More of the same

Rating: 8/10 (20 June 2004)

If you liked "Shrek", you'll probably like "Shrek 2". Just like the original, it's a send-up of many classic fairy tales. It also steals scenes shamelessly from a whole host of famous films - everything from "Flashdance" to "From Here to Eternity". The script is witty and original. Returning voices Mike Myers (Shrek) and Cameron Diaz (Fiona) stay true to the characters they established in the first film, as does Eddie Murphy as the tirelessly annoying Donkey. The most brilliant new addition is the Godfather-like Fairy Godmother character who tries to set things right between Princess Fiona and her supposedly destined beau, Prince Charming. John Cleese and Julie Andrews provide their considerable voice talents for Fiona's parents. In short, this film has everything the original had except that it's not as fresh and new precisely because it's a sequel cut from the same cloth as its predecessor. I give "Shrek 2" an 8, and gave the original "Shrek" a 9.