SHREK 2

Director: A. Adamson, K. Asbury, C. Vernon (Shrek)
Starring: voices of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas, Jennifer Saunders, more

The original shrek was a huge step forward in the arena of computer animation with its astounding visuals. What's more, it did a great job of redefining the classic children's tale and was well executed in almost every other facet of film-making. Shrek 2 is an excellent film, but doesn't quite live up to the standards of the first. At least it doesn't surpass the first in any area. The computer animation was still impressive, but this sequel falls prey to the common problem of most sequels: filling the movie with more stuff in each frame. In most sequels this often materializes as BIGGER PROBLEMS and BIGGER EXPLOSIONS, here it's usually just more computer-generated eye candy on screen. Beyond this relatively minor point, however, the writers by and large did a very good job of creating a new unique plot. Here we see some interesting thematic material like change versus stasis in love, and it's well done. Jennifer Saunders as the fairy godmother did was truly exceptional.

Standouts: Almost every aspect of the film was well done.
Blowouts: Not much to pick on.

Grade: A-