Nic’s Review (07/07/2014):
There are some movies that you cherish as a child and they only get better as you mature enough to understand the deeper meanings within. The first ‘Shrek’ is one example. Then there are movies so heaped in nostalgia that you’re bound to be disappointed when your critical adult self finds flaws within them. This is ‘Shrek 2’; a fantastic movie, carrying the DNA of ‘Shrek’, that is slightly held back by illogical pop culture references only adults could understand.
The Hollywood spoof of Far Far Away is not so egregious, and is actually quite funny, as are the myriad of references to classic films (‘Frankenstein’, ‘E.T.’,‘Mission: Impossible’ are all referenced) but smaller references, such as the Shirley Bassey hedge, the Joan Rivers’ ‘cameo’ and the Mirror/TV, make no logical sense in an otherwise believable fairytale world. This is a minor quibble though, everything else about ‘Shrek 2’ is delightful.
The scope is bigger than the first ‘Shrek’ and it builds upon the message and charm of the first. The action is better and the soundtrack… well not only is it better than‘Shrek’s already great playlist, it’s perhaps one of the best collection of anthems in any film of the past decade. “Accidentally in Love”, “Holding Out for A Hero”, “Changes”,“Funkytown”, “Ever Fallen in Love”, the list goes on.
Many a time during ‘Shrek 2’ I was overwhelmed by chills of nostalgia greater than anything I felt during ‘Shrek’. Most of all though, the character is there. Shrek, Donkey and Puss are Dreamworks’ answer to Buzz, Woody and Jessie of ‘Toy Story’ fame. They are iconic, loveable, funny, relatable, complex, and unique characters. The scene in the potion factory where the gang team up for the first time is animated music.
If you aren’t smiling at their antics at some point in the film, you’re doing something wrong. Even an ogre would grin at ‘Shrek 2’. While ‘Shrek’ had layers,‘Shrek 2’ has pizzazz. It may not be a classic, but it is a damn good, outrageously fun sequel.
Score: 8.6/10
Daniel’s Review (22/01/2016):
Once upon a time, Shrek and Princess Fiona lived happily ever after. However, Prince Charming was late to the rescue party, and finds out that the princess is married to an ogre. After Shrek and Fiona’s honeymoon, they are invited to Far Far Away to meet Fiona’s parents, the king and queen of Far Far Away, however, not all is what it seems, which involves potions, horses and a cat assassin in boots.
‘Shrek 2’ is the sequel to the 2001 hit film ‘Shrek’, which grossed more than $919 million worldwide, and at the time was the highest grossing animated film of all-time.
The sequel shows growth in these characters, compared to the previous outing, Shrek is concerned that he may not be what Fiona wanted when she was little, and hence wants to give her a happy ending that she originally wanted, as Shrek turns into a human, which is quite the reverse from the first ‘Shrek’ where Fiona was the character that transformed from human to ogre.
The film also benefits with new additions such as Puss in Boots and Fiona’s parents bring drama and a breath of fresh air, only setting up newer antics for the characters to explore in this fun-packed follow-up.
‘Shrek 2’s soundtrack is also on par with the first film, with catchy songs such as “Accidentally in Love” and “Changes”.
‘Shrek 2’ roars loud, and has plenty of layers of depth, as the sequel is fun and inventive with imagination and further success of parodying classic fairy-tale tropes from early Disney films. ‘Shrek 2’ is a delight of a film and moves the series forward, providing heart and character.
Everything Film 