excellent sequel for those who don't like sequels

Rating: Null/10 (20 May 2004)

My family and I attended this last night, kind of as a last-minute affair. I am glad we all went, since I would have to say there's something for just about everyone in Shrek 2.
[Possible Spoilers]
The first thing that grabbed me, I think, is the improvement in CGI animation in this film. Having a houseful of kids, I've viewed the first movie several times. Small details jump out at you-- the crowds look almost real, not contrived. There's a scene where Shrek and party are taking shelter during a rainstorm; watch the water as it runs off the edge of the roof-- I had to do a double-take and remind myself that this film came from computer workstations, not from cinematography! Another scene that comes to mind is when Shrek overhears a conversation among the king, queen, and Fiona; the detail in the window glass is remarkable. A definite cut above the original. And that's but two of the smaller examples out of many.
There's the whole gamut of one-liners and innuendo from Donkey and other fairy tale sidekicks. And some blatant visual gags from some diverse and unrelated films (Lord of the Rings, Alien) that I wouldn't have expected. Not to mention that Far Far Away looks an awful lot like parts of Beverly Hills, especially Rodeo Dr. (or Destin Commons, if you live in the FL Panhandle). You will want to see this film more than once (I know I do) just to see what you might have missed the first time around (and we didn't stay for the end credits and the scene in there either!).
The added voice talents of John Cleese, Julie Andrews, Antonio Banderas, and others are just great, very well cast. The animated characters even take on some characteristics of their real-life vocal counterparts-- I could easily see some of John Cleese in the king's face and mannerisms. Puss n' Boots (Banderas) adds a needed bit of expansion to the main characters, and it is difficult to tell if we're going to see him as Zorro or a feline from one moment to the next!
The story isn't complicated, but at least follows the thread from where the last film ended. That will make it easy for kids (and those of us who still sometimes think like kids) to get hooked right back into the story. The one-liners come fast and furious and both my teenage sons, my Mrs., and I had some great laughs out loud, something I don't often do in a crowded theater.
What a great way to start off the summer film season-- (and Harry Potter just around the corner!)