Don't see this film... - Shrek 2 Reviews

Don't see this film if you're expecting something original or ground-breaking. Go out and rent or buy the first Shrek instead. However, if you're interested in seeing a film that's immensely entertaining and fun for the whole family, I would higly recommend 'Shrek 2'. I took my parents and nieces to see it last weekend and everyone loved it. This is one of those rare films with universal appeal. It offers something for every viewer without spreading itself thin. Continuing in the satirical spirit of it's predecessor, the humor in 'Shrek 2' ranges from subtle to sophomoric as it pokes good-natured fun not only at the fairy tale genre but also a slew of Hollywood blockbusters both present and past as well as Hollywood itself. The prerequisite bodily function jokes aside, I found myself laughing just as hard as the Joan Rivers clone introduced a narcoleptic Sleeping Beauty onto the red carpet as I was at the Little Pig saying "I see London, I see France..." (though it's an easy gag to miss since it happens during a very fast-paced sequence in the film). The original cast returns for this second installment, but we're introduced to a few new characters as well. The most notable two are the Fairy Godmother (Jennifer Saunders) and Puss In Boots (Antonio Banderas). Saunders does an excellent job playing a Fairy Godmother who behaves more like The Godfather as she plots to have her son Prince Charming (Rupert Everett) become the successor to the throne of the kingdom of Far, Far Away by marrying Princess Fiona. Banderas is superb as Shrek's newest sidekick, Puss who is a cross between Don Juan, Errol Flynn and Garfield. Though a self-professed cat-hater, I found those big, sad kitty-cat eyes utterly irresistible and was laughing at almost every scene Puss was in. Is 'Shrek 2' as original as the first? Of course not, but that's just the nature of sequels. Is it just as imaginative, clever, visually stunning, funny and full of heart? That would be an exuberant yes on all counts.