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Shrek 2
~Almost as good as the original ~
By Todd Karella
May 19, 2004
Shrek-Mike Myers
  Everyone's favorite ogre, Shrek, (Mike Myers) returned to the big screen today
bringing his band of fairy-tale creatures with him.  In a sequel that starts at nearly the same point where the original left off, Shrek faces something more dangerous than fighting a fire-breathing dragon.  This time he's meeting the In-Laws.
   From the beginning it's obvious that this is going to be a problem for our newlywed couple.  Her parents are expecting
to see their beautiful daughter with a handsome prince instead of two ogres.  In the meantime, Prince Charming (Rupert Everett) arrives at the dragon's castle looking to rescue the Princess Fiona, (Cameron Diaz).  He is disappointed to find that the princess was already rescued and married to Shrek.
   While Shrek and Fiona try to convince her parents that they are happy, Prince Charming is plotting with his mother, which is Fiona's Fairy Godmother (Jennifer Saunders), to trick the Princess into leaving Shrek and marrying him.
Princess Fiona-Cameron Diaz
  The basic plot is rather simple and has the same basic moral lesson as the first.  Beauty is only skin deep, so be happy with who you are.  It's a great message for everyone, and even funnier since they are in the Far Far Away Kingdom, which resembles Hollywood.
   In fact, there are many pop culture references throughout the movie.  There's a Farbucks on every corner, a spoof of the TV show Cops (Knights) and even an Indiana Jones escape scene.  Shrek 2 has more spoofs and inside jokes than the original.
Shrek-Mike Myers & Donkey-Eddie Murphy
Puss-In-Boots-Antonio Banderas
  Maybe it's because the first movie was fresh, new and such a surprise that it's impossible for any sequel to measure up in comparison.  While Shrek 2 is very entertaining and has moments that will leave you laughing after you leave the theatre, it fails to outshine the magic of the original. 
   The arguments between Fiona and Shrek, add a seriousness that detracts from the escapism of the film.  It's just not as funny to see Shrek being domesticated as it is to see him fight a dragon.
Prince Charming-Rupert Everett
  The best new character added to this fairy tale is Puss-In-Boots (Antonio Banderas) who is originally hired to dispose of Shrek, but ends up joining the group instead.  He is a cross between Zorro and Inigo Montoya from the Princess Bride and is responsible for some of the movies best moments.
   Other characters return as well, the Three Little Pigs, Pinocchio, (Cody Cameron),  and the Gingerbread man, (Conrad Vernon), also contribute several hilarious moments and play an
important role in the movies conclusion.  And if you've ever wondered if Pinocchio wears boxers or briefs, you'll find the answer in the extremely revealing rescue scene.
   Shrek 2 may not be able to surpass the popularity of the first, but it's one of the few sequels that will be close enough for fans.  If you throw in all the money it's going to make from the endorsements it already has, you can expect at least one more movie in the highly successful series.