In an age where studies churn out weak sequels to popular movies, it’s refreshing to see a sequel that lives up to its processor. Not only does Shrek 2 keep up with the original, but in many ways, it actually surpasses it. Filled with all the same characters, Shrek 2 adds a constant stream humor and cultural allusions along the way.

Picking up right where Shrek left off, Shrek (Mike Myers) and Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) find themselves summoned to the land of Far Far Away by Fiona’s parents, King Herold (John Cleese) and Queen Lillian (Julie Andrews). Complications soon arise between Shrek and the King which lead to the King’s decision to hire Puss-in-Boots (Antonio Banderas) to put Shrek out of order.

Matters get worse as Prince Charming (Rupert Everett) and his mother, The Fairy Godmother (Jennifer Saunders) begin scheming ways to get Fiona to fall in love with Charming, whom they believe she was supposed to marry.

Most of the humor in the film is along the same veins as Shrek. Donkey (Eddie Murphy) still pulls a lot of laughs as the annoying talking animal – despite the presence of an attention drawing Puss-in-Boots. Fairy tale characters such as Pinocchio and the three little pigs also make amusing appearances.

Even more fun are the multiple references to dozens of films scenes from Lord of the Rings to Ghostbusters. Other silly little things fill the screen at every moment. One such scene shows Prince Charming wearing the cardboard crown on his head after getting a Medieval Meal at the local fast food drive through. Impossible to name them all, the screen is filled with so many little gags in word and sight that you’ll need to see it twice just to get it all in. Shrek 2 is so much fun you’ll want to anyway.

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