The Shrek franchise is alive and well -- Model 2 is zippier, sleeker, with ever-improving graphics, vast commercial potential and the same sly ability to reach out and hook the whole family.
Shrek 2 (2004)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:204
Fresh:181
Rotten:23
Average Rating:7.6/10
Consensus: It may not be as fresh as the original, but topical humor and colorful secondary characters make Shrek 2 a winner in its own right.
Runtime: 1 hr 45 mins
Genre: Comedies
Synopsis: The natural order of fairy tales is interrupted in the sequel to the Academy Award®-winning blockbuster "Shrek." "Shrek 2" sends Shrek, Donkey and Princess Fiona on a whirlwind of new adventures... The natural order of fairy tales is interrupted in the sequel to the Academy Award®-winning blockbuster "Shrek." "Shrek 2" sends Shrek, Donkey and Princess Fiona on a whirlwind of new adventures with more fairy-tale favorites to lampoon along the way. After battling a fire-breathing dragon and the evil Lord Farquaad to win the hand of Princess Fiona, Shrek now faces his greatest challenge: the in-laws. Shrek and Princess Fiona return from their honeymoon to find an invitation to visit Fiona’s parents, the King and Queen of the Kingdom of Far, Far Away. With Donkey along for the ride, the newlyweds set off. All of the citizens of Far, Far Away turn out to greet their returning Princess, and her parents happily anticipate the homecoming of their daughter and her new Prince. But no one could have prepared them for the sight of their new son-in-law, not to mention how much their little girl had…well…changed. Little did Shrek and Fiona know that their marriage had foiled all of her father’s plans for her future…and his own. Now the King must enlist the help of a powerful Fairy Godmother, the handsome Prince Charming and that famed ogre killer Puss In Boots to put right his version of "happily ever after." "Shrek 2" brings back the voices of Mike Myers as Shrek, Eddie Murphy as Donkey and Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona. Joining the all-star voice cast are: Academy Award® winner Julie Andrews ("Mary Poppins") and Oscar® nominee John Cleese ("A Fish Called Wanda") as Fiona’s royal parents, Queen Lillian and King Harold; Antonio Banderas ("Spy Kids") as Puss In Boots; Rupert Everett ("My Best Friend’s Wedding") as Prince Charming; and Jennifer Saunders ("Absolutely Fabulous") as the Fairy Godmother. The computer-animated comedy is directed by Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury and Conrad Vernon, and produced by Aron Warner, John H. Williams and David Lipman. [More]
Starring: Eddie Murphy, Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Julie Andrews
Starring: Eddie Murphy, Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Julie Andrews, John Cleese, Antonio Banderas, Rupert Everett, Jennifer Saunders
Director: Conrad Vernon, Kelly Asbury, Andrew Adamson
Director: Conrad Vernon, Kelly Asbury, Andrew Adamson
Screenwriter: Andrew Adamson, J. David Stem, David N. Weiss, Joe Stillman
Producer: Aron Warner, John H. Williams, David Lipman
Studio: DreamWorks Distribution LLC
Reviews for Shrek 2
Gags that feel tired, too many musical interludes, a story that doesn't really progress from the first film -- Shrek 2 feels a day late and an enchanted princess short.
About 30 minutes into Shrek 2 the movie becomes suddenly and unexpectedly fun.
It's not quite as emotionally rounded as Shrek was, but it's got heart and delirium in equal doses, as well as a firecracker rhythm all its own.
It's even more clever than the first Shrek, with even more advanced animation, and a larger cast that is equal to the original winning trinity of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz.
This fractured, very showbizzy deconstruction of fairy tales is in many ways the Godfather: Part II of animations -- it tops its successful predecessor.
Shrek 2 is thoroughly enjoyable and will keep audiences of all ages laughing.
The animation is still startlingly good and that, as well as the occasional bursts of wit, keeps Shrek 2 afloat.
The sequel to the 2001 computer-animated hit is just as fast, funny and smart as fans were hoping it would be.
The real humor comes, once again from Murphy, whose Donkey is so genuinely funny and clever that he very nearly steals the film. Except that it's stolen by Banderas as a rogue Puss In Boots outlaw hired by the King to do in Shrek.
One of the all-too-rare movie sequels that's better than the original.
It may not be great art, but it's funny stuff for all ages -- and that's a rare treat.
A welcome return, even if it won't leave you entirely happy ever after.
If the format of Shrek 2 feels somewhat pinched and familiar, the writing does not.
For many people, especially adults, Shrek 2 will be judged the superior of the two pictures.
Latest News for Shrek 2
July 18, 2007:
Shrek Films To End At Five?
By now we've already heard that DreamWorks plans to have a fourth "Shrek" movie in theaters by 2010, and that they want to then squeeze out a fifth film. But that, they promise,... More...
July 03, 2007:
"Spidey 3" Wins Domestic Battle; "Pirates 3" Takes Global
The battle of the summer's biggest smash isn't decided just yet, but it looks like "Spider-Man 3" will have to be content with the biggest domestic release -- while... More...
June 07, 2007:
Release Dates Set for "Shrek 4" and "Shrek 5"
Well, release years anyway, according to Jeffrey Katzenberg. More...
May 24, 2007:
Box Office Guru Preview: "Pirates" Awaits Massive Holiday Treasure
Multiplexes are stocking up on popcorn, soda, and overpriced candy in anticipation of record crowds that could make this Memorial Day holiday frame the biggest weekend in box... More...
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