Shrek 2- The Sequel that Somehow Grew Even Bigger

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When Shrek first came out in 2001, it had a huge impact on animation and left DreamWorks with the challenge of creating the sequel to one of the most successful animated films ever made.

Three years later, Shrek 2 came out and, for me, managed to achieve what many sequels fail to do by expanding the depth of characters, their world and the number of them on screen. For many fans, this film surpassed the original as Shrek realises that in-laws, family and royal politics are scarier than dragons.

The Plotline

Following on from their marriage at the end of the first film, the happy couple return from their honeymoon to receive an invitation from Fiona’s parents, the King and Queen of Far Far Away, with the only problem being that Fiona didn’t tell her parents that she permanently looks like an ogre, and that she married one.

With Donkey in tow, the happy couple travel to see Fiona’s parents, where the reunion goes about as badly as you can imagine.

As they are doing this, a powerful Fairy Godmother has her own plans for Fiona involving her own son, Prince Charming, and a rather dangerous contract.

What follows is a mixture of fairy-tale parody, family drama, and, for me, one of the best animated finales.

Why it Stands Out

The original turned fairy tales upside down, but the sequel expanded on this idea, bringing it into another world.

Far Far Away is essentially a fairy tale version of Beverly Hills. The land is used to poke fun at popular culture, beauty standards and living happily ever after. This works so well as beneath the jokes lies an emotional depth where Shrek feels he isn’t good enough for Fiona and Fiona is caught between her past and present life.

Like the original film, it balances comedy with sincerity so that you feel invested in the characters.

The Characters

Shrek, Fiona and Donkey become a little deeper and increasingly invested in each other, but the supporting cast really start to bring the film to life.

Puss in Boots - Voiced by Antonio Banderas, he was an important addition to the franchise, as he is a standout character in the film but also has his own film spin-offs too.

Fairy Godmother - Voiced by Jennifer Saunders, she is both charming and manipulative with a genuine villain quality.

Prince Charming - Handsome, arrogant and completely self-absorbed, his voice is provided by Rupert Everett.

King Harold and Queen Lillian - The choice to use John Cleese and Julie Andrews is just wonderful, and the DreamWorks team totally got the voice actors spot on to play these perfectly.

If you have a head for the figures, the main three characters - Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz were reported to have been paid $350,000 each for the original film. After its success, they were all reportedly paid $10m for the sequel.

Music

The pop music returned here with the soundtrack featuring Tom Waits and Counting Crows, but the standout song has to be Jennifer Saunders’ rendition of Holding Out For A Hero. Even over 20 years later, it is such a great scene.

Merchandise

As you can predict, DreamWorks went into merch overdrive. Fast food, toys, games, clothes, anything and everything was fair game. Puss in Boots quickly became one of the franchise’s most popular characters and would eventually receive his own successful spin-off films.

Impact

Often a sequel can be seen as safe; not with this one. Everything expanded.

The film demonstrated the overlap between parent and child humour and balanced this with slapstick and family relations. Even now, fans will argue over which film is better, but for me, that shows that if it’s still being discussed, then that tells you everything you need to know.

Fun Facts

• Antonio Banderas based the voice of Puss In Boots partly on his famous Zorro character.

• Jennifer Saunders was personally requested as the filmmakers loved her comedy work.

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Have a great week.