Review of Shrek 2 (2004) by Pur__0_0__ — 11 Jul 2021

As a kid I hated Shrek. But after seeing it for the first time a few years ago, I decided that I really liked Shrek. I had to go on a vacation soon after finishing the first movie, so right after coming back I proceeded to watch the next one. And I think it's probably because of the trip or something, but I actually liked Shrek 2 more. There are many reasons why I feel this one is clearly superior to the first one, and why this is my favourite sequel among any movie (other than Lord of the Rings and The Dark Knight trilogies of course).

The movie begins with the part where Shrek 1 ended. Shrek and Fiona are happily married and live their ogre lives in peace. The reason why this movie works so well is because unlike regular sequels, this one actually expanded on what could happen in future. If this was a conventional sequel it would have shown that Lord Farquaad has come back somehow and now he has joined forces with some other villain to beat them. Also some random characters would have been introduced while others would have been killed.

The movie simply begins with the feeling of an adventure. Shrek, Donkey and Fiona going to Far, Far Away to meet Fiona's parents who have never seen her in the last 20 years, that's a perfect story. Remember how we thought about Shrek and Fiona before the first movie? We changed our minds for the better after we watched the movie and learnt a lesson. Fiona's parents, however, have still not seen that happen. And this is something Fairy Godmother and Prince Charming take the advantage of.

The reason why this movie worked but the next two didn't was because this movie never dragged any concept. Shrek and the fairy tale characters became friends, Shrek and Donkey saved Fiona, they fell in love and married. Period. This was never 'revised' upon. Rather either the consequences of those actions or the other aspects of life were shown. Every scene looked interesting for some reason. It's almost like the creators poured all their love in every scene. No scene feels like they were just trying to get over it. Every moment is cherished: Fiona crying, Shrek meeting Puss, Shrek's friends watching TV - everything is memorable.

Shrek 2 is how a sequel should be. It should give us exactly what we wish to know. It does not force any character, it does not force any scene. Everything that is introduced in this movie, every joke that takes place happens within the audience's interest. I really wish if a new Shrek movie is made, they make it like this. Shrek is meant to be something that is remembered for all time, not a meme. It's one of the most iconic 3D animated movies I've ever seen.