Shrek 2

Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury, Conrad Vernon 2004

A good sequel is a rare thing, a great sequel is even rarer still but that’s just what ‘Shrek 2’ is…a great sequel.

To be honest, going on the success of the first film the makers could have cobbled together any old rubbish and it still would have been a huge hit in its opening weekend. However, all the hard work that has gone into making this film is more than apparent. The animation is superb and wonderfully detailed down to the last hair on Donkey’s head.

The script is absolutely hilarious, once again showing how to make a kids film for everyone to enjoy. The vocal talent is impressive; Mike Myers and Cameron Diaz bicker with believability that’s often lacking in most cinematic offerings. Eddie Murphy reminds us he can still be funny, while Jennifer Saunders provides a sinister twist to our view of the Fairy Godmother. Antonio Banderas as the hired assassin Puss in Boots is a wonderful comic creation that will strike a cord with anyone who has owned a cat.

This film is chock full of parodies of films, people, places…you name it, all cleverly woven into the film. It also has enough clever digs at Disney to have Walt spinning in his grave (or Cryogenics chamber!).

The best thing about this film is that it has a heart and a nice touch of morality but it is never heavy-handed in its approach.This film was tremendous fun and joy to watch; an hilarious heartwarming offering for everyone to enjoy.