we've seen it before but it's still a good way to pass the time

Rating: Null/10 (24 May 2010)

Likable—if unnecessary—sequel finds Shrek and Fiona adjusting to life now that they're parents. Fed up with his routine as a dad and yearning for a chance to experience life as it once was, Shrek makes a deal with the scheming Rumpelstiltskin to once again feel like a real ogre just for a day, but unfortunately for Shrek there's more to the deal than meets the eye and it may cost him everything he holds dear. Flawed but pleasant sequel is a bit protracted, and has a plot that shamelessly rips-off It's a Wonderful Life, but it works thanks to a lovable cast of characters, some effectively touching moments, and plenty of solid laughs along the way. Film's 3-D effects don't serve any real purpose, but work if you enjoy that sort of thing. **½