What could be more awkward than inviting your daughter and new son-in-law to dinner and discovering that they are both ogres?
The King (John Cleese) and Queen (Julie Andrews) of Far, Far Away are shocked to discover that Princess Fiona's (Cameron Diaz) true form was not that of a beautiful princess, but that of an ogre.
Out this week on DVD, the sequel to the popular computer-animated "Shrek" takes off where the first ended, at Shrek (Mike Myers) and Fiona's honeymoon.
As the movie starts, viewers may laugh themselves to tears as they recognize famous movie spoofs such as "From Here to Eternity" and "Spider-Man."
Past characters return, such as Donkey (Eddie Murphy), along with an assortment of other fairy tale characters -- the Wolf, the Three Little Pigs, the Three Blind Mice, Pinocchio and the infamous gingerbread man in all his gumdrop splendor.
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But among the new characters a favorite emerges.
It's none other than Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas), who tickles us with his Zorro attire and woos us with his big dark eyes and purring. He's been hired by the king to "take care" of Shrek, but decided the noble ogre is more friend than foe.
Shrek seeks out Fairy Godmother (Jennifer Saunders) for a potion to make him "Prince Charming." Meanwhile, the real Prince Charming (Rupert Everett), Fairy Godmother's son (who isn't in the least bit charming), wreaks havoc between Shrek and Fiona.
After Shrek obtains the potion, Donkey and Puss in Boots fight over who will test the "Happily Ever After" potion in one memorable scene.
Meanwhile, Fairy Godmother teams up with the King to convince Fiona that Prince Charming is actually Shrek transformed.
One of the most humorous scenes is when Puss is asking to go with Shrek and Donkey to repay the debt of his life to Shrek for sparing his. Donkey replies, "The position of annoying talking animal has already been taken!"
The movie is non-stop humor, spoof and a musical treat.
Every level of comedy is touched on, from slapstick on up. Highlights include Shrek asking a Fairy Godmother employee about his benefits, claiming he's from the union, to Pinocchio pulling a Michael Jackson move in the ending dance number.
"Shrek II" more than delivers a charming and pleasing performance of quality animation and good vocal acting.
If you think it's not worth it, think again, or "Pray for mercy from Puss in Boots!"
Lauren Smith 581-8336
Jenks senior