Shrek 2

I was fortunate enough to get to watch this in theaters recently thanks to the anniversary of the film and might I add watching this in theaters after so long of loving this film just adds so much to the experience. The theater was all laughing and clapping along the whole time it felt like such a surreal experience watching this live with other people after just watching it on dvd for my whole life. As most people know Shrek 2 is quite possible the next film in the Shrek franchise. Not only are its characters deeply complex with emotions and drive but a want and passion for their own goals. Shrek shoving his own goals away to become the husband that Fiona wants, while Fiona wants Shrek and her to live together not as humans but as ogres who accept each other’s flaws and burps! The addition of Puss to the main cast really adds a unique dynamic to the Donkey and Shrek duo, giving them a third really gives them a lot to work with. While Shrek is often the straight man, and Donkey the jokester, Puss plays the role of the Swiss Army knife, being the character who can flexibly shift from villain to hero to cute little kitten. Aside from Puss, the story of Harold actually being the frog prince adds so many layers (onion pun intentional) to Shrek 2. Revealing that Harold himself was cursed and did all of this out of fear that his own family would end up like him before becoming king is such a unique motive for such a character. Also don’t even get me started on the Fairy Godmother, we all accept she is the greatest character in Shrek other than the titular man himself! Along with her comes Prince Charming, who I honestly love his characterization in this. A mommas boy with an inflated ego works so well for someone whose destiny was essentially just nepotism.  Like all Shrek films the parody and satire of the fairy tale and princess genre are fantastic here, the humor is off the charts as well. With insane scenes like the Cops reference where Puss is searched for cat nip, or even the OJ reference which I never understood as a kid but now it makes so much sense. My favorite scene however has to be the prison break, it’s chock full of references to Mission Impossible, and the whole dialogue with Pinocchio and his thong is just a master class in comedy. If you have the time, take a look at Shrek 2, it’s my favorite of the series and it’s humor still holds up.