Shrek 2

Review by Clint Morris

Whoever thought of actually throwing a story in with their animated output was definitely onto something.

A mish-mash of 100% computer generated imagery and a witty, well-rounded script any trophy-chasing director would die for, Shrek told the otherwise effortless tale of a Swamp Ogre [voiced by Mike Myers] who falls in love with the Princess [voiced by Cameron Diaz] he’s just saved.

And all this was done with more imagination, thought and conspire than half of it’s Hollywood live-action counterparts would have.

The result was the biggest grossing flick of the year.

In the anticipated sequel, Shrek and Princess Fiona are off to meet her parents, whom she’s intent on getting a belated blessing from. Naturally, they’re horrified to discover not only that their daughter has turned into an ogre, but she’s marrying one.

Thinking it will make things right, Shrek, his faithful sidekick, Donkey [Eddie Murphy] and new addition to the troupe, Puss in Boots [Antonio Banderas] ransack the Fairy Godmothers factory for a potion that might make Shrek acceptable.

Whilst so many animated, even CGI family flicks, are so worried about getting the look of the film right, so much so that they put the plot second, Shrek 2 always makes sure the story comes first and the dazzling pixilation second.

If there’s one reason traditional hand-drawn films are failing at the box office, it’s their lack of plot; maybe they should do a side by side comparison with one of them and Shrek and see for themselves just what’s missing.

The Shrek films have also made sure to include enough ‘above their head’ adult humour for the larger ones that they know will be either sitting voluntarily or vehemently in the audience. The pop culture references will have their tummies asking for a breather.

Another fabulous asset to the films has been the voice cast. Myers, Diaz, and Murphy are a fine match for all the characters. Of the new additions in the sequel, Antonio Banderas almost single-handedly steals every scene he’s in as the gung-ho, but oh-so-cute Puss N’ Boots. You’ll be in stitches every time the Puss pounces into frame.

As a reviewer you tend to look for the flaws in a film whilst watching it, yet Shrek 2 is about as unblemished as a 16 year old model. It’s the perfect family film, no butts about it, and possibly even a tad better than its predecessor.

If there’s anything wrong with it, it’s merely the fact that it isn’t going to appeal to everyone. But having said that, there’s surely something else that 6% of the population can go see instead whilst you check out what’s undoubtedly the most entertaining film of the year.

4.5 out of 5

Shrek 2
Australian release: Thursday June 17th
Cast: Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, John Cleese, Julie Andrews, Rupert Everett, Jennifer Saunders, Antonio Banderas.
Director: Conrad Vernon, Kelly Asbury.
Website: Click here.

Brought to you by MovieHole