A less entertaining, more adult-oriented version of the original

Rating: 5/10 (12 June 2004)

**ONE JOKE SPOILER**
As a disclaimer, I would like to point out that I found the original "Shrek" movie to be very entertaining (I'd give it an 8/10).
However, this movie, "Shrek 2", really pales in comparison, and it is certainly not deserving of the record-breaking sales it did at the box office.
Despite what you've heard, this movie IS NOT as funny as the first. The humor is sitcom-esque, overall pretty predictable. While the references to pop culture and classic movies are fun, they're not laugh out loud funny. How many times do we have to see a parody of Dustin Hoffman pounding on the chapel glass in "The Graduate" before it gets old? (I seem to remember Mike Myers already using this gag in Wayne's World 2)
Additionally, the characters are not as dynamic as in the original movie. I know that sounds silly for a cartoon, but the first movie demonstrated better writing and character development.
The plot was inferior, and the movie dragged at times. Again, predictability seemed to be the greatest vice of the movie.
Finally, the movie was more intentionally adult-oriented, which actually diminished its charm and its quality.
If you're bored, you may find this flick worthy of watching in the theatres. I recommend waiting for the home video.
5/10