Review of Shrek 2 (2004) by Halfwelshman — 18 May 2012

How can you improve on a near-perfect animated film? Why, by making the sequel even closer to perfection of course. Andrew Adamson has fleshed out his wonderful comic fantasy universe that parodies both fairytale conventions and the modern world so ingeniously.

Shrek (Mike Myers), Donkey (Eddie Murphy) and Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) remain engaging and easy to empathise with, and have all grown as characters, and face new life challenges as they travel to Far Far Away to meet Fiona's parents King Harold and Queen Lillian, voiced by the dream paring of John Cleese and Julie Andrews (which results in one of the funniest moments in the film - that fine romantic comedy staple of the awkward dinner with the in-laws).

The cast is further fleshed out by Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots, a suave, swashbuckling sword-for-hire with a deep sense of honour, but who isn't above exploiting his inherent cuteness. Jennifer Saunders makes a great villain as the Fairy Godmother, her performance an inspired mix of Michael Corleone and Oprah Winfrey, who seeks to secure the crowning of her spoilt, empty-headed son Prince Charming (Rupert Everett) and above all to maintain the status quo of traditional fairytales, of which Shrek living happily ever after with Princess Fiona is in complete defiance of.

Shrek 2 is smarter, more bitingly satirical, even more visually splendiferous and far, far funnier than the first film. The jokes are wide ranging, from visual gags (my personal favourite being a shop in Far Far Away called Versarchery) to sitcom-style one-liners (Donkey proclaiming to Puss in Boots "I'm sorry but the position of annoying talking animal sidekick has already been taken) to the completely unexpected (after threatening King Harold, in her complete frustration at her schemes unraveling, the Fairy Godmother stops her flying carriage at a drive-thru to buy some comfort food) to the crude (the discovery that Pinocchio wears lady's underwear).

At its core, Shrek 2 is the next chapter in a good old-fashioned love story. It adopts timeless themes of love, sacrifice and friendship and emphasises the importance of being true to yourself, no matter how life beats you down.

Adamson presents these themes earnestly, and with great wit, and makes them affecting and relevant to a modern audience composed of both children and adults. The use of a tongue-in-cheek take on iconic fairytales, something we have all grown up with, makes the second chapter of Shrek's story recognisable but pleasingly fresh at the same time - everyone, no matter your age can take away something from this heartfelt animation extravaganza, and you'll likely have a smile on your face for hours after the credits, and Karaoke segment, roll.

Shrek was a very special animated film. Shre 2, on the other hand, is truly one of the finest animated films of all time, and certainly DreamWorks Animation's most glorious achievement.