab at Disney animation. Viewers also will have fun catching Shrek 2's mini-tributes to Spider-Man, The Wizard of Oz, The Lord of the Rings and Charlie's Angels.
Returning from their romantic idyll, Shrek and Princess Fiona are summoned by Fiona's parents, the king and queen of the Kingdom of Far, Far Away (a fairy-tale version of Beverly Hills). Donkey cannot resist tagging along and whining most of the way. John Cleese and Julie Andrews are pitch-perfect as the royal couple who are taken aback when they learn that their princess has married an ogre and become one, too. Andrews' Queen Lillian has a dignified, kindly air, while the curmudgeonly King Harold immediately locks horns with Shrek.
The king had plans for Fiona's future, enlisting the aid of the megalomaniac Fairy Godmother (Jennifer Saunders). She had designs on the royal title herself, involving her foppish son Prince Charming (a very funny Rupert Everett).
The king also calls upon famous ogre hunter Puss In Boots, but the courtly feline eventually joins forces with Shrek, much to Donkey's dismay.
The tabby cat with the fancy plumed hat has an exotic Spanish accent — and Banderas parodies his earlier role as Zorro. But Puss is a cute kitty when he wants to get his way in scenes that prompt a theater-full of "awwws." Such manipulation might have seemed cloying if Puss were not equally adept at clawing when the need arises. His funniest bit is a role in a wild take-off of TV's Cops.
As in the original, Shrek 2's musical score is first-rate, with songs by Counting Crows and Tom Waits, as well as retooled old hits. And the computer animation is gorgeous.
A high-spirited, fun-filled comedy adventure, Shrek 2 probably will emerge as summer's best family film. (PG for some crude humor, a brief substance reference and some suggestive content. Opens in many theaters at midnight tonight, Wednesday nationwide.)
I really liked her review and am looking forward to a nice family movie where both my kids and I can giggle and laugh.
I probably should have posted this in the up-coming movies...but since it's opening tomorrow....weeeell...I'm hoping others will post your opinons about it after they see the movie. :)
http://images.usatoday.com/life/_photos/2004/2004-05/18-shrek-inside.gif
'Shrek 2': A fairy tale come true for audiences
By Claudia Puig, USA TODAY
It's a rare sequel that is as good as its predecessor, but DreamWorks' Shrek 2 (* * * * stars out of four) is just as funny, sweet and engaging as the first film starring the big galoot. Shrek (voiced by Mike Meyers) finds a new sidekick in the lovable, but scrappy Puss-In-Boots (Antonio Banderas).
But in this one, the lovable green giant (voiced again by Mike Myers) and his neurotic donkey pal (reprised by Eddie Murphy) are upstaged by the resplendent Puss In Boots (Antonio Banderas).
Shrek and Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) are on their honeymoon. The sequences in which they gambol through scenic spots are a great send-up of all the corny montages of live-action movies.
The first film had similar moments, but Shrek 2 takes things a step further with an homage to From Here to Eternity. But that nod is then turned on its ear with another cinematic reference that takes a jab at Disney animation. Viewers also will have fun catching Shrek 2's mini-tributes to Spider-Man, The Wizard of Oz, The Lord of the Rings and Charlie's Angels.
Returning from their romantic idyll, Shrek and Princess Fiona are summoned by Fiona's parents, the king and queen of the Kingdom of Far, Far Away (a fairy-tale version of Beverly Hills). Donkey cannot resist tagging along and whining most of the way. John Cleese and Julie Andrews are pitch-perfect as the royal couple who are taken aback when they learn that their princess has married an ogre and become one, too. Andrews' Queen Lillian has a dignified, kindly air, while the curmudgeonly King Harold immediately locks horns with Shrek.
The king had plans for Fiona's future, enlisting the aid of the megalomaniac Fairy Godmother (Jennifer Saunders). She had designs on the royal title herself, involving her foppish son Prince Charming (a very funny Rupert Everett).
The king also calls upon famous ogre hunter Puss In Boots, but the courtly feline eventually joins forces with Shrek, much to Donkey's dismay.
The tabby cat with the fancy plumed hat has an exotic Spanish accent — and Banderas parodies his earlier role as Zorro. But Puss is a cute kitty when he wants to get his way in scenes that prompt a theater-full of "awwws." Such manipulation might have seemed cloying if Puss were not equally adept at clawing when the need arises. His funniest bit is a role in a wild take-off of TV's Cops.
As in the original, Shrek 2's musical score is first-rate, with songs by Counting Crows and Tom Waits, as well as retooled old hits. And the computer animation is gorgeous.
A high-spirited, fun-filled comedy adventure, Shrek 2 probably will emerge as summer's best family film. (PG for some crude humor, a brief substance reference and some suggestive content. Opens in many theaters at midnight tonight, Wednesday nationwide.)
I really liked her review and am looking forward to a nice family movie where both my kids and I can giggle and laugh.
I probably should have posted this in the up-coming movies...but since it's opening tomorrow....weeeell...I'm hoping others will post your opinons about it after they see the movie. :)