Shrek 2 (2004)

The first Shrek was an occasionally clever but overrated and, in the end, mediocre effort that somehow turned into the biggest thing on two green stumpy legs. It makes sense that a sequel to such a hot property would feel a little script-by-committee-ish, but what we have here is simply depressing: a film that feels completely machine-tooled and designed for maximum test-audience approval. Any trace of invention that may have snuck into the first film has been flattened, homogenized and weeded out. What went in instead is bucketfuls of the kind of sitcom-style faux-snark and klutzy, easily recognizable pop culture spoofs that marred the first. Setpiece after setpiece clangs to the ground with nary a chuckle, but that doesn't mean they stop trying. By the time the film's sole good idea sneaks in (the appearance of Mongo), I was too weary to care. At least there's the distinct absence of "All-Star" on the soundtrack. (Speaking of, the most entertaining moment for me was when the Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds song "People Ain't No Good" made a surprise appearance.) Antonio Banderas is the film's brightest spot; by that, I don't mean his character was funnier than any of the others, but at least his vocal work was enjoyable. He should do voiceovers more often.

Grade: D