For many people, it’s laborious to recollect a time when Shrek didn’t exist. A few of us weren’t even born but! It’s now been 20 years since Shrek 2 was launched, which implies we’ve had twenty years of jokes about Dulac, “Far Far Away,” an evil Fairy Godmother, the Donkey-Dragon romance, and naturally, our favourite imply inexperienced smelly ogre, Shrek. With a star-studded voice solid, Shrek was in a position to transcend generations and grow to be a lovable movie for folks and their youngsters.
However now we’re all grown up and having youngsters of our personal who we’re excited to convey into the magical world of Shrek. And as we rewatch, it’s apparent that Shrek 2 is definitely higher than its predecessor. Sure, we stated the unthinkable — the sequel is healthier than the unique. After all there are some moments within the authentic movie that may go unequalled, from the introduction music to Dulac to Shrek’s onion speech, however Shrek 2 is filled with viral moments, emotional storylines, and a killer soundtrack.
The Soundtrack
We’ll begin with the soundtrack. Whereas Smash Mouth’s “All Star” is a really iconic tune that’s now ceaselessly related to Shrek, the second movie’s soundtrack matches and exceeds all of our expectations set by the unique. The Counting Crows’ “Unintentionally in Love” underscores Shrek and Fiona’s honeymoon. David Bowie’s “Adjustments” defines Shrek and Donkey’s transition into extra “conventionally engaging” beings.
However we will’t neglect the Fairy Godmother’s (Jennifer Saunders) show-stopping rendition of Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding Out for a Hero,” which elevates Shrek 2 from animated sequel into an animated musical sequel. By remodeling the fairytale right into a musical, Shrek 2 continues to flip the fairytale style on its head whereas elevating the stakes. It turns into larger, extra camp, and sillier … and it’s good.
It Deepens the Underlying Message and Pertains to the Actual World
Shrek, which got here out in 2001, broke information as the primary animated movie of the twenty first century to be preserved within the Nationwide Movie Registry. This was, partially, because of the way it subverted the stereotypical fairytale. As a substitute of being saved by “Prince Charming,” Fiona was as an alternative saved by Shrek, an Ogre, who occurred to fall for Fiona due to her persona, not due to her outer magnificence.
Shrek 2 continues the message whereas deepening the objective of subverting societal expectations. Usually, fairytales finish with a “fortunately ever after” however Shrek 2 lastly reveals us what occurs after the “fortunately ever after.” As an example, simply because one is glad and in love doesn’t imply that their insecurities simply fade away. Typically, they are often exacerbated by outdoors forces.
Relationships could be threatened by new suitors. Assembly the mother and father nearly at all times places a pressure on romantic relationships. Making adjustments to look or persona could make important others fall out and in of affection with one another, however folks develop and alter! All of those points are rather more complicated and life like than the simplistic messaging of Shrek.
As Shrek’s viewers grew older, so did their material. It’s not nearly loving somebody for who they’re, it’s additionally about coping with all the challenges that include “love.” Shrek 2 is among the earliest motion pictures I keep in mind that proves that love can’t simply be achieved with a magic potion and that “love at first sight” doesn’t essentially final ceaselessly. It proves that love takes work, even in probably the most magical conditions in probably the most magical land of all.
The Increasing Forged and Universe
Should you thought the world-building of Shrek was groundbreaking, Shrek 2 is a masterclass in increasing a universe. It continues to construct on fairytale tropes by introducing us to extra princesses, princes, and residents of “Far Far Away,” which is at all times the place basic fairy tales happen. Shrek 2 brings within the Fairy Godmother and her son, Prince Charming, however it makes them the villains, which is a enjoyable twist on our perceptions of usually “good” characters.
Fiona’s mother and father, the King and Queen, are voiced by basic British performing royalty, John Cleese and Julie Andrews, after which after all, we meet Antonio Banderas’s Puss in Boots. The cute cat in booties was so common that he spawned his personal spin-off collection. What could possibly be extra lovable than a feline murderer with pet canine eyes? Nothing!
From its songs to its solid to its underlying themes, Shrek 2 paved the way in which for Dreamworks’ sample of profitable animated sequels. In actual fact, Shrek 2 remains to be Dreamworks highest-grossing movie thus far, proving that it’s simply higher than its predecessor.