Shrek 2 > Shrek ?

“Shrek 2,” the much-anticipated sequel to the computer-animated mega blockbuster “Shrek” (2001), opens on June 18. The first movie, which raked in over a trillion won worldwide, was one of the most powerful challenges ever aimed at the myth of Hollywood. In the final scene, the “green ogre” Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers) and the “fat princess” Fiona (voiced by Cameron Diaz) reach a “happy ending” that at once dramatically subverts the “Disney myth,” which opens with “Once upon a time…” and ends with a sweet kiss between Prince Charming and the beautiful princess, and launches a scathing critique on the conventional association of happiness with beauty. Will “Shrek 2” inherit its predecessor’s delightful defiance?

“Shrek” < “Shrek 2”—

“Shrek 2” begins by condemning the love between Shrek and Fiona as “not meant to be.” According to the scenario cooked up by Fiona’s father (the king of Far, Far Away) and her fairy godmother, the kiss that would lift the curse on Fiona had been allotted to the Fairy Godmother’s son, the flagrantly gorgeous Prince Charming. The King calls the newlyweds—just returned from their honeymoon—back to the kingdom of Far, Far Away, while Fairy Godmother plots to unite Fiona with Charming and have the latter succeed to the throne.

Like its predecessor, “Shrek 2” is a fairly ambitious film. The love story between Shrek and Fiona has become a satire, and the ensuing chain-reaction of humor asks anew that troubled question: just what is true love? To this is added the tweaking of fantasy and fairy tales, which provides an ample source for side-splitting laughter.

The charm of “Shrek 2” lies in the “spot on” combination of potentially clashing elements, introduced with impeccable timing and proportion. The opening five minutes of the movie, for instance, entrances the audience by parodying “Hansel and Gretel,” “The Little Mermaid,” and “The Lord of the Rings,” among others, to the rousing beat of “Funky Town.”

Compared to “Shrek,” with its compact plot of Shrek vs. Lord Farquaad, the sequel boasts a more complex storyline and a diverse cast of characters. And Shrek wrestles with a far more human disposition and dilemma: he wants to be handsome, in order to make his beloved Fiona happy.

The most appealing character in “Shrek 2” is Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas), who is commissioned by the King to kill Shrek but betrays his mission by teaming up with him instead. Whereas Shrek’s faithful companion, Donkey, continues his incessant chatter in much the same fashion as he did in the first movie, Puss in Boots—a playful jab at Banderas’ own role as Zorro in “The Mask of Zorro”—is irresistible as a lethal assassin whose greatest weapon is his heartstring-tugging, awww-inspiring eyes.

“Shrek” > “Shrek 2”—

“Shrek 2” is just as fascinating as its predecessor. Nonetheless, it lacks the electrifying thrill that the first movie’s surprise subversive ending bestowed on its audience. Although the “show” is longer and stronger, with scene after scene delivering witty lines, hilarious parody, and great music, there is no shocking overturning of expectations waiting at its end.

Of course, there is the final discovery of the King’s secret motivation for hating Shrek. But as “big reveals” go, this one is rather medium-sized. Dampened by a stronger emphasis on traditional themes—such as love, and personal sacrifice for the sake of the family—the sequel hardly recalls the refreshing delight of the original, which tore the traditional book of fairy tales to shreds and unceremoniously stuffed the pieces in the trash.

Find the Hidden Pictures—

Who is the stud pictured in the poster hanging in Princess Fiona’s childhood bedroom? It’s “Sir” Justin Timberlake, the American pop star and idol to millions of would-be Mrs. Charmings around the world. He’s also the real-life boyfriend of Cameron Diaz, who provides the voice for Fiona. An inspired stroke indeed.

“Shrek 2” is chock full of such film and pop culture references, as if proving the maxim, “You see only what you know.” In contrast to the original, which aimed most of its satire at Disney, the sequel broadens its field of attack to include not only Hollywood but also the entire world. The famous “Hollywood” sign in L.A. is replaced by a sign announcing the kingdom of “Far, Far Away.” The movie also features a walk down the red carpet à la Oscar night, a somewhat risqué lie told by Pinocchio, and an action sequence lifted right out of “Mission Impossible.” For an added challenge, try to spot a voice cameo by Larry King, from CNN’s “Larry King Live.” Rated G for general audiences.

Gab-Sik Kim dunanworld@donga.com