While the original 2001 animated picture “Shrek”
is deservedly a classic … I personally find it’s 2004 sequel superior in almost
every way. Seriously, in my view, “Shrek 2” is one of those perfect
sequels, as it takes all the winning ingredients of the first, builds on top of
it, and cranks-up the quality to eleven. By extent, I also think back on “Shrek
2” as one of my favorite comedies, as phew other animated movies have gotten
me to laugh as frequently, or as consistently as this film. In fact, I think
it’s worthy of being called a comedy classic in its own right. Nearly
twenty-years old, let’s look back and see just how well “Shrek 2” has
held-up as a staple in DreamWorks animation.
We pick-up with Shrek and Fionna, who are
happily living together, and Fionna perfectly content in her new Ogre form.
However, her human parents summon the new couple to their kingdom of “Far Far
Away” … and are rather put-off buy their daughter’s new appearance, as well as
her new Ogre husband. With things getting heated, Shrek and Fionna’s
relationship goes through a loop, and Shrek himself ponders if he needs to make
new, permanent changes of his own in order to make both Fionna, and her parents
happy. Thus, Shrek, Donkey and a newly reformed hit-man called Puss in Boots
set-off on a journey to find their own “Happily Ever After”. Unfortunately,
lurking in the shadows is a crooked Fairy Godmother, who harbors a prejudice
against Ogres, viewing them as monsters that don’t deserve a “Happily Ever
After”. Thus, she hatches a scheme, using her son Prince Charming to win over
Princess Fionna, and banish Shrek from the royal family for good.
In general, I find this story a perfect
continuation of the first, and even steps-up the theme from before. Where the
original was about our perception of beauty, this film is all about accepting
changes, and coping with them for the people we love. We previously saw
Fionna’s willingness to permanently change into an Ogre, and now we see the
reverse, with Shrek willing to change into a human for her. We actually spend a
lot of time with Shrek outside of his iconic Ogre design, which was risky, but
it really paid-off. Beyond anything, this film highlights what a wonderful Odd-Couple
Shrek and Fiona are.
Eddie Murphy is back as Donkey, channeling
the same energy as before, but this time bringing all the funny remarks and
quips that have cemented his status as one of the great animated
side-characters.
It’s hard to explain why, but I find myself enjoying Donkey
the most when he’s in his white horse form. Something about his reactions and
remarks always have me grinning from ear to ear. I’ll admit, I missed the
presence of the female Dragon, but at least she got a funny mid-credit scene,
along with her and Donkeys “Mutant Babies”. Of course, the big breakout
character is Puss in Boots, played by the always awesome Antonio
Banderas. Prior to this movie, I already liked the classic Puss in Boots
fairytale, and for years wanted him to get his chance to shine on the silver
screen. While a little different from his source material, I think it’s safe to
say that this version of Puss in Boots has become his iconic film
representation. Giving him a Zorro type persona was an inspired idea, and all
the more fitting with Antonio Banderas in the role, as he already shined as Zorro
in the 1998 picture “The Mask of Zorro”.
Rupert Everett voices the slimy Prince
Charming, and while he’s not quiet on par with the previous nasty Prince, he’s
still a decent secondary villain. The wicked Fairy Godmother is yet another excellent
character, easily my favorite of all the “Shrek” villains, and I’d even
place her among my favorite animated female villains. Jennifer Saunders has a
perfect voice for the role, fitting the gentle nature of the traditional
character, but with that proper touch of menace added in. In general, one of
the many appealing qualities of the “Shrek” franchise is how it takes
these well-known fairytale archetypes, makes them funny, and basically re-invents
them in very creative ways. Case in point, Fairy Godmothers are typically portrayed
as the loving, nurturing moral support for the hero, but in “Shrek 2” we
get a very original twist on the formula. This Fairy Godmother is a crooked
business tycoon, acts more like a celebrity, and as established, follows a
strict status quo in which only the good-looking Prince and Princess can have a
happily ever after, while Ogre’s should be left in the swamp. It’s a great
concept for a satirical fairytale of this sort, and she makes for a menacing,
yet enjoyably hammy villain all at once.
It goes without saying that “Shrek 2”
has my favorite ensemble of characters, but even beyond the main cast, I love
all the little side-characters featured in this film. The Ginger Bread Man is
given a bigger supporting role this time, which is great, as he made for a
funny cameo in the original. The Fairy Godmother also has these disgruntled Work-Elves
in her service, who provide some laughs.
I even like that Fionna gets her own
pet dog in this film. Joan Rivers makes a funny cameo as herself acting as a
Red-Carpet Announcer. Simon Cowell also makes a guest appearance in the DVD
short-film titled “Far, Far Away Idol”,
which is a now dated, yet still amusing parody of “American Idol”. The
setting of “Far, Far Away” is amusingly modeled after Beverly Hills, and
becomes a character in of itself. As a result, the world of the Shrek universe
always felt larger, and more expansive in this film. There’s a seedy pub where
all the classic fairytale villains gather called “The Poison Apple” … which is
about as perfect a name as you can get. The animation has also stepped-up from
before, with brighter colors, more appealing imagery, and details that I feel
pop on the screen.
I also
think the soundtrack has aged quiet well, as I still enjoy listening to the majority
of the songs, and they fit the film great. Rich Price’s “I’m on my Way” is decent, and I still hear
Lipps, Inc’s cover of “Funkytown” at
parties. I also feel there’s more musical highlights spread throughout this
film as opposed to the first. The Fairy Godmother gets a colorful song number,
and there’s a very fun sequence with our hero’s escaping her factor, all set to
Pete Yorn’s “Ever Fallen in Love”.
Of
course, one of the big songs to highlight is “Accidentally
in Love”, performed by Counting Crows. This song was nominated at
the Academy Awards for Best Original Song, but lost to "Al
Otro Lado Del Río" from “The Motorcycle Diaries”. Speaking
personally, “Accidentally in Love” is generally one of my
favorite romantic-themed song-numbers from an animated picture. It’s the
perfect odd love-song for a perfect odd couple. The title sums their relation
up beautifully, as they did accidentally fall in love, and they couldn't be
happier about it. It's also a really upbeat song, with a nice beat, and the
scene in the beginning of the movie offers more than enough visual gags, and
amusing movie references. Their wedding rings are a lampoon of “The Lord of
the Rings”, they also share an upside-down kiss like in "Spider-Man", and there’s a loving nod to the famous beach scene from the
1953 War classic “From Here to Eternity”. This scene already had a good
parody in the 1980 comedy “Airplane!”, but “Shrek 2” takes it to
the next level, with a well-placed cameo from “The Little Mermaid”.
While on the subject, the Comedy in this
film is top-tier, laugh out loud quality. I wasn’t kidding when I said that “Shrek
2” is one of my favorite comedies, as it’s one of those films I can watch a
dozen times, still discover something new to laugh at, and all while still
getting a big chuckle out of the films many hilarious highlights.
One of the
films biggest appeals are its numerous details on display, which also applies
to the comedy. There are jokes hiding in the background, four-ground, subtle
jokes, obvious jokes, and it’s just non-stop all the way through. The energy
never lets-up either, as from frame one, this film throws everything it can at
you. Just the little things like this one trumpet player wanting a solo amidst
his band get me chuckling. Another little detail I love is when Shrek is reading Fionna's diary ... "Sleeping Beauty is having a slumber party" ... and afterword's refers to it as "a scary book". One of my favorite gags is an editing joke involving
Shrek and Fionna as they approach the King and Queen, and as we cut back-and-forth
between the two pairs, they overlap each-others sentences. The awkward family
dinner scene is a classic example of thins escalating out of control, as an
already uncomfortable moment can just spiral out of control. One small warning
for new-comers is a scene involving a posse of Knights apprehending our
hero’s, and it’s depicted like a cop-busting TV show … which I admittedly
laughed at, but now days, I can see this scene alarming some viewers. Another
funny highlight involves the Gingerbread Man and Pinocchio rescuing our heroes
from prison … which forces Pinocchio to reveal a little secret about his choice
of clothing.
We then segue into one of my all-time
favorite climaxes of any animated picture I’ve ever seen … and it still thrills
me all these years later. Shrek and friends create a giant Gingerbread Man to
lead the assault on the castle, in their effort to rescue the princess from our
nasty pair of villains.
Not only is this set-piece imaginative … not only is it
a funny wink at “Ghostbusters” … not only is it boasted by a rousing
musical number … but I’m completely invested in the characters, and their
goals. As such, this is one of those special finales that has me emotionally
engaged, laughing-out-loud at the hummer, and exhilarated by the action all at
once. As a side note, I already loved the song of choice … and yet, I don’t
think I’ve ever heard a cover of “Holding out
for a Hero” that can match Jennifer Saunders version in this film. Everything
wraps-up perfectly, as Fionna and Shrek find peace in their proper Ogre forms. Just like before, “Shrek 2” closes out
on a big musical number, and I once again feel it hits the first film out of
the water with an extremely up-beat closing song. Again, “Livin’ La Vida Loca” was already a song I was
familiar with, but I still have yet to hear a version that’s brought me more
joy than this version performed by “Eddie Murphy & Antonio Banderas”.
It’s colorful, it's up-beat, it fills me with cheer, and it’s one of my
favorite closing song-numbers of any animated picture I’ve seen.
Truthfully, this is one of those movies
that’s only gotten better over the years, and still has a secure spot as one of
my all-time favorite animated movies. Naturally, “Shrek 2” was nominated
at the Oscars for Best Animated Picture, but it lost that year to Pixar’s “The
Incredibles” … which I suppose is fair, as that’s a good movie too … but
speaking personally, I’d never put “The Incredibles” above my feelings
for “Shrek 2”.
It’s hands-down my favorite in the goofy “Shrek”
series, as the casting is perfect, the jokes are hilarious, and it’s the one film
in which the characters just feel the strongest, and most appealing to me. It
also has my favorite ensemble of outstanding new supporting characters to join in
the fun, with Puss in Boots mainly stealing the show. The animation is great,
the story is sweet, romantic, and best of all … this really is one of the
funniest animated family films under the sun. “Shrek 2” is simply one
of my favorite sequels to an animated picture, as it not only compliments the
first, but can stand apart on its own, and debatably is superior … it certainly
is in my view!
Thanks for
reading my review of the 2004 animated picture “Shrek 2” … and continue
to enjoy the movies you love!
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