Today’s Prayer Focus
MOVIE REVIEW

Shrek 2
also known as “Shrek 2 - Der tollkühne Held kehrt zurück,” “Srek 2,” “Srekas 2,” “Šrek 2”

MPA Rating: PG-Rating (MPA) for some crude humor, a brief substance reference and some suggestive content.

Reviewed by: Brett Willis
STAFF WRITER

Moral Rating: Average
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience: Kids and Family
Genre: Animation Fantasy Comedy Action Adventure Kids Family
Length: 1 hr. 33 min.
Year of Release: 2004
USA Release: May 18, 2004
Copyright, DreamWorks Pictures Copyright, DreamWorks Pictures Copyright, DreamWorks Pictures Copyright, DreamWorks Pictures
Relevant Issues
Copyright, DreamWorks Pictures

Learn about dragons in the Bible

Reviews of other films in this series

Shrek (2001)

Shrek the Third (2007)

Shrek Forever After (2010)

About homosexuality

What does the Bible really say about homosexuality? Answer

Are homosexual and heterosexual relationships equally valid? Answer

What about gays needs to change? Answer (It may not be what you think.)

What should be the attitude of the church toward homosexuals and homosexuality? Answer

Fun for kids
click for Kid Explorers
Adventures in the rainforest! Learn about the Creator of the universe by exploring His marvelous creation. Fun for the whole family with games, activities, stories, answers to children’s questions, color pages, and more! One of the Web’s first and most popular Christian Web sites for children. Nonprofit, evangelical, nondenominational.
Copyright, DreamWorks Pictures Copyright, DreamWorks Pictures Copyright, DreamWorks Pictures Copyright, DreamWorks Pictures
Featuring Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas, Jennifer Saunders
Director Conrad Vernon, Kelly Asbury
Producer Jeffrey Katzenberg, Aron Warner
Distributor Distributor: Dreamworks. Trademark logo.DreamWorks Pictures, aka DreamWorks Studios, a production label of Amblin Partners

Prequel: “Shrek” (2001)
Sequels: “Shrek the Third” (2007), “Shrek Forever After” (2010)

This follow-up to the quirky breakaway hit “Shrek” is pretty much what we’d expect a big-budget sequel to be. Financially safe, low-risk. The familiar characters and themes are reprised, and a few new characters and twists are added.

A “Prince Charming” invades the Dragon’s castle, intending to rescue Princess Fiona. But he finds that she’s already been rescued by Shrek. Fiona’s parents, the King and Queen of “Far, Far Away,” set up a wedding gala for her, on the assumption that she DID marry Prince Charming.

Meanwhile, Shrek and Fiona are smooching and enjoying their honeymoon. In one of many sight gags based on other movies, they lie down and kiss as the surf washes over them, reminiscent of “From Here to Eternity.” But when the wave recedes, who’s on top of Shrek but… a mermaid. Has Fiona undergone another transformation? Nope, she was temporarily displaced. But she steps in, picks up the “hussy” mermaid and tosses her back into the ocean.

Our central characters seem like a perfect, happy Ogre couple, except that Fiona intends to accept her parents’ invitation while Shrek has a bad feeling about it and wants nothing to do with it. Ah, yes, in-law problems. And Shrek’s instincts are right on the money. There’s a lot more here than meets the eye. Fiona’s father, her Fairy Godmother, and her Prince Charming are all hiding something from her.

The story and characters are engaging, the voices are right on, and the graphics throughout are as stunning as a CGI sequence in a live action film.

LANGUAGE AND IMAGERY: The practice of spoofing films and media figures, popularized in the first installment, continues. There were too many satirical references to keep track of. But among them were a mock chest-bursting scene (“Alien”); a giant Gingerbread Man monster, very like the giant Sta-Puft Marshmallow Man monster in “Ghostbusters;” a dance routine and “watering” scene stolen from “Flashdance;” a Puss-N-Boots character who steals the “I hate Mondays” line from the comic strip cat Garfield; and even a reference to the “White Bronco” O.J. Simpson police chase.

The one-liners, too, come thick and fast at times. Almost as rapid-fire as in “Rocky and Bullwinkle.” Some segments are so crammed with humor that the average viewer can’t possibly “catch” everything. Perhaps that’s intended as an inducement to see the film a second time, or to buy the video or DVD later. Some of the language and humor is inappropriate for children. One of the magic potions in the Fairy Godmother’s stockpile is “Toadstool Softener” (or is it “Toad Stool Softener”?). There are some strong insults, some bodily function references and gags, a few vague sexual references and some crotch-kicking sight gags.

VIOLENCE: As in the first film, one evil character is killed. “Prince Charming” is a semi-evil character; he takes some blows and doesn’t manage to steal the Princess away from Shrek, but he’s allowed to live. Another semi-evil character (who at one point plots to have Shrek killed) undergoes a supernatural transformation, in addition to having an epiphany and change of heart about his evil deeds. The cartoon violence is the same style as, but probably less in quantity than, the original.

SEXUAL CONTENT AND NUDITY: Shrek and Fiona are shown “necking” as newlyweds. Some female characters show a bit of cleavage or act sensual. There’s a sequence where Shrek is turned into a human, and three milkmaids try to get their hands on him and voice some strongly-worded innuendoes.

Pinocchio is presented as secretly wearing women’s panties and is seen doing a Michael Jackson-style crotch-grab dance move.

The core theme of these films, that Ogres should be, but aren’t being, fully accepted for who they are, is, of course, a thinly-disguised sermon on racial tolerance.

OTHER CONTENT: There’s, of course, the “magick” theme. The transformations of Shrek, Fiona and other characters from human to nonhuman are accomplished by spells and potions. There’s also a potion that, once taken, will make Fiona fall in love with the first man she kisses. In the world of fairy-tales, magick is morally neutral; it’s only the person wielding the magick powers that’s good or bad. But the Bible clearly condemns the use of sorcery, witchcraft and “curious arts” as being an unauthorized substitute to seeking God for help with one’s problems and questions.

There’s some implied drinking of alcoholic beverages. And in a mock drug reference, Puss-N-Boots is busted for possessing an envelope of catnip while protesting “It’s not mine.”

POSITIVE CONTENT: There are practical lessons about how when you marry someone, you actually “marry” that person’s entire family. Shrek and Fiona try very hard to get along with her parents. But if push comes to shove, their marriage itself is more important than the extended family, which is as it should be. At one point, Shrek does consider “bowing out” of the marriage, in the mistaken notion that that would be better for Fiona. But ultimately, Skrek and Fiona both put everything on the line to SAVE their marriage, accept each other for exactly what they are, and expect others to either do the same or buzz off. And some characters acknowledge that their unkind actions toward others were wrong.

The ending? It’s what you’d expect. The ending of the first film was Politically Correct but “satisfying.” So, after a lot of trials, Shrek and Fiona are finally restored to pretty much their same state as at the end of the first film. True love wins out, you know. And, if the sequel bucks are there, it has to keep winning out over and over again.

Violence: Moderate / Profanity: Mild / Sex/Nudity: Mild


Viewer CommentsSend your comments
Positive
Positive—This was our “end of the school year” outing for our group of 14, including 8 to 12 year olds. The animation is great, the music was super (less objectionable than the first Shrek), and the storyline interesting. There were many laugh-out-loud parts, particularly with Puss in Boots.

There were the typical flatulence jokes, but this movie is for kids, and we all know that bodily functions are hilarious to them. In my opinion, there were far fewer questionable elements than the first Shrek, which I didn’t even buy for my kids, because I didn’t want them to watch it repeatedly. There were lots of pop culture references for the adults (the white bronco chase, Starbucks) to enjoy, also.

We plan to see it again to catch all the things we missed the first time. Overall, I would recommend this film.
My Ratings: [Better than Average/5]
Michelle, age 36
Positive—Great! Loved it just as much as the first one! Be aware of taking very young children, as there’s a few questionable scenes, but for the most part, it’s a wonderful date movie. To make everyone aware, I had a feeling in some areas that they were promoting homosexuality and/or crossdressing. So just be on guard. Overall, though, it was very clean and VERY humorous! Enjoy.
My Ratings: [Better than Average/4½]
Amy, age 32
Positive—This movie was much better than I expected it to be. Animated movies are rarely among my favorites, but as a big fan of first Shrek movie (for its satirical humor and spoofs, among other things), I decided to see this on opening day. I haven’t decided yet if it is better than the first movie, but if not, it’s pretty close to it. There is an abundance of hilarious spoofs and jokes.

The overall storyline and worldview is also commendable because it conveys the concept (once again) that inward character matters more than outward appearance, and that true love transcends other people’s opinions and criticisms.See all »
My Ratings: [Better than Average/4]
Paul, age 21
Positive—My husband and I watched the movie last night. Overall, I thought it was a great movie, funny for both children and adults. yes, there were a few things (Pinocio wearing a thong… the ugly stepsister), most would go over a childs head, however, if it makes you feel better talk to them afterwards and see what they got from it.
My Ratings: [Better than Average/4½]
KC, age 23
Positive—Overall, I found the movie to be quite enjoyable. The plot was just as clever and workable as the first movie. Likewise, I laughed as much in the sequel is in the first movie. On the downside, some of the humor is very worldly—such as one of the fairytale characters being a transvestite, the discovery of Pinnochio wearing female underclothing, Puss-in-Boots caught in possession of catnip (treated as a drug bust), and during the end song Pinnochio imitates Michael Jackson dancing to include Jackson’s characteristic objectionable movement. Note that these are brief inclusions and do not constitute the whole film.

The movie also contains a lot of humor that will be over the heads of the younger crowd. The fairytale references in this movie are more along the lines of corny than of creative the way they were in the first movie.

On the upside, the movie displays depth of character, sacrificial love, and redemption. Oh, and Shrek—good job at remaining faithful and resisting temptation!

It is unfortunate that children’s movies these days are being inundated with sexual themes; likewise unfortunately, sexual themes have so permeated out society that avoiding a movie like this for those won’t guarantee protecting your children from such things. Parents, if you decide not to allow your children to see this film for the objectionable qualities, please fail not to teach them the truth of such matters, as these things are popping up everywhere, even from classmates at school. If you decide to allow your children to see the film, please take the time to discuss these things from the film with your children and teach them the truth and how they should regard it.
My Ratings: [Better than Average/4½]
Deanna Marquart, age 33
Positive—I read through these viewer comments, and though I do agree there were several areas in which Dreamworks “pushed the envelope” so to speak, with this movie… I have to speak up about the continued references to the bartender. In the beginning of that scene’s introduction, they call the bartender the “ugly stepsister.” It was never otherwise stated and I honestly believe that they were trying to make her be ugly and as unfeminine as possible… on that note I also do not think the prince was portrayed as homosexual. I think he was portrayed as an arrogant, pretty boy… and the ugly stepsister, in the end, jumping on him was true to the story of Cinderella (in which the ugly step sister originated…). The ugly stepsisters were always “after” Prince Charming.
My Ratings: [Average/4]
Chris Wagner, age 30
Positive—I LOVED this movie! I thought it was quite funny, and had a deeper plotline than the first. I don’t get why everyone’s so offended by the bartender. I know that homosexuality and crossdressing are wrong and unbiblical, but the bartender character is FEMALE! She’s supposed to be Cinderella’s ugly stepsister, they just gave her such a masculine appearance and voice to make her seem extra ugly and undesirable. The various subtle adult jokes in it (The Starbucks part near the end, the entire scene involving “Knights”) were hysterical. The voice work, especially from Mike Myers as Shrek and Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots (a wonderful new character), was great. Also, I found the film’s climax scene to be downright thrilling, as Shrek and his friends race to the castle. Throughout that part, I kept thinking to myself, “Go, Shrek, go!” On the subject of the climax scene, when one of Shrek’s friends (I won’t mention which one) is bravely willing to stay behind to fight off the guards, I was reminded of what Jesus said in John 15:13. This was a truly terrific film, I’m glad I went, and I recommend it to everyone!
My Ratings: [Better than Average/4½]
Adam, age 20
Positive—I just want to point out that there was no gay character in this film. The bartender is the story book Ugly Step Sister. Get it? Looks masculine and sounds like a man, which is ugly in a woman? Prince Charming is also clearly straight, and his preoccupation with his appearance are simply unattractive traits in a man. Thus, what is attractive about him to Fiona?
My Ratings: [Good/5]
Ed Tarlington, age 34
Positive—I really enjoyed this movie, my girlfriend and I saw it, and although we both agree that the first Shrek was better, with a better story, we loved “Shrek 2.” The animation and special effects were simply superb, and we enjoyed the reference to Garfield the cat, “I hate Mondays.” I would recommend this movie to all my friends.
My Ratings: [Better than Average/4]
Jack Jensen
Positive—This film was laugh out loud funny! My husband, my son and I all enjoyed the movie!!
My Ratings: [Better than Average/4½]
Tiffany Fenton, age 23
Positive—I think there are some points of the movie that were misconstrued by some of its viewers. For example, the bartender was supposed to be a woman, not a gay man. She was “the ugly step-sister” (from Cinderella obviously) thus the guy appearance. And I honestly don’t think that Prince Charming was meant to appear gay. He messed with his hair and used lip gloss because he was vain, not gay.

As for the kissing between Shrek and Fiona, they’re married. I don’t think there’s any point in telling children that married people don’t kiss on their honeymoon, that’s not true. Overall, I thought the movie was very good, most of the sexual references were light and would go over the head of a young child anyway. Leaving its older viewers to have a little laugh.
My Ratings: [Better than Average/4½]
Heather Jo
Positive—…one of the best movies I’ve seen in a while. Personally, I’d recommend it for ages 13+, because it’s easier to discuss topics such as over-the-top feminine men, and very masculine women with teens… Overall, “Shrek 2” might even surpass the original and is a great movie for families with older, mature kids to see this summer.
My Ratings: [Better than Average/4½]
Christa
Positive—A lot of fun! “Shrek 2” is witty, amusing and entertaining. Parody for adults; and gags for kids. After reading about all of the sexual innuendo, I was on guard. Yes, it is there and not necessary, but the adult humour here is not going to corrupt children (try “Austin Powers” for that). The offenses are like the rest of the humour in “Shrek 2” being part of a nonstop barrage of jokes each not lasting more than a moment. I didn’t find it insidious. My 9 year old nephew enjoyed the film and didn’t find it overly offensive either. “Shrek 2” isn’t perfect, but it outdoes most sequels.
My Ratings: [Average/4]
Todd Adams, age 36
Positive—Overall, I found “Shrek 2” to be an extremely enjoyable movie experience. The multitude of references to pop culture and movies had me laughing hysterically at a few points, and the part where the trumpeter begins playing the theme from Rocky literally had me falling out of my chair with laughter. Unfortunately, the level of humor wasn’t retained throughout the entire movie, and there was a few points in the movie when I found myself wondering when I would be able to laugh again.

I’d also like to state that it didn’t even cross my mind that the Ugly Stepsister could be a crossdresser, or that Prince Charming could be gay… I thought it was fairly obvious that the Ugly Stepsister was in-character with the fairy tale, and that Prince Charming was just a pretty-boy with a bit of a feminine side… I know plenty of guys like that who are most definitely not homosexual. Overall, I found “Shrek 2” to be an enjoyable, funny experience. I’m not sure if it was quite up to the level of the first one, but I definitely enjoyed it.

There may be a few too many innuendos for the liking of parents with small children, but I think that would be a matter that should be decided by the parents.
My Ratings: [Better than Average/5]
Jason, age 19
Positive—I think there is a dichotomic audience intended for this film. The comedic level of appreciation for a child is going to be different from that of an adult. To create a film that can speak on two levels at once is a highly creative and ingenius, and the creators of “Shrek 2” have done just that. To be sure, some innuendos aren’t as “innocent,” and thus are objectionable; but overall, the “adult themes” and the “child themes” have enough disparity that children shouldn’t be morally harmed in any serious way.
My Ratings: [Average/4½]
Doug Stuart, age 23
Positive—“Shrek 2” takes up where Shrek left off—the honeymoon after the wedding. Only this time there’s a new character—an adorable kitty named Puss in Boots. Shrek2 is funny. Really, really funny. My boyfriend and I laughed through nearly the entire movie. But it does have it’s faults. Pinocchio wears women’s underwear. Shrek and Fiona hot-tub together. There are many other scattered innuendos that may not please all parents. It was very funny and I will probably go see it again. But I wouldn’t take my little kids to see it—if I had any, that is.
My Ratings: [Average/4]
Dana B.
Positive—I felt the movie was a light-hearted spoof of fairy tales, modern pop-culture icons, and quite a few movies. To note the positive, there is minimal foul language, the institution of marriage is honored, and the main characters eventually reject the “power” of magic. However, there was some “bathroom” humor that would not be appropriate for small children. There was some sexual innuendo too, but I would disagree with those who saw homosexual overtones. Prince Charming is portrayed as a “metrosexual” person, or a heterosexual male overly concerned about outward appearances.

He expressed disgust on arriving at the castle and instead of finding the lovely Princess Fiona, he found, “a gender-confused wolf,” from the “Little Red Riding Hood” fairy tale. Also, he is portrayed at the end falling for the “ugly stepsister” who happens to have some masculine qualities, but is most definitely a woman. The wearing of woman’s underpants by a man is displayed as being abnormal, too.

Most of the other innuendo is depicted in the context of a married couple doing what married couples should do (see 1 Corinthians 7:3). While we didn’t necessarily have to see it, we never really saw much more than a couple rolling around and kissing on a beach. Overall, I would say this is good entertainment for adults and children over 10. I would hesitate taking younger children to this movie, though.
My Ratings: [Better than Average/4]
Tom, age 33
Positive—Some others here have already pointed out that the ugly sister bartender, although voiced by a man, is actually a woman. Some of the story’s treatment could be read as a slap at homosexuality: if Prince Charming really were a sodomite, this would imply that homosexuals are, as some have suggested for a long time, generally immature and narcissistic. Either way, the film is never too heavy-handed about anything, and we should be careful not to read too much into it.

That said, I’m surprised that so few reviewers have picked up on how wisely and cleverly “Shrek 2” handles the subject of magic. Storybook magic is usually harmlessly metaphorical, and this film treats it as such where appropriate. Still, there’s definitely something perverse about the very idea of a spell or potion that could force people to fall in love with each other, and the film offers a very strong, if subtle, condemnation of this witchcraft. The Fairy Godmother is properly identified as the villain. Like real-life sorcerers, she’s a cruel and manipulative tyrant who uses her magic and potions to get power over others. We see that she uses her magic to dominate and oppress various individuals (her son Prince Charming, the King, and the workers at her factory) and manipulate all of society (such that she’s the belle of any ball).

Like any true Satanist, she seeks power for its own sake. In view of this, this movie is, if not a full antidote, very good medicine against the likes of Harry Potter. Moreover, this film gets in a lot of good licks at Hollywood, Beverly Hills, the celebrities in general, and Disney, all of which needed a good poke in the ribs. I fully recommend “Shrek 2” to anyone, even the children.
My Ratings: [Better than Average/4½]
Loren Meyer, age 25
Neutral
Neutral—I am a Christian, and although I consider myself a conservative, I do live in the real world and let my children live in it too to a certain extent. However, I was somewhat offended by “Shrek 2.” Yes, the graphics were wonderful, and the story line was not that bad, but I had a problem with a lot of the sexual comments and gestures. The very first scene shows the couple “rolling around” on the beach—when a wave comes up, a mermaid is then lying on top of Shrek kissing him. From then on, it just got worse.

Besides all the other things that have already been mentioned, the “LUST” potion the Fairy God Mother was mixing as well as her sexual singing debut on the piano and a comment made by Puss the cat towards the end of the movie I thought could have been construed to be a homosexual comment were offensive to me. Cartoons should be cartoons FOR KIDS. I think all the adults enjoy the “adult humor” on the side a little bit, but I thought this was a little much.

Every one keeps saying don’t let your young children see this, but in my opinion, I’m not worried about my 4 year old (he won’t grasp 95% of all that was mentioned) but I can’t wait until my almost 9 year old asks me what LUST means! They could have left SEVERAL things out and it would have been a great movie.
My Ratings: [Average/2]
Christy, age 33
Neutral—I really enjoyed this film, but did not like all the sexual innuendoes. What gives, Dreamworks? I love it when movies sneak in little jokes for the adults, but they don’t need to be sexual to be funny. Unlike some of you, I did not perceive Prince Charming as gay, and I just wasn’t sure about the ugly stepsister. I took my kids to this film before I read your Web site, because I assumed it would be relatively wholesome, and wish I had prepared them in advance.
My Ratings: [Average/4½]
Jennifer A. Bowers, age 47
NeutralThe sexual innuendoes are rampant in this film, however, most of the time, it will go over the heads of the kids in the movie theater. The implication of a gender-confused wolf shouldn’t have been in there because we all know the REAL reason why the wolf was wearing a woman’s nightgown and cap (see “Little Red Riding Hood” for more details). Still, I couldn’t help but laugh at all the pop culture references (Farbucks) and movie spoofs (Lord of the Rings, Flashdance to name a couple). It’s not as good as the original, but still good.
My Ratings: [Average/4]
Neutral—Well produced movie! I will say that this is more of an adult rather than children’s movie, however. This movie tends to lampoon our culture and current movies. I felt there was no assault on my Christian beliefs. It was fun and entertainment for adults and teens and not necessarily for children as most of the humor is over their heads.
My Ratings: [Average/5]
Ralph de Leon, age 47
Negative
Negative—I went to see this movie to see why it was so popular. From a Christian perspective, it is really not a positive movie, except for the main thrust of the story, which is that true love conquers all. But the many negative, unappealing characters, steeped in today’s shallow, crude humor, detracted from whatever was positive in the movie, and I left feeling sad.

This is what today’s young people like so much? Not wholesome family entertainment, not in my book.
My Ratings: [Better than Average/4]
Negative—I took my family to see this today and was very disappointed. Overall, the story line was fine—it was good to see that ogres should be happy being ogres. Quite a bit of adult secular humor. There are several concepts which make the movie offensive—Pinochio is depicted wearing female underwear (thong), a tranvestite bartender, and several references to body parts (privates). I would not recommend this movie to anyone.
My Ratings: [Average/3½]
Kevin, age 43
Negative—I took my girls to see this today and was very disappointed. The graphics are incredible! However, it was a very uninteresting story line, and worse was it’s off color humor… Pinochio wearing women’s thong underwear and grabbing himself. These along with several other things made this not a good movie for me and my children. I felt bad for subjecting them to it, as a Christian. It was just worldiness that isn’t funny to me.
My Ratings: [Average/5]
K.D., age 29
Negative—I suppose we should be thankful to Hollywood for devoting resources to produce movies like Shrek I, undeniably superior to the usual garbage often referenced in movies like Cat in the Hat. But I was sadly disappointed with “Shrek II,” expecting far less adult worldly humour than was present in the sequel.

Though perhaps we should be grateful here too, for in the final analysis, Hollywood isn’t even trying to hide its true, non-conservative agenda anymore. Little doubt remains. At least the homosexual nods were good discussion points for my pre-teens after the movie. This will be one DVD release I won’t be allowing in my household. What a shame. What shame.
My Ratings: [Very Offensive/5]
Doug Lloyd, age 46
Negative—…This movie was trying to promote the homosexual agenda to young children as this movie was promoted as a “family film.” The Bartender is a Crossdresser who ends up making out with Prince Charming at the end of the movie. The Character Puss in Boots licks himself in a sexually explict ploy to bring up sexual content. The word “ass” was used when talking about the donkey in the movie.

Donkey also brought up adult themes. Pinochio nose grows as he is caught lying about wearing women’s underwear. He then states he is wearing womens thong. He also grabs his crotch as he acts out Micheal Jackson. The Fairy God Mother slapped a man’s butt and talks about having a “sexy man” when she is first introduced in the movie.

Shrek turns into a man, and he drops his pants. You might say: “Hey that part was funny” (I disagree). Several women think he is attractive and start rubbing him down; one even asks: “Where can I rub?” …I think its a shame to see so much sexual content in a movie marked “PG” or a family film. What is this world coming to?!?
My Ratings: [Extremely Offensive/1]
Kevin, age 30
Negative—I just have to comment on the large number of reviews that say, “It went over their heads.” Are we not getting it? It’s not about whether they *understand* the innuendo, it’s a spiritual thing… which is a much greater thing than “getting the joke.” We are dealing with weapons of the supernatural here. (Spirits of lust, homosexuality, divination, etc.) Something to consider when reviewing a movie and thinking these jokes “go over their heads.” (And, sometimes, they just don’t tell us when they get it, because they’re too embarrassed!)
My Ratings: [Average/4]
Gwyneth, age 36
Negative—I loved “Shrek,” but “Shrek 2” is really a lot worse, and I’m sorry I went. The audience for Shrek was kids, but “Shrek 2” was definitely adult. There was extensive fart and butt humor, and barrels of sexual innuendo. If you take your kids to see this expect some unexpected sexual content related questions, and some parental trust questions. The main father figure is shown as a traitor to his wife, and someone who sold his daughter for his crown. The child-character, Pinnochio, is shown as secretly wearing female undergarments. If you want your kids to get encouragement to be curious in that way then take them.

If you are a man who has made a covenant with his eyes, don’t go. This is standard Hollywood, no integrity. Marriage is portrayed to exist only for pleasure but not through pain. Monogamous commitment is presented as personal choice. Shrek kisses mermaids, and is suggestively accosted by stable girls.
My Ratings: [Very Offensive/2½]
Mike, age 30
Negative—We were terribly sorry to have brought our kids to see this film. The movie begins with Shrek and Fiona lying on top of each other making out at the beach. It moves on from there with the fairy godmother singing a song about a “sexy guy” and continues through a litany of things that would make a princess happy. I didn’t miss the phrase “a roll in the hay” as one of the things that the fairy godmother sings will make a princess happy. She ends the song by slapping her sexy guy on the behind.

The movie only gets worse from there. As already written by negative reviewers, the cross dressing bartender; Pinocchio admitting to wearing a woman’s thong and then crotch grabbing like Michael Jackson; Puss in Boots purring while licking his genitals; almost every word that came out of Donkey’s mouth all add up to make “Shrek 2” a family film disaster.

Additionally, the music was overdone and contrived, the story line was pretty weak, and the characters were uninteresting. If you have kids, don’t bother with this one. Too much post-mortem work to be done when the movie’s over. This film is not worth all the explanations it generates.
My Ratings: [Very Offensive/3]
Monica, age 41
Negative—I gave in and took my 6 yr old to this movie, mainly because he had been so inundated (brainwashed) with the constant advertising of this film. I also took my 11 and 13 yr old. What a mistake. I will never understand why Hollywood markets movies to children, yet totally forgets them in the story line, jokes, etc. “Shrek 2” was totally inappropriate and, without a doubt, pushing the acceptance of a homosexual agenda. (Anyone who says differently is in total denial.) I will NEVER take my children to another movie without researching it first!
My Ratings: [Very Offensive/4]
Donna, age 45
Negative—Too many immoral agendas in this movie vying for social acceptance: homosexuality, unfaithfulness, immorality, etc. Keep the kids home and entertain them yourself.
My Ratings: [Very Offensive/3½]
Francis Bacon, age 55
Negative—I was expecting a few crude bathroom jokes as it seems to be the number one way for Hollywood to get a cheap laugh these days, but things are much more sinisterly perverse in “Shrek 2”. I think that the homosexual agenda is definitely being advanced in the movie. There are way too many references to homosexuality and similar perversions in this film: men cross-dressing, men attracted to men, references to men’s “tight butts,” etc. I think that the goal is clearly to get children and parents relaxed about this type of disobedience to the Lord.

It cannot be overlooked that at least one of the “SKG” producers is a very public homosexual. It seems clear to me that this type of humor is aimed at disarming people, and alarmingly, it is achieving just that. Several Christians I spoke to loved the movie. They let down their guard so easily.

Parents, be warned, even if you think some of the material will go over your young childrens’ heads, the information will be stored in their brains, and it then becomes a subliminal influence. Your kids will process any acceptance of this film on your part as acceptance of homosexuality as well! You don’t feed your kids too many Twinkies, do you? Don’t feed them spiritual junk, either. I wish we checked the Christian reviews before we took our two kids to this film!…
My Ratings: [Very Offensive/4]
Sheryl, age 41
Negative—I was extremely disappointed with the crude jokes and inappropriate sexual innuendo in “Shrek 2”. I will not beat a dead horse. I think most of the offensive parts of the film have been thoroughly covered. I think all Christians would do well to remember the following Scripture when trying to decide whether or not to see “Shrek 2.”

Ephesians 5:4-7 (NLT) “Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead let there be thankfulness to God. You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is really an idolater who worships the things of this world. Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for terrible anger of God comes upon all those who disobey Him. Don’t participate in the things these people do.” Proverbs 4:23 “Above all else guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life.”
My Ratings: [Very Offensive/4]
Jill Litzinger, age 36
Negative—If you are trying to decide whether or not to take your child to see this movie, let me save you some time: Don’t. Granted, its not filled with the crude humor of a “Scary Movie” or the smut of an “American Pie,” but it is still a bad movie because of all of the subtleties that it contains. Had it not been directed towards kids, I would not have been so upset, but it is.

I went with my 6 year old son, and although many of the references went over his head, this movie and many others like it, serves as a means of desensitizing him to many issues that are relevant to the battle between the Christian and the world. Frankly, my six year old does not need to know what “lust” is (as printed on one of the bottles in the potion room), he does not need to know what “rolling in the hay” means (as sung by the fairy godmother), and he does not need to see a man dressed in woman’s clothing. Once he is a bit older, than he can see it and recognize it for its bad taste, but when he is that young he doesn’t need to be introduced to these concepts.

Again, had it not been directed towards children, it would be one thing, but because it is, I cannot say that I approve. Regardless of how much your kids whine, stand up for what you believe and protect them (at least for now) from these attacks on our beliefs.
My Ratings: [Average/3]
L. Gonzales, age 29
Negative—Too much gender confusion for my taste.
My Ratings: [Average/4]
Mary, age 41
Comments from young people
Positive—I did not find anything wrong with “Shrek 2,” mainly because I didn’t hunt for vulgar comments while watching it. I was actually shocked that many of my friends found it perverted. The few things that I did dislike were: Shrek and Fiona making out (but hey they were married, it would have been worse if they weren’t or were practicing adultery. Which they were not.

Most small children are “innocent” and don’t pick up perverted comments. They simply watch it for the story line. The fairy god mother does practice “magic” and has an awkward look lying across the piano, but notice that she is also the bad guy. It would have been bad if they were suggesting her to be behaving in a good manner. The same goes for prince charming, he acted dirty or gross he didn’t get Fiona to fall in love with him. That goes to show that looks don’t equal love.See all »
My Ratings: [Better than Average/4]
Maria Smith, age 15
Positive—I just want to point out that I think the “sexually confused wolf” was taken from the story Little Red Riding Hood where the wolf dressed as the grandmother. The Prince was not gay, why would he want to marry Fiona. He was a pretty boy. The “Sexually confused bartender” was the ugly stepsister, they even call her that. No character made reference to homosexuality. It was such a funny movie, the whole theater was laughing and it is really refreshing to see such a clean, funny movie. Also, Shrek 1 has PLENTY of sexual content (more subtle though).
My Ratings: [Good/5]
Lydia, age 18
Neutral—…some people need to lighten up just a tad. I do not view this movie as promoting the “homosexual agenda” in any way—the bartender was the UGLY stepsister, who just happened to look like a man for a gag. Also, I do not think there was any sort of incredible conspiracy level perversion in “puss in boots” cleaning himself. I can understand being offended a bit in the big jar of “lust” and Pinnochio wearing a thong. And yes, there were a few recognizable innuendos, but the other half of what would make it offensive must come from the viewer.
My Ratings: [Average/4]
Sherwood, age 18
Positive—This was better than the original. The storyline was fun, and I laughed throughout the entire movie! I would absolutely recommend this film, and I can’t wait to see it again!
My Ratings: [ Better than Average/4½]
Kelsey, age 17
Positive—This movie was great! Even though it was a little slow at the starting when then they tried to make it a little too funny. But then into the end it got too funny for words. I honestly started crying it was so funny! But there is some content in it that is funny, but bad. The cat in the movie does a Micheal Jackson crotch grab in the end song when the sing, but besides that it was a pretty funny film.
My Ratings: [Better than Average/5]
John Jr., age 15
Positive—“Shrek 2” was really good! I loved all the characters except the Fairy Godmother and Prince Charming, but everyone else was really good! My favorite character was Puss in Boots! I will recommend this movie to people who want a good laugh!
My Ratings: [Good/5]
Lindsay, age 12
Positive—“Shrek 2” was a great movie. I think it would be great for younger kids as well as older and adults. I didn’t find the parts other people thought was offensive very offensive because they were sort of bad but not much. I’d say people over 10 would actually get the humour. The part when Pinnochio was caught wearing a thong was probably one of the funniest parts in the movie.Puss in boots was caught with catnip in a little baggie, I don’t find that offensive at all because littler kids wouldn’t get that and older kids would but it wouldn’t be bad because they have to learn about drugs in school any way. Overall, I thought it was a really great movie. I would recommend this to the entire family…
My Ratings: [Better than Average/5]
Shmefer, age 12
Positive—…loved it! There were many laugh out loud parts especially during the Puss in Boots scene. There were few suggestive parts, and overall was a very appropriate movie for young kids…
My Ratings: [Better than Average/5]
Jenny Wilde, age 11
Positive—I saw this movie on my birthday and ALL my friends enjoyed… I enjoyed it too! I think that the transvestite bartender could have been left out but other than that I would say it’s a good movie!
My Ratings: [Average/4½]
Terry, age 13
Neutral—This film is an entertaining, family movie… I think its suitable for all people, but my opinion, as a Christian, is that my life shouldn’t be evolved to much around movies similar to “Shrek 2”. But “Shrek 2” was a fun filled, entertaining movie. I enjoyed it. I think it was much more entertaining than the first one.
My Ratings: [5]
Kailey, age 13
Positive—This movie is HILARIOUS. I was cracking up constantly. Yes, it has some bad stuff in it, like some sexual innuendo, a drug reference and Gay people, but I really liked it. The bad stuff really isn’t right up-front obvious. Little kids probably wouldn’t get a lot of it. There’s so many hidden things in it that you have to see it Shrek might have been a little better just because the whole concept was new and everything, but this one was very close to being just as good.
My Ratings: [Average/4]
Brittney, age 13
Positive—This movie was very funny, my younger sister would not be allowed to see it (shes 8) because she does not like kissing or anything like that. Some of the humor was adult humor but anyone 11 or older would get the jokes and find it very funny. There is a scene with Pinocchio wearing ladies underwear, but because of how they laid the joke out my friends and I laughed the hardest at that point. This was one of my favorite movies, I am going to try to buy it when it comes out! I think this would be good for kids 11 and older.
My Ratings: [Better than Average/3½]
Mia, age 12
Positive—This movie was so funny. “Shrek 2” is even better than the original. The movie was very clean. They threw in a little bit of everything and it totally worked. I’d give it two thumbs up.
My Ratings: [Good/5]
Ileana Ortiz, age 11
Positive—I LOVED this movie… I thought it was very cute, and hilariously funny. I saw the first one and didn’t like it too well… I just didn’t think it was that funny. But I LOVED the second one. Normally sequels aren’t as good as the originals but this was NOT the case this time. In my opinion this one was much better than the first one. Some parts might be objectionable to some families but for a 12-year-old girl like myself it is worth your money. I hope to take a group of my friends to see it again! It is a charming, sweet movie and it tells you that looks aren’t everything! Go See It!
My Ratings: [Good/4½]
Cara, age 13
Negative—I was appalled by this movie. Being a sixteen year-old high school student, going to a public school, it takes a lot to do that to me. I suppose the main reason my opinion of this movie is so bad is because I didn’t expect a PG movie to be so dirty. I was expecting some of the bathroom humor, but the thing with the puppet wearing a thong, the cross-dressing bartender, the fairy-godmother’s song about what a princess wants, I was shocked. I would never, ever take a sibling or kid I was babysitting who was younger than me to see this film. the film quality was good, the content was disgusting.
My Ratings: [Extremely Offensive/4]
coratheexplorer, age 16
Positive—…excellent. it was the funniest movie of the year. I found the Pinocchio thing with the girl underwear hilarious more than offensive. It was a little crude at parts but nothing little kids would get so I wouldn’t worry. I would recomend it to anyone that can take a couple fart jokes. I laughed till I cryed and was entertained throughout!
My Ratings: [Better than Average/5]
jordan, age 12
Positive—This movie was so funny! I went to see it for a field trip and the whole 6th grade loved it. I would recomend this movie for the whole family although some parts were pretty unsuitable(although, to the 6th grade, FUNNY!) for younger kids. Like, Pinnoccio doing the Micheal Jackson and wearing a thong. Also, Puss licking himself. I laughed SO hard I cried! It was great.
My Ratings: [Better than Average/5]
Sami, age 12
Negative—“Shrek 2” had great graphics and a pretty cool story line. I could have done without some of the more sexual scenes though there was nothing to serious. Some of the less appropriate content seemed to only be there for the sake of laughter like when Pheona and Shrek were kissing on the beach and Shrek ended up kissing a mermaid. This movie could really go either way, when it comes to negative and positive. Some content was funny and the movie itself looked pretty good but some comments like Pinocchio and the thong were not as appealing as other things. I was actually pretty disappointed with the movie in some respects I took my younger sisters (age 6 and 10) to see it thinking it would be a funny kids movie kinda like the first movie but in the end it was more or less for an older age not a 6 year who didn’t even know what a thong was.
My Ratings: [Better than Average/3½]
Britt, age 13
Negative—“Shrek 2” was not a good movie. There were scenes that was immoral and disgusting. Like how the puppet was wearing women’ thongs, and how he did the Michael Jackson dance by touching his private. There was a scene where there were these 3 women who want to rub Shrek’s body all over just because he changed from ogre to man. Also there was a man who was in woman clothes which is forbidden in the Bible to do and in the end of the story, the guy who was a crossdresser was kissing with Prince Charming. There were many other scenes that was immoral too. Those of you who are Christian parents, I suggest and recommend you do not see this movie neither your kids! Go see “Garfield” and “Two Brothers”…

It does not matter if these scenes will go over your kids heads. This movie is immoral.
My Ratings: [Very Offensive/4]
Kevin, age 13
Movie Critics
…I can’t help wondering why a movie so carefully targeted at young children includes a transvestite bartender, Pinocchio in women’s underwear and Donkey as a playboy…
Bob Waliszewski, Plugged In
…the sequel may outperform the original… The computer animation… has been visibly improved… the music is stronger…
Bill Muller, The Arizona Republic
…funny follow-up to an original work of genius…
Kirk Honeycutt, The Hollywood Reporter
…just as funny, sweet and engaging as the first film…
Claudia Puig, USA Today
…Sequel surpasses original in creativity, laughs… downright wonderful. It’s the best comedy of the year so far…
Paul Clinton, CNN
…the stunningly detailed computer animation is a quantum leap over the work in the original…
Lou Lumenick, New York Post
…hilarious and heartwarming…
Dave Larsen, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
…They kept the jokes clean, and the most “adult” joke in the movie is a three-second scene in which authorities catch Puss-in-Boots with a baggie of catnip and he hisses, “It’s not mine!”…
Associated Press