Shrek 2

"Shrek 2" is the first must-see movie of the summer.

Is it as good as the first? No, but it does come pretty close. And yes, Mikey, not only is it safe to take young Grace to see it, but you'll enjoy it just as much if not more.

Shrek (Mike Myers) and Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz), both in ogre form, have had a wonderful honeymoon and return home for the first time as husband and wife. Before they even have a chance to unpack, the Princess is summoned home to introduce Shrek to her parents, King Harold (John Cleese) and Queen Lillian (Julie Andrews). After their first newlywed argument over whether or not to go, the couple, accompanied by Donkey (Eddie Murphy -- even funnier this time), head off to the Kingdom of Far, Far Away. Everyone there is shocked to discover that not only has the Princess married an ogre, but that she is one as well.

Nothing goes well for Shrek in Far, Far Away. Fairy Godmother quickly becomes the nemesis, as she had always intended for her son, Prince Charming, to marry Fiona. She does everything she can to split the pair up in order to get Charming with the Princess, even blackmailing the King. He ends up hiring hit man Puss in Boots (wonderfully voiced by Antonio Banderas), who eventually becomes pals with Shrek, and competition to Donkey.

After a slow start, "Shrek 2" begins to find its pacing when Puss joins forces with Shrek, and completely redeems any disappointment with a hilarious final 30 minutes. Donkey and Puss provide the biggest laughs, with help from Pinocchio and the Gingerbread Man. References, innuendo and homage are scattered throughout the film, giving you even more reason to see it a second time. And it is worth seeing a second time.

"Shrek 2" is rated PG for some crude humor and a minor substance reference (in a laugh-out-loud scene) with a running time of 93 minutes.