Film Reviews - Shrek 2
It seems to have taken ages to reach the shores of the UK
however arguably one of the most anticipated films for 2004 has
at last opened here and it’s amazing.
Where the original Shrek was a hit was with the contents of the
film, it was not being sold as “Eye Candy” (although it did look
rather impressive on the big screen).
The story was simple however great to watch unfold.
There was enough going on to keep both the adults and the
children happy which is so important.
When you are releasing an hour and a half of animated fun you
have to keep the children occupied, however there has to be
something that will appeal to the parents too and this is where
the original Shrek really delivered.
At the start of Shrek 2 we are shown a sequence where Prince
Charming goes to Princess Fiona’s castle to rescue her, of
course she isn’t there when he arrives.
The main story takes over as the honeymoon ends.
We are back in the swamp and find donkey has been house-sitting
while the happy couple were away.
Princess Fiona’s parents send them an invitation from the land
of “Far, Far Away” so that they can meet this “Handsome Prince”
and after arguments Shrek, Fiona and Donkey start the long
journey.
The plot takes on some twists and turns which some of the
younger viewers might find difficult to follow.
However the younger viewers in the audience are there to see
Shrek & Donkey messing around, getting into trouble etc and
aren’t too worried about a plot to follow.
Prince Charming was supposed to marry Princess Fiona, however
Shrek got there first.
The Fairy Godmother (Jennifer Saunders) is not impressed by this
at all (she is the mother of Price Charming).
She tells Princess Fiona’s father (played by John Cleese) to
sort this ogre problem out by convincing him that his daughter
would be happier married to a “normal” person.
Fiona’s mother (played by Julie Andrews) is a lot more receptive
to Shrek but follows what her husband has to say.
The king sets “Puss in Boots” (played quite well by Antonio
Banderas) on a mission to “take care” of Shrek.
There is trickery, failed assassinations, thievery and espionage
as the story unfolds.
The majority of your favourite characters from the first film
make an appearance at least once – that includes Pinocchio, The
Three Blind Mice and of course the transvestite wolf!
Although it would appear that Pinocchio doesn’t mind slipping
into more feminine underwear as well.
What you end up with is one of the funniest films I’ve ever had
the pleasure to watch.
From the opening titles you find yourself laughing out loud and
joining in with all the kids (which you need to remember the
film is actually aimed at).
There is a lot of parody in the film too, you will notice
sequences from such films as Spider-Man which makes things all
the more fun, you find yourself watching bits and pointing
saying “I recognise those lines”.
There really is nothing bad to say about this film at all.
It is funny, the cast as a whole are excellent and it delivers
exactly what was expected – something even funnier than the
original which itself was extremely funny.
If I had just one complaint it would be the 90 minutes running
time.
I didn’t leave the cinema wanting more, I’d seen a story and I
was happy with the start, middle and ending but I wanted “more
Shrek”.
If the writers can keep this going then I’m sure we will see a
Shrek 3.
Alternatively they could end things now with two perfect films
and not spoil things for us at all!
Go and see this film now – it is a “must see” film for 2004.
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