LOVE LETTER TO 'SHREK 2'

In a world where movies are becoming longer and longer, there is a perfect 93 Minute movie in which there is the perfect amount of time and information and that movie is 'Shrek 2', the best of the saga indisputably and my favorite animated film without a doubt.

Frame from 'Shrek 2'

This Dreamworks film, directed by Andrew Adamson, Kelly Asbury and Conrad Vernon, is not only a masterpiece but is probably one of the films that has aged best in history if we take into account that on May 19th it was the 20th anniversary of its premiere. I know, I know, 20 years? When I saw it as a child I remember that it seemed like the funniest thing I had ever seen, and when I see it today, not only do I agree with that little girl but I continue to see details that surprise me to this day.

Frame from 'Shrek 2'

The scene in which Shrek and Fiona arrive at Far Far Away is worthy of analysis. The next time you see it, pause almost every frame because you can't miss the details. If you haven't noticed, all the shops and restaurants in the city are parodies of real shops and restaurants. The first time I saw it, the Burger King parody caught my attention, but there are a thousand more, like Versachery or Farbucks. In addition, it is full of references to other cinematographic works (my favorite is the Lord of the Rings).

'Shrek 2' parody of 'Lord of the Rings'

'Shrek 2' also has the best villain in history for many people, the fairy godmother, a diva from head to toe with the best marketing ever. She is a villain in every sense. Not only does she want Shrek to fail so her son can take his place (her main role as villain), but she also has her employees exploited.

Frame from 'Shrek 2'

Usually, when I watch a movie that I've already seen more than once, I have it in my head all the time: this still has to happen and they have to get here and blah blah blah... However, with 'Shrek 2', it's like no. I realize and suddenly it's over. I have always thought that the film is written in an exceptional way, because the amount of things that happen in just an hour and a half is not normal. The arc of Puss in Boots, who begins as a hitman and ends up being one of the group, the beginning with the whole honeymoon story, the evil plan of the fairy godmother who is robbed in her own factory, the transformation of Shrek and donkey, what happens in the swamp with the story characters who go to Shrek's rescue... It's incredible. I think that's why every time I see it it seems so short and it may be the movie I've seen the most times in my life. And although his appearance is usually brief, my favorite character has always been and will be Jengi, who in this installment is accompanied by a giant copy of himself that makes me cry every time I watch the film.

Frame from 'Shrek 2'

If perfection is in the details, this film is the queen of details. As always in good cinema, everything that appears, appears for a reason and nothing is random. One of my favorite details is the poster of Sir Justin (Timberlake) that Fiona has in her room above her bed.

Frame from 'Shrek 2'

The last detail that I have to highlight about this movie is the soundtrack. Like the first Shrek movie, it is a great song after a great song, with special mention to the version of 'Holding out for a hero' interpreted by the fairy godmother herself and 'Livin la vida loca' by Donkey and Puss in Boots, the cherry on top.