It is rare to have a sequel that not only is just as beloved and talked about like the previous installment, but to have that particular sequel to build off it’s predecessor both in worldbuilding and characterization is quite an accomplishment indeed. In the case of the Dreamworks Animation’s Shrek franchise, Shrek 2 is said by many to be not only just as good as before but it may arguably be even better than last time.
Taking place after the events of the last movie, Shrek (Mike Myers) and Fiona (Cameron Diaz) are two ogre’s that have just come back from their honeymoon only for them to get a message from Fiona’s parents from Far Far Away that they’d like to see her new husband. Despite Shrek’s objections, Shrek, Fiona and Donkey (Eddie Murphy) head off to Far Far Away only to be welcomed with shock as Fiona’s Parents King Harold (John Cleese) and Queen Lillian (Juile Andrews) did not expect Fiona to marry an Ogre instead of Prince Charming. Determined to get King Harold’s blessing, Shrek sets out on a quest with Donkey to change his appearance with the help of a hit cat named Puss In Boots (Antonio Banderas). They better act quick though because an evil Fairy Godmother (Jenifer Saunders) and his son Prince Charming (Rupert Everret) are coming up with plans to have Charming marry Fiona before Shrek makes it back to Far Far Away.
Once again the characters have loads of personality and every one of them are well cast. Aside from the main characters we also get a batch of new characters to expand the world of Shrek. Some of the standouts include Puss In Boots played by Antonio Banderas and the Fairy godmother played brilliantly by Jennifer Saunders who fun fact was originally auditioned for the part of ursula from The Little Mermaid but got turned down. There is also a pretty good conflict that makes the movie engaging and the lengths Shrek would go to satisfy his wife Fiona and Fiona’s parents is endearing and interesting. The same great comedy we’ve come to know makes a comeback and while it can be argued that it’s jokes and references are more tame than the raunchy predecessor, the comedy is still on point and still maintains why we really liked the first Shrek to begin with. The jokes and references do however make this movie a product of its time rather than a timeless treasure but at the same time those said jokes and references are well timed and not at all distracting from the main conflict of the story.
The animation has gotten a lot better from the previous installment and things like the human designs and the textures feel more natural and convincing. I also like that for a good chunk of the movie Shrek and Donkey don’t look like their normal selves when they magically transform into a human and a noble steed respectively. The new locations that we get to visit in the movie are so large and expansive such as the Beverly Hills look of the kingdom of Far Far Away or the magical and mysterious cottage factory runned by the fairy godmother. The music much like before is more of a stylistic choice than forced into our ears to make a quick buck. There are some randomly inserted pop songs, but they are meant to set the mood to match the tone of the movie. The big stand out moment is the climatic scene where the Fairy godmother sings an amazingly epic cover of the song of I Need a Hero (Which may arguably sound better than the original). The song is energetic and fits the nonstop action that eventually leads to the final resolution of the movie.
Shrek 2 recaptures the tone and style already established from the last movie and continues the story of Shrek and Fiona with brand new conflicts, new characters and new locations to visit. Add that with some great comedy and you’ve got a sequel that is just as good if not even better than before. This movie is perfect for anybody looking for more adventures with their favorite green ogre. Much like before, it may be a product of its time and may not be a timeless piece of work, but you are guaranteed to have a rock'n good time regardless.
(Final Grade A-)