SHREK 2

by Jane Louise Boursaw

Rated PG (for crude humor, brief substance references, and suggestive content). 105 minutes. Ok for kids ages 6 and up..

Nothing like the love of a good woman to tame an ogre. That’s just what happens to Shrek, that loveable green guy who made swamp-land respectable in 2001’s smash hit. When last we left the rotund one, he’d slain the dragon, kissed Fiona, lifted the spell, and the two were living happily ever after.

Now the saga continues as Shrek and Fiona (Mike Meyers and Cameron Diaz) -- both ugly green ogres now -- move to the swamp to begin their new life as newlyweds, nary a care in the world as they frolic through fields and wallow happily in mud holes. 

But a black cloud forms as they’re summoned to meet Fiona’s parents, the King and Queen (John Cleese and Julie Andrews), at their castle in The Land of Far, Far Away (a.k.a. Hollywood). Donkey (Eddie Murphy), that chatterbox  sidekick who’s clueless about when he’s not welcome, decides to tag along.

Their arrival at the castle sets off a series of events involving the Fairy Godmother (Jennifer Saunders), an unpleasant figure who operates a huge factory manufacturing potions and hexes. She schemes with the King, to break up the happy couple and pair Fiona with her son, the vain Prince Charming (Rupert Everett).

WHAT WE LIKED: My kids and I LOVED Donkey, the comic high point of the movie. Eddie Murphy is perfect, and displays an amazing ability to be hurt, pathetic, and funny all at the same time. The other characters are hilarious, too: Joan Rivers doing her Red Carpet shtick, Antonio Banderas as the swashbuckling Puss in Boots, and the Gingerbread Man and Three Blind Mice. Also loved the 3-D computer animation, which makes the movie both real and whimsical.

WHAT WE DIDN'T LIKE: There’s something so wrong about a sinister fairy godmother who wears body-hugging gowns and moonlights as a chanteuse atop a piano. Too racy for my kids. Also, the plot isn’t as enticing as the first movie. It’s more fun to watch Shrek slay a dragon than contend with troublesome in-laws.

THE WRAP-UP: Shrek 2 is no Shrek, but it’s bright, lively and entertaining. Plenty of good laughs, not to mention some good lessons about friendship, love, and acceptance.

SCORE: 3 out of 4 Reels.

As a side note, I saw this film with my husband and two kids at the Cherry Bowl Drive-In – one of the few drive-in theaters left in the country. This is a true throw-back to the good old days: vintage cartoons and snack bar ads (a hot dog jumping into a bun), and a playground where kids can play til “dusk” (the advertised start of the movie). It’s all about families – from babies to teens – and the dad who owns the place even scans your car when you drive in, to make sure you’re not packing any contraband like drugs or alcohol. If there’s a drive-in near you, make it a goal to take your kids there sometime this summer.

JANE'S REEL RATING SYSTEM:

One Reel – Pathetic. Even The Force can’t save it.

Two Reels – Tolerable. Coulda been a contender.

Three Reels – Pleasant. Something to talk about.

Four Reels – Wow!  The stuff dreams are made of.

Read my other reviews here.