Less of the same, but still solid entertainment

Rating: 7/10 (9 February 2005)

Three years after the successful first "Shrek" movie, we're finally treated to the inevitable sequel. And while "Shrek 2" is still an enjoyable movie, it very clearly more of the same, or actually a bit less of the same.
"Shrek 2" continues along the lines of the first movie, but all in all it seems a lot milder and a little less funny than the first movie, which made a lot of fun of fairy tales in general and Disney in particular. While this movie still does that from time to time, on the whole the jokes are more aimed at other movies and pop-culture and seem to be a lot less sharp...there's nothing here that is remotely as funny as the exploding bird from the first movie (although the dog that gets crushed comes close).
On the whole, I'd even say that the movie is sometimes a bit dull. There's more story and less jokes this time around, and since the story is really predictable, I often found myself thinking "just get on with it so we can get to the jokes again".
That being said, "Shrek 2" does still have a lot to offer. The new character Puss in Boots is absolutely brilliant, as is John Cleese as the king of Far Far Away. There are also much more references to movies and TV series this time around, and trying to spot them all is a lot of fun. Also, the animation looks absolutely superb, and there are some very fluid and memorable action sequences.
So, all in all, "Shrek 2" still delivers. On the one hand, it's more of the same, only a bit milder and more boring. On the other hand though, there are still enough entertaining characters, jokes, and spoofs to make for an entertaining movie.
***1/2 out of *****