Shrek 2 (2004)
Children learn that every fairy tale ends with “And they lived happily ever after”, but there have been entire classes devoted to the damage done to children by reiterating that phrase. Some argue that children should be taught of life’s realisms, rather than allow them to imagine perfection after marriage. If you agree with that school of thought, you’re probably going to want to show your kids the entire Shrek franchise. In three of the four movies, Shrek and his wife Fiona have major problems!
The second movie’s problems begin at home. Not their home; because of course, being huddled together in the swamp would suit them just fine. But when Fiona has to break the news to her parents that she’s not only married, but married to an ogre, and has taken the form of an ogre herself, it’s quite a blow. King John Cleese and Queen Julie Andrews are understandably upset, especially because they had their hearts set on their daughter marrying Prince Charming (perfectly cast as Rupert Everett). The family secrets run deep, and just like in the first movie, the audience sees that traditional fairy tale characters are not what they seem. Plot for plot, the second Shrek movie captures my vote for the most interesting storyline. If you find the twists, turns, and reveals to be more important than the jokes, this one will probably be your favorite. That’s not to say this one isn’t funny, because it is! And the large-eyed adorable Puss in Boots gets added to the entourage of sidekicks, which is very cute.
More Julie Andrews movies here!
More Eddie Murphy movies here!
Be sure and check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 2001's Shrek here!
Be sure and check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 2007's Shrek the Third here!
Be sure and check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 2010's Shrek Forever After here!
The second movie’s problems begin at home. Not their home; because of course, being huddled together in the swamp would suit them just fine. But when Fiona has to break the news to her parents that she’s not only married, but married to an ogre, and has taken the form of an ogre herself, it’s quite a blow. King John Cleese and Queen Julie Andrews are understandably upset, especially because they had their hearts set on their daughter marrying Prince Charming (perfectly cast as Rupert Everett). The family secrets run deep, and just like in the first movie, the audience sees that traditional fairy tale characters are not what they seem. Plot for plot, the second Shrek movie captures my vote for the most interesting storyline. If you find the twists, turns, and reveals to be more important than the jokes, this one will probably be your favorite. That’s not to say this one isn’t funny, because it is! And the large-eyed adorable Puss in Boots gets added to the entourage of sidekicks, which is very cute.
More Julie Andrews movies here!
More Eddie Murphy movies here!
Be sure and check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 2001's Shrek here!
Be sure and check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 2007's Shrek the Third here!
Be sure and check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of 2010's Shrek Forever After here!