Shrek 2 (2004)
Directed by: Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury, Conrad Vernon
Premise: Sequel to the 2001 film. Shrek and Fiona travel to see Fiona’s parents, who are unaware that the two of them are now ogres.
What Works: Like the original, there are a lot of intertextual references that are played for big laughs. These jokes are probably the funniest bits in the film. The mature humor is also there, but it is not so mature that parents will be embarrassed to watch it with their children. Also, like the original, the themes of the film deal with the issues of identity and acceptance. The engine of the first film is reversed, as Shrek attempts a physical change for Fiona.
What Doesn’t: The ending of Shrek 2 is a little problematic. There is a musical number that goes on a bit long and the ending is a little too tidy. The original picture played on the stereotypes of fairy tales and Disney films; Shrek 2 does that for awhile, but the ending coheres with these conventions.
Bottom Line: Those who liked the original ought to be satisfied with this film. It does not break much new ground but it does justice to the original.
Episode: #7 (June 27, 2004)