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By
WADE GOSSETT
I dreaded the inevitable
"Shrek" sequel. There is, of course, the
occasional sequel that is even better than the
first film, even when the first film was an
acknowledged masterpiece. For instance, "Godfather
2." But in most cases sequels are indifferent are
best, and in some cases, -- like with the second
and third "Matrix" films -- the sequels manage to
not only be awful, but to destroy any feelings of
goodwill towards the original.
The first "Shrek" was a breath of fresh air,
steeped in delightful irreverence. How could a
sequel succeed? Well, moderately so, if you're
expecting the same sense of discovery. No, "Shrek
2" is not a breakthrough on a par with the first
"Shrek." How could it be? However, there are many
pleasures -- and secrets -- to be uncovered.
The sequel begins where the first "Shrek" left
off: Shrek and Fiona are still ogres, and on their
honeymoon. When they return to their swamp they
receive an invitation to visit the kingdom of
Fiona's family in order to celebrate their
marriage (the kingdom "Far, Far Away). Shrek is
resisting, anticipating disapproval because he's
an ogre, but Fiona and Donkey convince him to go.
They run into many obstacles when Fiona's Fairy
Godmother is revealed to be a double-crossing
schemer with her own son's best interests in mind.
Mike Myers is still Shrek, Eddie Murphy is Donkey,
and Cameron Diaz is Fiona. Antonio Banderas steals
the show as Pus in Boots, a professional assassin
with big, sad eyes. John Cleese and Julie Andrews
voice Fiona's parents, and Jennifer Saunders and
Rupert Everett the Fairy Godmother and her oily
son, Prince Charming. Other characters that return
include the Gingerbread Man, Pinocchio, the Three
Pigs, the Three Blind Mice, and Big, Bad Wolf in
grandma's clothing.
Interestingly, I thought "Shrek 2" required a
second viewing to really appreciate it. I guess
the first time I was just comparing it to the
original. The second time I relaxed and allowed
more of the jokes to sink in.
Improvements in animation techniques are slight
but noticeable. In terms of special features, by
far the most fun is "Far Far Away Idol." It's
"American Idol," with Shrek characters performing
several songs. Pus in Boots is, again, a hoot. His
rendition of Nancy Sinatra's " These Boots Were
Made for Walking" steals the show, once again.
This is a fairly extensive feature, and a great
addition to the disc.
Other features include two audio commentaries with
directors Kelly Asbury and Conrad Vernon, and
producer Aron Warner and editor Mike Andrews.
Also, "Technical Goofs" which are nothing special
(Look! An early stage Shrek with very long arms!);
the documentary "The Tech of Shrek 2" which
features visual artists talking about the visual
improvements in the 3 years since the first film;
"The Music of Shrek 2" is devoted to the movie's
soundtrack and features interviews with the
Counting Crows' lead singer Adam Duritz, David
Bowie and others; and finally music videos, games,
DVD-Rom content for kids and filmographies ("Meet
Puss In Boots" stands out, again).
Overall, "Shrek 2" is a very entertaining family
film and a worthy sequel with a bunch of good
extra features. Don't be an ogre. Go get it. |
