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 Filled
to its brim with pop-culture references (some to look out for include
a giant gingerbread man scene, rather like the Stay Puffed Marshmallow
Man finale in 'Ghostbusters', an upside-down kiss like the one in
the film 'Spider-man', a 'Farbucks' coffee shop, as opposed to a
'Starbucks' and a marmalade puss who like 'Garfield' announces "I
hate Mondays") and with a superb satire of the glam and glitzy
Academy Awards and Hollywood in general, 'Shrek 2' could have been
the best film of the year, if not the century, but I can safely
say Quentin Tarrantino can rest at ease!
It
has been described as "superior" to the original, but
it's simply not as fresh and new and although there are a few real
belly laughs, it just doesn't sparkle. It's especially disappointing
because its two main characters Shrek (Mike Myers) and Donkey (…still
the funniest character… voiced by Eddie Murphy) spend most
of the film in different guises.
Another
let-down was Joan Rivers… well not her specifically, but in
the British version she's voiced by 'Pop Idol Extra' presenter and
ex-'Smash Hits' editor, Kate Thornton…"WHO???" I
hear you cry…EXACTLY…I think I make my point!
Jonathan
Ross on the other hand does a fab job as the Ugly Stepsister, which
in the American version is voiced by Larry King.
However…
moving on with the story, this monster flick picks up where the
last one left off. Newly-weds Shrek and Princess Fiona (Cameron
Diaz) return from their honeymoon to find an invitation on the doormat
of their swamp home, to the fantastical, magical kingdom of 'Far
Far Away'…
Yes,
it's time for the big green oaf to meet the in-laws!...The only
trouble is Fiona's parents have no idea their beautiful daughter
is now a rather unsightly, not to mention slightly more fuller-figured
OGRE!
Let's
just say it doesn't go down too well with either the King (John
Cleese) or the Queen (Julie Andrews) and sword-fighting, ogre-slaying
Puss-In-Boots (…who totally steels the show…with his eyes
no less…voiced by Antonio Banderas) is soon hired as a 'hit-cat'.
Into
the fairytale mix, the scheming Fairy Godmother (Jennifer Saunders…who
believe it or not SINGS in a film where Julie Andrew does not…what's
going on there then?) and her son Charming (Rupert Everett…who
incidentally is about the same age as Ms. Saunders in real life)
are added…and from there on in, some mischievous spells and
potions take over.
Although a lot cleverer than the best animation (in my opinion)
of 2003, 'Finding Nemo', it's just not anywhere near as entertaining.
In fact despite its adult humour, it's just a kids film! Simple
as that!
You
can be sure though that it will end "happily ever after"!
Don't
miss our films section!
You know you wanna have a nosey at it!
The
views expressed on this page are those of the contributor and the
opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the BBC.
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