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Shrek 2 (2004)


Shrek 2 (2004)

7/10

Starring
Mike Myers
Eddie Murphy
Cameron Diaz
Antonio Banderas
Rupert Everett
Jennifer Saunders
Julie Andrews

Directed by Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury and Conard Vernon

The intro to Shrek 2 is one I’ll never forget. We start with a dramatic narration of a grand journey: a man sets out to rescue a princess from a castle guarded by a dragon. But when he arrives, he’s greeted not by the princess but by a gender-confused wolf who informs him that the princess he’s looking for is on her honeymoon. What an entrance!

Shrek 2 introduces new characters with a powerful voice cast to match: Rupert Everett as Prince Charming, Jennifer Saunders as the Fairy Godmother (Charming’s mother), John Cleese as Fiona’s father, and Julie Andrews as Fiona’s mother. These additions bring a new dynamic to the Shrek universe by incorporating Fiona’s family into the story. The movie explores how Fiona’s parents and the people of Far Far Away react to the unexpected reality of their princess and her husband—both showing up as ogres.

The story picks up right where the first Shrek left off, and the comedy flows seamlessly. The animation is noticeably improved, and you’ll love the addition of Puss in Boots to the male duo. The film doesn’t entirely focus on Shrek and Donkey making us laugh—it broadens the humor with new characters and situations.

The plot begins with Shrek and Fiona enjoying their married life back at the swamp, while Donkey complains about Dragon being moody. (The movie explains Dragon’s mood in a fun after-credits scene—yes, there’s a party after the movie ends!) The peace is interrupted when an army arrives, delivering a message from Fiona’s parents in Far Far Away, requesting that she visit with her prince.

Shrek, worried that Fiona’s family won’t accept their daughter as an ogre or her marriage to one, is reluctant to go. But Fiona insists. When they arrive in Far Far Away, it becomes clear there’s more at stake than just a family reunion. Fiona’s father is unhappy that Prince Charming—his original pick to save Fiona—arrived too late, allowing Shrek to claim her heart instead. Determined to “fix” things, he devises a plan involving a new character, Puss in Boots (voiced by Antonio Banderas).

Puss is a fantastic addition to the cast, transforming the dynamic duo of Shrek and Donkey into a trio. With his googly eyes and charm, Puss shakes up the group dynamic and adds new layers to their adventure. Together, the three set out to save Fiona from the scheming of Charming and his mother, the Fairy Godmother.

Shrek 2 was a massive financial success and even led to Shrek the Third. It also introduced Puss in Boots, whose popularity earned him his own spin-off.

I can confidently say that Shrek 2 still holds up in 2020. You’ll enjoy every moment of it, with more gags, more hilariously out-of-sync Donkey moments, and plenty of fun for everyone.

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