Production Year: 2001, 2004 - Family - Director: Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jenson, Kelly Asbury, Conrad Vernon - Original Language: English - Classification: Universal - Starring: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Jim Cummings, Vincent Cassel, John Lithgow, Peter Dennis, John Cleese, Julie Andrews, Antonio Banderas, Rupert Everett, Jonathan Ross, Jennifer Saunders, Conrad Vernon more
Set in a strange, colourful land populated by fairy tale characters, SHREK is a hilarious comedy that will win over audiences of children and adults alike. Shrek (voiced by Mike... more
Shrek [DVD] [2001]
Full of verve and witShrekis a computer-animated adaptation of William Steig's ... more
delightfully fractured fairy tale. Our title character (voiced by Mike Myers) is an agreeable enough ogre who wants to live his days in peace. When the diminutive Lord Farqu...
Shrek [DVD] [2001]
Full of verve and witShrekis a computer-animated adaptation of William Steig's ... more
delightfully fractured fairy tale. Our title character (voiced by Mike Myers) is an agreeable enough ogre who wants to live his days in peace. When the diminutive Lord Farqu...
Shrek DVD
Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow) is searching for a wife. Because of a complicated situation ... more
he needs a mate so he can qualify as king of the land. The 3-foot-tall despot has already banished all the fairy tale characters from his land resulting in a dias...
Shrek 2 DVD
They're back for more! Princess Fiona's parents invite their daughter and her new husband ... more
Shrek to her homeland of Far Far Away in order to celebrate their marriage. However there's more than meets the eye in this fairytale kingdom and Shrek & Fi...
Production Year: 2002 - Family - Original Language: English - Classification: Universal - Starring: Marisa Tomei, Lacey Chabert, Lynn Redgrave, Flea, Tim Curry, Rupert Everett
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A review by Marandina on Shrek (Animated) (DVD) June 28th, 2004
Author's product rating:
Did you enjoy it?
Loved it
Story
Good
Characters / Performances
Outstanding
Special Effects
Outstanding
How does it compare to similar films?
Outstanding
Advantages:
Just fantastic CGI, wonderful score, great characters
Disadvantages:
Very simple notion
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
Sequels are notoriously difficult beasties, a bit like ogres really. Often vehicles to make yet more cash for studios by simply churning out the same initial formula, most are destined to disappoint. I caught the original movie mid-Atlantic whilst en-route to Florida so the chance to see this version on the big screen was a real draw, together with the top quality of the original global phenomenon of Shrek. And so it was that I bundled the family off to see Shrek2 on preview weekend in the UK. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Director: Andrew Adamson Cert: U Run time: 92 mins
Main cast: Mike Myers ~ Shrek Eddie Murphy ~ Donkey Cameron Diaz ~ Princess Fiona Julie Andrews ~ Queen Antonio Banderas ~ Puss In Boots John Cleese ~ King Rupert Everett ~ Prince Charming Jennifer Saunders ~ Fairy Godmother ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Following on from the first movie (and why not?), Shrek, the green ogre who lives in a swamp dominated by nursery rhyme characters and a donkey, is now on honeymoon with Princess Fiona. Having rescued her from an evil dragon, Shrek and Fiona are content to live the rest of their lives, Fiona now an ogress, her nightly curse having been made permanent during the first movie.
This domestic bliss is broken when the twosome receive a Royal summons to return to a Land, Far Far Away to get the blessing of the King and Queen following their recent marriage. Having endured the endlessly repetitive “Are we their yet?” courtesy of the Murphyised Donkey, they arrive to a muted reception when the good people of what looks and feels to all intents and purposes like a cartoon Hollywood realise that the pair aren’t quite what they expected. A fitful family dinner and the introduction of a vengeful fairy Godmother introduce the menace into the plot with the latter planning to dupe the princess into loving, Prince Charming, her son rather than Shrek courtesy of one of her myriad of potions. This is only after the King has hired a hitman/hitpuss in the shape of the Spanish, swordsman, Puss-in-Boots who fails miserably only to befriend our hero, Shrek and become his ally (much to the chagrin of Donkey). So will the Fairy Godmother’s evil plan pay off, will Shrek be ousted and will the King’s murky secret be revealed as blackmailed by TFGM? Well, what do you think but this is a children’s film, you know?
The original movie was a huge hit, along with having the distinction of being awarded the first Oscar for Best Animated Film. It also happens to be the best selling DVD of its type having clocked up 9 million sales. Shrek2 has been big business in the US already taking $353 million in 3 weeks. Quite frankly, it’s eminently possible to see why.
First of all, the CGI is breathtaking. I had to stare hard at the quality of the animation, what with clothing that looked remarkably real even down to fine creases. There’s ample opportunity for the creators to show off and how with fantastic dresses and super defined close ups of Fiona’s and Prince Charming’s faces, in particular. In the tradition of Toy Story, the animations have more than a passing resemblance to the actors employed as voice overs and John Cleese, Cameron Diaz and Mike Myers were instantly recognisable. I have to confess that I thought Prince Charming was Keanu Reeves rather than the aristocratically smooth, Rupert Everett but whoever said that I had 20/20 vision these days?
Then there’s the humour. Adult for the most part but always gentle enough to not offend, the script crashes along at a hundred miles an hour, mainly driven by the hyper-active Eddie Murphy revelling in his latest reprisal of the hapless Donkey character. I lost count of the parodies. There were definite references to Terminator2, Mission Impossible, The Oscar Ceremonies, NYPD Blue/Cops just to name a few and, of course, the commercial empire that is Hollywood was neatly drawn, what with the Far Far Away in the background a la Hollywood Hills and the subtle product placements including StarBucks (read Far Bucks). The script must have been meticulously etched out over a lengthy period of time, such is the level of detail achieved by the writers.
Just to add to the pizzazz was the undeniable nods to Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella and various other fairy tales. These have been suitably updated for modern audiences with the laughter inducing sleight of hand that showed Princes Charles, Justin Timberlake and the spooky mirror from Slow White in a comic light. Blink and you’ll miss them but there they are once again underlining the minutiae of the script.
The musical score makes this movie every bit a musical what with "Hold Out For A Hero", "Ever Fallen In Love" (Great to hear the Buzzcocks again) and the David Bowie anthem "Changes" to name but a few, the frenetic pace of the story is more than ably assisted by the choice of songs to accompany the action.
Drawbacks? I couldn’t really think of too many. I suppose the premise was simplistic and you could see where the story was going so no real surprises. The moral remained the same i.e. beauty is only skin deep and the finale was pretty predictable but all of this was outweighed by a fabulous musical score that carried along a plot that kept the audience engaged from start to finish.
Favourite scenes? There were several but up there would be the Mission Impossible take off including Pinocchio, 3 Blind Mice and a Gingerbread man breaking our heroes out of jail thanks to the strangest puppet wearing of a thong that you could imagine. For cat lovers, check out the gorgeous saucer eyes of Puss-in-Boots at key times during the movie as well as a propensity to scratch in the meanest of body locations (eye watering for us men). The closing finale takes some beating too with a wonderfully choreographed sequence replete with upbeat closing track and a big finish (even Jennifer Saunders manages one more parody which would make Arnie Schwarzenneger smile)
To tell you the truth, by the end I felt like cheering. This was £13 well spent on a family ticket to see a great movie in all the splendour of the big screen. Would I recommend this? With Shrek3 and 4 in production, a dynasty is being established but all I can say is that Shrek2 is one of the most uplifting movies of the year and, dare I say it, a monster hit.
Advantages: Funny, Good animation, Good characters Disadvantages: Story line not as good as the first one
...Following the phenomenal success of Shrek it was inevitable that there would be a sequel and after a 3-year wait it is here. Like the first film, Shrek 2 is directed by Andrew Adamson who also has a hand in the writing of the story this time.
** Storyline **
For those who have never seen the first film here is a (very) quick recap: Shrek is an Ogre and lives alone in a swamp. He is sent to rescue Princess Fiona from a dragon’s lair by Lord Farquaad. ... ...series of brief clips from Shrek and Fiona’s honeymoon as they lounge around on a beach and play in the sea. The opening credits end as Shrek and Fiona return to their home in the swamp to find Donkey waiting. While trying to persuade Donkey that they require some time alone, Fiona receives a royal invite to a party to celebrate her wedding. The invite has come from the King and Queen of Far Far Away who are none other than Fiona’s parents. The only ...
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Advantages: Hillarious caper through a dreamworld Disadvantages: Slightly too adult for a young audience
...I doing? Why, watching Shrek 2 of course!
For the uninitiated Shrek is an ogre, a creation of Dreamworks Studios and, unsurprisingly, Shrek 2 is the second outing of the loveable ogre. Yes, it’s a sequel, you know, those things that have so much to live up to and yet rarely deliver. Well, this one is different. It delivers and delivers and delivers, time after time, quick wit, punchy humour and oh, just a hint of a mickey take.
We’re in cartoon ... ...from the Cinderella’s carriage stepped Shrek and Princess Fiona in ogre form…
How can Shrek ever win over his father-in-law? Will Fiona ever be happy? Is the fairy godmother quite as godly as she might at first appear? Watch and see.
************
CHARACTERISATION ************
This is one animated adventure that you could be forgiven for falling into. You almost forget that this is make-believe. The quality of the animation ...
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Advantages: Too many to list! It's funny! Disadvantages: Perhaps too short!
...I haven't seen the latest Shrek movie (much to my dismay), I have decided to do a review on the first film.
SHREK
Now in my usual style, I'll do a couple of quotes from the experts!
"Forget everything, this is the best animated film you are going to see."
Jackie Brambles, GMTV
"Hilarous, original and absolutely brilliant."
SUNDAY TIMES
"The story wasn’t absolutely magical, but it was interesting, quite funny, and different, which is ... ...Myers: Austin Powers Goldmember, Shrek 2
Eddie Murphy: Dr DoLittle, Trading Places
Cameron Diaz: The Sweetest Thing, Charlie's Angels
John Lithgow: 3rd Rock From the Sun, Homegrown
***CHARACTERS***
Shrek
Voiced by actor Mike Myers. The hero of the story! Shrek is a big green ogre who just wants to be left alone. But alas, that just isn't going to happen. Shrek is feared because he is an ogre and because nobody likes him. The townspeople or ...
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Advantages: A family feel that wil appeal to kids and adults alike Disadvantages: The soundtrack is a bit of a let-down
When we last saw them, Shrek and Fiona had just tied the knot and were off to live happily ever after. In “Shrek 2” they return from honeymoon to be summoned to the land of Far Far Away so Fiona’s parents can meet her new husband. The problem being that they don’t know Fiona has become an ogre full-time or that she’s married one…
“Shrek” was a massive hit when it opened in 2001. It managed to combine enough sight gags and references to popular culture ... ...is determined to break up Shrek and Fiona so that her son Prince Charming can marry Fiona and become king. The character is a wonderful blend of spot-on animation and great voice work by Jennifer Saunders, who brings more than a little of Edina Monsoon to the role, with just a touch of Patsy Stone. Hers is a subtle mania that escalates very quickly. She gets some good lines that are improved by her delivery, so her demand for “something deep fried ...
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Advantages: Great family film! Disadvantages: A little short
...begins somewhat where the last Shrek film left off, with a twist.
Get used to there being a twist...
The story begins with the recitation of another standard fairy tale opening, that one might think as an ending, where Prince Charming (charmingly voiced by Rupert Everett) dashes through incredible perils to reach the unfortunate-cursed princess, Fiona, as his kiss is the only thing that will break the curse. The only problem here: when he arrives ... ...main characters are back - Shrek (Mike Myers) in his typical ogre self (who knew ogres spoke with muddled Celtic accents?); Fiona, every inch the ogre herself night and day (reprised by Cameron Diaz - remember the tale from the first film where she was beautiful by day and hideous by night), is blissful on her honeymoon with Shrek. They return home to be greeted by Donkey (once again the humourous Eddie Murphy), to almost immediately be summoned ...
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Advantages: A great movie and a nice short piece before the sequel Disadvantages: none really ...
...'s a good thing that its only 15minutes long!
Disc 1 bonus features:
Film Makers Commentary - This is highly entertaining to listen to and they provide many insights into the movie. Aron Warner (Producer) Vicky Jenson (Director) and Andrew Adamson (Director) discuss the film in great detail, and to me it can be as entertaining to listen to the commentary as watch the film itself.
DVD-rom - I'm not entirely sure what this part is because I've not got it to work successfully!
The Tech of Shrek - a brief documentary-style piece showing how Shrek ("the most ambitions computer animated film ever produced") was created at PDI/Dreamworks, how the technology has progressed since 'Ants', and things that went wrong along the way. It is interesting to watch and does make you appreciate the movie slightly more, as you notice small things that...
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Advantages: Just as funny as the First, Easy to follow story Disadvantages: Not really for small children, although they will laugh.
.... Fiona has been tricked into thinking that Prince Charming is Shrek. Prince Charming is the Son of the Fairy Godmother who makes all the potions in the Land. The Fairy Godmother traps Shrek and gets him put in Jail. This is where his friends from the Swamp come to the rescue.
After this it is a race to the end so that Shrek can find Fiona before she kisses Prince Charming. More potions involved here.
Anyway to cut a long story short, this film has some very funny scenes, with some very catchy music, and of course a Happily Ever After Ending. You don't have to have seen the First film to enjoy this, but it helps to know who the characters are. There are of course some great New characters in this one. Hope I havn't given too much of the story away.
Animation is superb as you would expect. With a great cast. You will probably recognise...
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...This was a brilliant film! It will keep the kids entertained for hours ( as well as the big kids lol ) the story line is basicly shrek and fiona have to go and stay in fionas fathers castle ( fionas father is the king by the way) because fionas dad gets sick and is about to die! Well anyway fiona and shrek or in this posh castle and shrek starts missing his dirty swamp because he is not made to be posh he just wants to be cosy and happy, so when fionas dad announces that shrek as to be the next king because their is no one else in line! so shrek starts freaking out because he dosnt want to be king, the king then announces that there is only one other person that can do it. So the journy begins! Meanwhile another mean fairytale creature wants to steal the castle for his own use and talks all the bad fairytale creatures to go to war, Shrek...
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Subtitle Language: English, Portuguese, Spanish, Potuguese, Spanish, English
Hearing Impaired Language: English
DVD Description
Set in a strange, colourful land populated by fairy tale characters, SHREK is a hilarious comedy that will win over audiences of children and adults alike. Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers) is a fearsome green ogre living in isolation in his own cosy little swamp. He is not receptive to visitors, and fends off the occasional party of torch-wielding villagers with ease. But when the power-hungry Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow) turns Shrek's swamp into a relocation camp for dozens of banished fairy-tale characters (including some pesky dwarves, wolves, and fairies) Shrek's quiet, introverted life is ruined. Joined by the talkative Donkey (Eddie Murphy), Shrek makes his way to Farquaad's realm of Duloc, where the Lord promises to make Shrek an offer: He will rid Shrek's land of the unwanted visitors if Shrek will go on a simple quest to free Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) from her remote, dragon-guarded castle and convince her to marry Farquaad. On their quest, Shrek and Donkey run into a number of bizarre situations, and Shrek finds himself realising that he isn't quite the fearsome monster he has always made himself out to be. Reinventing the traditional fairy tale adventure, SHREK features gorgeous computer animation, a unique sense of humour, and compelling characters--especially Murphy's lovable Donkey.
Technical information
Special Features: Shreks Re Voice Studio, Interactive Games Character Morph Decorate The Gingerbread Man Trivia Game, Hilarious Character Interviews, Filmmakers Commentary, The Tech Of Shrek, International Dubbing Featurette, Shrek In The Swamp Karaoke Dance Party, Animated Menus, Production Notes, Cast And Crew Biographies
![Shrek [DVD] [2001]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/78533830.jpg)
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