Shrek 2

That popular green ogre is back again and rowdy as ever. Once again, Shrek has proven to entertain the masses with his crude humor and witty lines. "Shrek 2" is enjoyable from beginning to end with its brilliant technology and hilarious script. It is full of quick wit, heart, wisdom, and non-stop humor.

The story picks up right where the first one left off. Shrek (Mike Meyers) and Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) are honeymooning at Hansel’s Honeymoon Hideaway. When they return to their home in the swamp, Donkey (Eddie Murphy) is waiting to welcome them. After a bit of fussing with Donkey, messengers appear with an invitation form Fiona’s parents to a royal ball in honor of the newlyweds. Immediately, Shrek is refusing to go thinking that Fiona’s parents will not approve of his ogre ways. However, Fiona is able to persuade him and they set off for the kingdom in a land called Far Far Away.

When they arrive to this Hollywood-like kingdom, Fiona’s parents are not quite sure what to think. King Harold (John Cleese) and Queen Lillian (Julie Andrews) were expecting to see their beautiful daughter and her Prince Charming, not two huge ogres. The queen sees how in love Shrek and Fiona are, but the king is truly unhappy with this arrangement. He seeks the help of Fairy Godmother (Jennifer Saunders) to try and get rid of Shrek. He even goes as far as hiring a hit man who is none other than Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas). However, Shrek has more serious problems. He begins to believe that Fiona would be much better off with a handsome prince than with an ugly ogre. So, he sets out in search of a magical solution.

On the way to a happily ever after ending, there are encounters with some of the characters from the first film (Pinocchio, the three pigs, Sleeping Beauty, and the gingerbread man) and a slew of new characters (wicked step-sister played by Larry King and Prince Charming played by Rupert Everett). This movie manages to make fun out of just about everything including its fairy tale roots. However, it is done in a tactful manner and still carries the true themes of fairy tales throughout the film.

Parents should be aware of some crude humor and frequent potty jokes. Also, there are scenes in a tavern. Families may wish to discuss experiences family members had in meeting friends and families of the people they love. Did this make them anxious or nervous? What kinds of things did they do to get to know each other? Did Shrek and Fiona make the right decision at the end of the movie? What changes do Shrek and Fiona make for each other’s benefit?