Shrek 2

Cast: Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, Antonio Banderas, Julie Andrews, John Cleese, Rupert Everett, Jennifer Saunders
Director: Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jenson
Genre: Family/Comedy
Rated: PG Mature Themes
Running Time: 95 Minutes

Green With Envy

Synopsis:
Shrek and Princess Fiona have barely finished their honeymoon when they receive and invitation from Far, Far Away. This is where Princess Fiona's parents live and they have been invited to visit so that they can meet her new husband, Shrek. Of course, they don't know that Princess Fiona is now an ogre, married to an ogre. They thought that the curse that struck their daughter was lifted by loves first kiss and that she had married Prince Charming.

My Verdict:
'Shrek 2' is another fast-paced whirlwind of a ride. All the favourite characters from the first movie are back again to delight with the introduction of some new ones to keep it interesting - Puss In Boots, The King & Queen of Far, Far Away and the Fairy Godmother. The actors used to voice the characters are matched perfectly with their characters too, with Antonio Banderas as Puss In Boots, stealing the show. This time, there is also Julie Andrews as the Queen, John Cleese as the King and Jennifer Saunders as the Fairy Godmother.

Shrek and Princess Fiona, along with the ever-adorable Donkey, travel to Far, Far Away to 'meet the parents'. Shrek is loath to going, convinced that Fiona's parents are not going to be happy when they realise that she is now an ogre, married to an ogre and happy to boot. He was right. So the King elicits the help of the Fairy Godmother to set things right - for Princess Fiona to marry Prince Charming. Of course, plans go awry and there are mix-ups that confuse everyone and give reason for some of the multitude of fun. It is all resolved in the end (this is a family movie after all) and true love wins again.

'Shrek 2' really is a family movie that can be enjoyed by any age group. It is short enough to sustain attention for the very young, although a little too short for this grown up - the movie is over before you have a chance to settle into your seat. This also means that it is non-stop go, go, go and is sometimes hard to keep up with, especially some of the lines delivered by Donkey. A second viewing would take care of that though. There are a few musical numbers to entertain and the soundtrack is full of well-known tracks, which add to the pace.

Sequels will always be debated as to whether they match the original or not. The trouble with the comparisons is that each movie is a movie in its own right. You wouldn't have to have seen the original 'Shrek' movie to understand or appreciate this sequel. Some people will always prefer one movie to another and here is another instance where personal taste will decide. For me, 'Shrek 2' is as good as the first and there has been plenty of room left for more to come. Bring it on.

Rating : A+

Christina Bruce