Dirk V
Reviewer

      What “Shrek 2” lacks in heart compared to the original “Shrek” it more than makes up for in laughs.
 
      “Shrek 2” opens with a montage of the experiences of Fiona and Shrek on their honeymoon. When they return home they find Donkey awaiting their return, as well as a summons to meet Fiona’s parents, the King and Queen of Far, Far Away. Their arrival is greeted with shock when the King and Queen realize their beautiful daughter has married an ogre. It also sets into motion a plot by the Fairy Godmother to wed her son, Prince Charming, to Fiona.
 
     Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz and Eddie Murphy have all returned to reprise their roles. The new additions to the cast work well to enliven the movie. John Cleese and Julie Andrews are terrific lending their voices to the King and Queen, and Rupert Everett is delightful as the beautiful but boring Prince Charming. The greatest addition to the cast is Antonio Banderas as Puss In Boots. He gives this hairball-spitting character an air of chivalry reminiscent of his character in “The Mask of Zorro”, while also poking fun at himself at the same time.
 
     The film’s plot provides plenty of amusement, but it lacks the emotion that made “Shrek” so appealing. The first film’s message of true love triumphing over appearances is present in the sequel, but it does not come across as strongly or sweetly as it did in “Shrek”.
 
      “Shrek 2”, however, does provide plenty of laughs for adults and kids alike. Amusing pop culture and movie references abound in this entertaining sequel and can be spotted from the opening montage to the end of the film. The not-so-subtle references, and even a few subtle ones, span the world of pop culture from recent films to classic tunes.
 
     While it may not be as endearing as “Shrek”, “Shrek 2” still provides plenty of laughs and is enjoyable from start to finish.