Ahh, Shrek. What a franchise. Despite it's eternal meme-status within the hellhole called the Internet, the franchise is inarguably Dreamwork's biggest cashcow. They've been coasting off of it's success since the inception of the movie that started it all: Shrek. And yeah, the first movie is great. But the second movie... to me, there is no comparison. The second builds off of the first in ways that forward the plot of the first movie, without feeling like the plot has been dragged out, and instead making it feel like a natural, flowing story, and also add new, interesting elements into the plot.
Firstly, the soundtrack. My god, what an upgrade. The opening song, fittingly named 'Accidentally in Love' by Counting Crows, is a perfect description of Shrek and Fiona's relationship, since Shrek was the one who unwillingly had to save Fiona from the castle, under Lord Farquaad's order. Comparing this to Smash Mouth's 'All Star', it has much more plot relevance than theme relevance. All Star, as much of a mood maker for the movie it is, doesn't have the plot relevance and overall emotional connection to the scene as Accidentally in Love does.
As well as this, Lipps Inc's 'Funkytown' perfectly encapsulates the feeling you get when visiting an entirely new place you've never been to before. It really makes me think of how I feel Hollywood would be if it were to be recreated in medieval times. In the words of my sister, it makes you feel like where you are is where you should be, like you belong. In that sense, however, it's also a great contrast to Shrek's emotions at the time of the song playing, since he doesn't feel that he belongs, or that he should even be there with his wife, Fiona and his loyal friend Donkey.
On the complete flipside, the movie's rendition of David Bowie's 'Changes' could have been implemented into the soundtrack to reflect Shrek's current state of mind, where everyone finally accepts him on his ride through Far Far Away, ever since he had turned into a human. 'Changes' is a great descriptor of the physical changes within Shrek's life, and the changes of the attitudes of the people around him, who now have no problem with him.
And who can forget one of the most memorable, recognisable, iconic covers of a song of all time, Jennifer Saunders' cover of 'Holding Out For a Hero', originally sung by Bonnie Tyler? It's an amazing version of the song which builds tension, and compliments the action greatly.
The setting itself, Far Far Away is such a funny, satirical take on a Hollywood style place, as touched on before, mainly because of the Far Far Away sign in the distance, mimicking the Hollywood sign. As well as this, there's a potion factory located somewhere near Far Far Away, which is a subtle nod to the industrialisation of cities and everything like that. It's an interesting addition in an otherwise ideal place for the king and queen, Fiona's parents, to live. As an added side note, in a couple of scenes in the movie, you can find a Farbucks in the streets, a not-so-subtle nod to Starbucks. Just another thing I found funny about this movie.
Speaking of, this movie is hilarious. There are so many lines that are delivered with astonishing comedic timing, in no small part because of the cast. Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Saunders are some of my favourites, who voice Shrek, Donkey and the Fairy Godmother respectively. The best thing about this movie's cast is that they don't use celebrity voices, just for the sake of having a celebrity or two in the cast. They use their voices to further the characters emotions and motivations. For example, Mike Myers is able to deliver anger amazingly, but also disappointment and sadness, and that's something I truly admire.
This might not have been a long review, but I feel as if I was able to give my thoughts about this movie in a nice, concise, yet thorough way. If you want an even more concise thought about the movie, here's my rating. I give the movie an 8/10 overall. Great sequel, great movie, great cast.
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