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# 'Shrek 2' Brings in the In-Laws and Ranks Among Animation's Funniest
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/review-20040521/
- Published: 2004-05-21T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T04:22:18.000Z
- Author: Dan Dunn
- Tags: Entertainment, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*As sequels go, ‘Shrek’ proves a winner*

The biggest challenge writer-director Andrew Adamson faced in creating a sequel to his Oscar-winning animated feature, “Shrek,” was figuring out what comes AFTER a fairy tale wedding. Adamson admits he’d painted himself into a corner by allowing Shrek and Princess Fiona to marry at the end of the first film, presumably to live happily ever after. Movies, even comedies, need conflict like Hummers need gasoline. So Adamson brought in the in-laws to stir things up, resulting in a sequel that not only does its predecessor proud, but ranks among the funniest animated features ever. John Cleese (“A Fish Called Wanda”) and Julie Andrews (“Mary Poppins”) give voice to Fiona’s folks — the King and Queen of the Beverly Hills-esque enclave, Far, Far Away — and are joined by fellow newcomers Antonio Banderas (Puss In Boots), Jennifer Saunders (Fairy Godmother) and Rupert Everett (Prince Charming). Returning are Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz and Eddie Murphy, hilarious again as that loquacious pain of an ass, Donkey.

Having dispatched a dragon and the evil Lord Farquaad, Shrek (Myers) wants nothing more than to while away the days with Fiona (Diaz) at his cottage in the swamp. But his new bride insists on taking her husband home to meet the parents. With Donkey in tow, the couple journeys to Far, Far Away where they receive a chilly reception from the King, whose marital plans for his daughter did not involve an ogre. In cahoots with the absolutely fabulous Fairy Godmother, the King enlists famed assassin Puss In Boots to eliminate Shrek, unwittingly providing everyone’s favorite green monster with a feisty, furry new ally. There are oodles of gut-busting gags for all ages in “Shrek 2,” and it seems more than half come courtesy of Murphy and Banderas — superbly cast as the cute little kitty who fancies himself Zorro. As in the first film, puns and pop cultural references abound — Romeo Drive is lined with fashionable shops such as Abercrombie & Witch, Old Knavery and Farbucks — while a host of classic fairy tales get the spoof treatment.

Employing new technology that lights CGI more naturally, the animators were able to create incredibly lifelike characters right down to the movement of Puss In Boots’hair. The soundtrack is fittingly upbeat and surprisingly progressive, thanks to the involvement of music supervisor Chris Douridas, long-time host of public radio staple, “Morning Becomes Eclectic.” (Rated PG for some crude humor, a brief substance reference and some suggestive content. Running time: 105 minutes)

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 21, 2004.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/052104.pdf?ref=smdp.com)