Loveable ogres return in sequel

I'll be the first to admit I am not one for sequels. So perhaps it was my low expectations for the film that led me to absolutely love "Shrek 2." With its funny quips and quirky jabs at Hollywood, this film kept me entertained through its entirety.\nThe movie picks up during the honeymoon of Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers) and Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz). The blissful ogre couple returns to their swampland home only to find out Fiona's parents, the King (John Cleese) and Queen (Julie Andrews) of Far Far Away Land, are throwing a royal ball they must attend. This presents an awkward situation for the newlyweds. Fiona is supposed to be married to the ever-so-dapper Prince Charming (Rupert Everett) and is no longer supposed to be an ogre. So you can imagine how pleased Fiona's parents are when she steps out of the carriage in Far Far Away Land (a cutesy spoof of Hollywood) with Shrek instead of Prince Charming.\nIn typical "Meet the Parents" style, Shrek makes an awful first impression and is forced to go to extreme limits to please his father-in-law. Donkey (Eddie Murphy) returns for the adventure and supplies one-liner comic relief that never seems to get old. \nThe new characters that appear throughout the film are just as clever and creative as the original cast. Antonio Banderes supplies the voice for Puss In Boots, the feisty feline assassin who comes to the aid of Shrek. And what fairytale-esque story would be complete without the Fairy Godmother. Jennifer Saunders of "Absolutely Fabulous" provides the perfect voice for the not-so-perfect Fairy Godmother.\nThe DVD release of Shrek 2 comes with great bonus features, including over 20 interactive games and a parody of the hit show 'American Idol'.\nDon't be discouraged by the wrap of a sequel. "Shrek 2" provides over an hour of laughs, which is the perfect short escape with the upcoming stresses of finals and the end of the semester.