Shrek 2

Funny from the get-go, this sequel to Shrek is an excellent demonstration of the fact that superior writing can compensate for even the best visual effects. Yes, you read that right; the point is that these days many movies try to slide by on slick visuals alone, to the detriment of story-telling basics and viewer enjoyment. Anyone who has squirmed through an f/x heavy "blockbuster" (did somebody say “Van Helsing”?), bored out their gourds, knows exactly what I am talking about. The animation in Shrek 2 is lovely, inventive, and, at times, alarmingly life-like. (As an aside, it seems only a matter of time before digital actors, indistinguishable from the real thing, are perfected. But then what will we read about in People?) The jokes fly thick and fast, and most of them are spot on. If you liked the first Shrek, this one will not disappoint.