johnedit

This sequel to "Shrek" is not quite as endearing as the original, which is to be expected. Stories of first love touch the heart more deeply compared to stories of people trying to make the love work. Those stories take much more inventiveness, which "Shrek 2" has, but not quite enough.

The filmmakers try to make up for it by up loading up with scores and scores of fairy tale and pop culture references, too much to grasp in first viewing. The latter are mainly Disney versions of fairy tales. They're hilarious, but in time they become excessive. I wonder how comprehensible they will be 30 or 50 years from now. The visuals often are extraordinary. Many times they justify computer animation.

I don't understand why the animators in the "how they did it" extra, want to be so realistic. What's the point?

An add-on short, in which some of the main characters do their version of "American Idol" is cute and enjoyable, but not exceptional.

The Farrelly brothers eschew grossness for a gentle, kind and even insightful comedy about the superficiality of men and women. Excellent performances throughout, especially Jack Black's; and the fat make-up truly is convincing. Sure, the original idea turns predictable, but that's okay in this kind of movie.

This joyous, character-rich, family-based romance and melodrama also has comic aspects. It might remind you of Robert Altman but with better singing and dancing. It's laced with cultural, social and psychological edges -- including some dark ones. Overall, a well-made pleasure.