Well, they didn't slap together a sloppy sequel for SHREK 2. The screenplay by J. David Stern, Joe Stillman and David N. Weiss shows real creativity to drive the story forward with a much more complicated take on the characters.

But did someone in Marketing decree that a CD tie-in of the soundtrack would garner so much more additional revenue that we were overly burdened with show tunes?

Ogres Shrek (Mike Myers) and Fiona (Cameron Diaz) return to their swamp paradise from their honeymoon to find an invitation from Fiona's parents, the King (John Cleese) and Queen (Julie Andrews) of Far, Far Away. Donkey (Eddie Murphy) decides to go along for the celebrations. The monarchs are shocked to see that Fiona was not rescued from her prison tower by Prince Charming (Rupert Everett), the son of The Fairy Godmother (Jennifer Saunders), but decided to stay an ogre and marry Shrek.

Threatened by The Fairy Godmother to make right this cruel wrong, the King decides to hire a dangerous assassin, Puss-in-Boots (Antonio Banderas), to eliminate Shrek so Prince Charming can marry Fiona and someday inherit the Kingdom.

The Kingdom of Far, Far Away is cleverly designed as a slap-tribute to Hollywood with Joan Rivers commenting from the Red Carpet as the Royals arrive for the welcoming Ball. Thankfully, The Donkey is somewhat more subdued as Puss-n-Boots charmingly takes center stage. The story progresses nicely as The Fairy Godmother is steeped in the industry of potions and magical spells. I liked The Fairy Godmother character and the story becomes more involving with a very neat and captivating twist.

The adult subtext is much appreciated and the writers absolutely do not let us down. Parents do not have to accompany their kids to SHREK 2. There is a wonderful message about loving yourself and accepting who you are that gently shines through SHREK 2.

In the attention to detail, the cleverness, the new characters, and not allowing The Donkey to overwhelm us, SHREK 2 outshines the original film.

SHREK 2
DreamWorks Pictures

Credits:
Directors: Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury, Conrad Vernon
Screenwriters:William Steig, J. David Stem, Joe Stillman, David N. Weiss
Producers: Jeffrey Katzenberg, David Lipman, Aron Warner, John H. Williams
Music: Harry Gregson-Williams
Editor: Michael Andrews

Cast:
Mike Myers: Shrek (voice)
Eddie Murphy: Donkey (voice)
Cameron Diaz: Princess Fiona (voice)
Julie Andrews: Queen (voice)
Antonio Banderas: Puss In Boots (voice)
John Cleese: King (voice)
Rupert Everett: Prince Charming (voice)
Jennifer Saunders: Fairy Godmother (voice)
Aron Warner: Wolf (voice)

Running time -- 93 minutes
MPAA rating: PG

by Victoria Alexander - FilmsInReview.com