Very good but not perfect

Rating: 8/10 (30 December 2013)

Newlywed ogres Shrek and Fiona travel (accompanied by Donkey) to visit her parents, the King and Queen of Far Far Away. They fall foul of a Fairy Godmother who wishes her son to marry the Princess and is prepared to use assassin Puss In Boots to achieve her goal.
Shrek 2 is very good, but it is not as good as its predecessor. For one thing, the startling originality is now second hand. For another, the Fairy Godmother and Prince Charming are unpleasant and have few laughs.
On the positive side, Puss in Boots (and Antonio Banderas' silkily menacing vocalisation) is an absolute delight, and Julie Andres and John Cleese are very good as the King and Queen.
This is well worth seeing, but don't expect it to be as good as the first one.