Cynical Cinema

Shrek 2

I first saw this movie on its opening Wednesday. I then went back to the theatre in the same week and paid to see the movie again. I’ve never ever done this before, ever, in all of my history of seeing movies in a theatre. This momentous act of paying twice should tell you one thing, either that I am a sucker or that the movie is pretty damn good.

Shrek 2 starts exactly where the original left off; Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) and Shrek (Mike Myers) are married. They then go and participate in a honeymoon montage backed by an original Counting Crows song. Then the real story starts as Shrek, Fiona and Donkey (Eddie Murphy) head off to visit Shrek’s new in-laws in the kingdom of Far Far Away. In Far Far Away, which is a send up of Hollywood, we meet Fiona’s parents, the King (John Cleese) and Queen (Julie Andrews), her Fairy Godmother (Jennifer Saunders), and would-be husband Prince Charming (Rupert Everett). Eventually a conflict arises by means of Fairy Godmother and Prince Charming. A loveable new character by the name of Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) is introduced and makes an attempt on Shrek’s life, but is thwarted by his own hairball.

Puss is by far the most entertaining new edition to Shrek ensemble cast. Banderas’ delivery is superb; his voice is a natural fit. Other members of the Shrek running crew stop by from time to time, producing some fantastic comic results. I don’t want to spoil it, but a bit involving Pinocchio and women’s underwear provides quite a chuckle. OK, I admit it, I pretty much spoiled that joke.

Shrek 2 really stands out in all of the little details of the film. Far Far Away contains numerous sign-related sight gags. Houses of some of the more famous Fairy Tales Divas, like Cinderella, and Rapunzel are visible. Several stores are also lampooned: Tower of London Records (Tower Records), Old Knavery (Old Navy), Farbucks Coffee (Starbucks), etc. A nasty saloon called the “Poison Apple” is run by the Ugly Stepsister, voiced by Larry King of all people. The Poison Apple has signs that read “No one under XXI served” and “Unhappy hour 5-7,” and some patrons include Captain Hook and the Headless Horseman.

Visually, Shrek 2 is gorgeous. Scenes in the rain showcase the latest in computer technology. Interiors shots seem to have been greatly improved as well; the Castle of Far Far Away is almost photo realistic. Character models have noticeably progressed. Puss in Boots’ fur is shiny and moves realistically; even Donkey looks far better than he did in the original Shrek.

If you are one of the few people who haven’t gone to the theatre to see Shrek 2 yet, you should probably stop reading this sentence right now and go see it! Good, you finally left, and I can end this review. What, you didn’t take my advice? Go right now; see it twice!