Shrek 2 (2004)
Prepare for the Shrekoning!
Brief Backstory
Shrek became critically acclaimed on the spot and became one of the greatest animated features of all time. During the gap between 2001 and 2004, several 2D animated movies were released, none of which were given the same reception (although they were considered to be great) and left conclusive evidence to DreamWorks that they need to stick with CGI instead.
In hopes of getting back up, DreamWorks decided to reawaken Shrek for a sequel titled Shrek 2. Shrek 2 was quickly given equivalent reception, and after 20 years, has sometimes been considered even better than the first.
Story
Shrek and Fiona leave their life of the swamp to venture to Far Far Away, where a crooked fairy godmother and her narcissist son, Prince Charming, plot against Shrek and Fiona after learning of their marriage. Harold, the king of Far Far Away, is forced to do some of the godmother’s bidding.
Random Facts
Only Shrek movie to actually have a decent movie-based game. The rest of the Shrek games I’m aware of are awful, and there’s not much of a reason why that is.
The potion raid scene seems to have taken inspiration from the beginning of Raiders of the Lost Ark with the giant potion vat falling and the crossbow soldiers.
During K.N.I.G.H.T.S., mentioning of a white bronco is heard, referring to the late O.J. Simpson’s arrest in 1994.
The “what” from the Big Bad Wolf was reused. It was too funny to be redone.
Much like in Disney’s Peter Pan, Captain Hook is seen playing a piano at the Poison Apple although his hook’s silver.
Random Opinions
Did the scene where everyone kept saying other peoples’ names ending with Donkey saying “Donkey!” come from SpongeBob?
The K.N.I.G.H.T.S. scene is much more disturbing than it was almost 20 years ago. The prominent scene in the sequence that raises concerns is when one of the knights puts his knee on Donkey’s neck (see the photo above) – very similar to the murder of George Floyd that happened in 2020.
The crossbow soldiers in the potion factory look like Peter Pan’s clones.
As if the first Shrek was already somewhat vulgar, Shrek 2 seems to be marginally more vulgar.
Who the fuck gives a battle axe with a kids meal? That’s really fucked up.
That lobster looked good.
Pros
- Like the first movie, hilarious dialogue all over the place.
- The Fairy Godmother makes for a great villain.
- Numerous memorable scenes like when Shrek gets attacked by Puss N’ Boots.
- The constant attacks toward Disney are for all the right reasons.
- Antonio Banderas, Rupert Everett, Julie Andrews, and John Cleese join the great casting of Shrek with great voice work.
Cons
- I was okay with Duloc having some references to Disneyland, but Far Far Away isn’t as memorable. Having Far Far Away as some Hollywood-like landscape just didn’t do it for me.
- While there are a lot of great references to pop culture, the amount seems to be somewhat excessive especially compared to the first Shrek.
Rating: 9.5/10 – Amazing
Much like Fievel Goes West, equivalent quality to the first.
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