Ogres Have Layers

Rarely do sequels live up to their predecessors. Shrek 2 is a remarkable example of one that does not only live up to the original, but surpasses it. The comedy this time around is even better and with such great new voice talent such as John Cleese and Antonio Banderas playing the ferocious, adorable, hilarious and a little disgusting Puss in Boots.

Along with the effects Shrek 2's humor is sharper this time around. With references and parodies hitting you in the face all over the place, there is something in almost every scene that will make you laugh. It seems that this time around Shrek is simply a comedy hiding in the cloak of a kids movie. Some of the jokes in the second installment are bordering on innappropriate for kids, yet will probably go over their heads. (Although these kinds of jokes were also in the first movie, notably "Shrek thinks he's overcompensating for something".)

There is one short spoof that had me almost in tears it was so funny. Although I read a little bit about it in a review and it was still hilarious, I wont give any of it away here.

Overall, this movie is better and funnier than the first and I would highly recommend it. It is a real treat. And don't feel bad going because it's a "kids movie." I went with a group of my friends to a later showing so as to escape the young crowd and found that there is probably more in this movie for older people than for kids.