Shrek 2 (2004)
"Relax Bigfoot? Easy on 'Puss n' Boots there - Cat's immortalized in story and song, and his website is HOT!
Starring: |
Mike Myers |
Released By: |
Dreamworks |
Released In: |
2004 |
Rated: |
PG-13 |
Reviewed By: |
Adam Mast |
Grade: |
B |
Shrek 2 is a sweet-natured but inferior follow-up to a surprisingly enchanting fantasy. The original Shrek was a magical adventure, and also a hit and miss comedy. More of the gags were hit than miss, and as joyful as Shrek 2 is, it's comic batting average is a notch or two lower.
Shrek 2 follows Shrek (Mike Myers) and Fiona's (Cameron Diaz) return home to the swamp following a fun filled honeymoon. Before they even get a chance to settle in, they are requested to travel to the land of Far Far Away and spend some time with Fiona's royal parents (magically voiced by John Cleese and Julie Andrews). This doesn't go over well with Shrek as he fears that they will not understand him. But even more importantly, he's concerned with what they might think of Fiona's new appearance. Still, he agrees (sort of) to make the journey as a sign of unconditional love towards his bride. Upon arriving, Shrek's worst fears are realized but as this is a fairy tale, it's safe to say going in, that everyone will live happily ever after.
Like the first picture, Shrek 2 parodies other films fast and furiously (watch for winks to Zorro, Lord of the Rings, Spider-Man, Ghostbusters and dozens of others). While some work (there's a hilariously brief tip of the hat to Flashdance), many fall flat (there's an absolute groaner from one of my favorite films, E.T.). Yet whereas Shrek more or less goofs on the fairy tales that inspired it, Shrek 2 seems to actually be a fairy tale in and of itself now.
Yes, there is plenty of edgy material here that will go over the little ones' heads and make adults giggle with delight (there's a terrific spoof on Cops in which a central character is caught with incriminating evidence). I also loved Fiona's home town which is a grand homage to Hollywood (the front gates resemble the entrance to Paramount Studios). And I have to mention that the film does take a chance in terms of what happens to Fiona's father. I found it sweet and quite surprising. At the end of Shrek 2, I kept thinking that the film makers would ditch this particular fate, but they never did. I applaud them for that.
Somehow, though, this sequel lacks the consistency of the original. And save for a few sequences, I wasn't as impressed by the overall look of this picture. There were more interesting landscapes on display in the first Shrek. I wasn't terribly fond of the pacing in Shrek 2 either. There seemed to be slow spots, and many of them featured the Fairy Godmother (voiced by Jennifer Saunders), a new character in the Shrek universe. And finally, I really could have done without the big song and dance number (set to the tune of Ricky Martin's Livin' La Vida Loca). I suppose that was better than the alternative. I'm referring to that damn Smashmouth song that was so prominent in the first picture and several other films I might add. I think the film makers missed out on a golden opportunity. They should have done a big old goof on Dirty Dancing--you know--that cheesy "I've Had the Time of My Life" song? That would have been more effective.
The cast here is terrific. Mike Myers is fun even if this is essentially a combination of his own Austin Powers and Fat Bastard creations (he even pays tribute to Dr. Evil here in a sequence in which an annoyed Shrek plays "shadow' with an aggravated Donkey during a heated exchange). Cameron Diaz also returns as Shrek's loving Fiona. Eddie Murphy is back supplying the film with much comic relief by way of Donkey. The big scene stealer in Shrek 2 is the assassin-for-hire Puss-in-Boots (voiced by Antonio Banderas), a Zorro-esque kittie with unbelievable sword skills and big, warm eyes that would turn the frostiest feline into mush. John Cleese and Julie Andrews are picture perfect as Fiona's parents. They're classy actors, and both shines here. What's really lacking is more screen time for the famed Gingerbread Man who had one of the funniest moments in the first film. What a shame.
Shrek was one of my favorite films of 2001. I know there are plenty of people out there who hated that picture and find it extremely dated. There are plenty of folks out there who also found it unfunny. I loved it's spirit, it's brisk pace, it's vibrant look, and it's big, green heart. Shrek 2 is charming and offers up that age old theme; "You should like and appreciate people for who they are on the inside, not the outside." It's also funny and vibrant in it's own right, but for my money, it doesn't compare to the original. Toy Story 2 it's not.
On a sidenote, watch the end credits. It features the funniest moment in the picture. In fact, I'd like to see a spinoff movie featuring this particular scenario.
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