Shrek 2 (DVD)

One of my favorite Shrek films!! A great film to watch at any age! Highly recommend as an employee of Walmart for you all to check it out if you haven't already! Kids Will definitely it as well.

Shrek was one of my favorite movies growing up, as well as Shrek 2 when it came out. I don't usually expect sequels to be quite as good as the first movie, especially if the second installment is born out of popular demand rather than being part of a book series that is already written. But to me, Shrek 2 is even better than the first Shrek. Since Shrek 1 told the story of the three lonely characters meeting and bonding in lots of hilarious conversations and fights, but hitting some rough spots and misunderstandings along the way that completely jeopardized their newfound friendships, the 2nd movie is inherently sweeter because Shrek and Fiona are already together and happy and Donkey is of course still constantly there, but now unquestionably Shrek's permanent and trusted friend, who Shrek is also loyal to, and still rather annoyed by. Another thing that makes the feeling of this movie easy and sweet is that the backdrop of most of the entire story is set beautifully in an idyllic but realistically jewel-toned fairy tale castle and country, with lots of very funny and endearing modern-day references in both the environment and conversations that keep the story's humor witty and surprising throughout. All of the new characters are funny, genuine and completely worthy of being added to the core story cast, especially Puss in Boots who brings a new level of life and hilarious drama, and the voice casting for each was very, very good. As far as what the characters are like goes, I can't say I am a huge Fairy Godmother fan because I find her to be a little bit too modern and sexualized for what is supposed to be a kid's movie, but that's just my opinion and she is supposed to be the villain afterall, and many funny and meaningful situations arise from her being part of the story. And the Gingerbread Man/"I Need a Hero" castle break-in scene is I think my favorite action scene out of any animated or live-action movie ever! While a few misunderstandings and fights that seem to threaten the happiness of Shrek, Fiona and Donkey still serve as the main plot, the True Love that they each have is so obvious that you can't feel like it isn't going to be a very happy ending as you're watching it. I was actually very moved when I watched it again most recently to see that each of the relationships the characters have are rooted very strongly in True Love and honor, whether it's between a husband and wife, best friends, or a parent to their child. This movie is cozy, heartfelt and uplifting, and it's extremely good for sick days or nervous days when you just need something happy. Although I should say, the happy ending makes me tear up...