that rare sequel surpassing the original

Rating: Null/10 (31 May 2004)

You can count on one hand the number of movie sequels that surpass the original. One of those is without a doubt the latest installment in the misadventures of everyone's favorite grumpy green ogre, Shrek 2. Here, the screenwriters have opted for a more mainstream storyline that adheres to the same theme explored in the first film, that being acceptance of self despite outward appearance. This time, however, the script departs considerably from the gross-out humor of Shrek (crucial to establishing the essence of the big guy's character), while upping the quotient of pop cultures in-jokes and references, to create a side-splitting comedy appealing to both young and old alike.	Shrek 2 picks up with Shrek (Mike Myers) and Fiona (Cameron Diaz) arriving home after their honeymoon, to be greeted by a royal welcoming committee sent by Fiona's parents, the King and Queen of Far, Far Away (John Cleese and Julie Andrews, respectively). The happy couple is invited to a gala ceremony, celebrating their nuptials, back at Mom and Dad's castle. What Mom and Dad don't know, though, is their little girl isn't married to Prince Charming, who arrived mere minutes too late at the dragon's castle from which Shrek rescued Fiona in the original. See, Charming (who is anything but) was supposed to kiss the lovely lass to break the curse that turned her into an ogre at night. Then, the two would be married and live happily ever after in Far, Far Away. Shrek's rescue of Fiona, and her subsequent falling in love with him, has ruined the plans of Charming (Rupert Everett), his mommy Fairy Godmother (Jennifer Saunders) and the King.	Shrek 2 introduces some new/old characters, culled from the annals of the world's great fairy tales, none more satisfying than a swashbuckling Puss in Boots. To do away with his unsightly new son-in-law, the King enlists the services of the overly-dramatic, highly-theatrical, plumed hat-sporting and rapier-wielding feline, voiced in an inspired piece of casting by Antonio Banderas, doing his own spin on his own performance in The Mask of Zorro.	Directors Andrew Adamson and Kelly Asbury keep both the action and comedy quotients high, relying in the latter case more on the personalities of supporting characters over his leads, Myers' Shrek, Diaz's Fiona and Eddie Murphy's Donkey (although Murphy is hard to keep in check as he returns in top form, playing the relentlessly annoying jack-ass). John Cleese is a stitch as the overbearing ruler who turns obsequious accomplice when confronted with the wrath of Fairy Godmother. As Fairy Godmother, Jennifer Saunders brings just the right amount of acerbic duplicity she uses to such great effect in the superior British adult comedy import, Absolutely Fabulous.	The abundance of pop culture references keep everyone satisfied, child and adult. Shrek 2's script sends up everything from Joan Rivers' incessant red carpet blather at Hollywood premiers courtesy of the E! Channel to films like Mission: Impossible and Flashdance, and there's a terrific parody of the hit reality TV series Cops, called Knights.	Shrek 2 is a welcome arrival to herald the onslaught of movies that make up the summer slate. Everything that is about to come in its wake, is already way behind in the game. (****)