Can't Decide

[blahflowers]

So, are Shrek and Shrek 2 good films because they tell girls they don't have to be thin and perfect to be happy or bad ones because there's still the assumption made that fat = ugly and Fairy Godmother comfort eats (though to be fair there are just the few mentions of this)?

(On another note, having finally got round to watching Shrek 2 I was surprised how anglophile it is. Or is Ever Fallen In Love With Someone (You Shouldn't Have Fallen in Love With)? a really big hit in the States? How many Americans know who Jonathan Ross is?)

Comments

[choctaw-ridge.livejournal.com]

Jonathan Ross only featured in the Brit version. Larry King played that role in the US version.

[blahflowers.livejournal.com]

Ah, I see.

[cherielabombe.livejournal.com]

How do you know this?

[blahflowers.livejournal.com]

Because it was actually mentioned at the time the film came out. Only I've numbed my brane with alcolyhol and choctaw_ridge is a smart medically person.

[choctaw-ridge.livejournal.com]

I know this because I am an ogre myself and therefore very familiar with all matters Shrek.

[jackfear.livejournal.com]

The question as phrased is faulty; the films should not be considered together, and I would venture that Shrek 2 should not be considered at all.

Shrek is a perfectly decent little film, if too knowing by half. Shrek 2 is an abominable conglomeration of cheap popcult references and muddled messages, a flimsy cash-in reeking of compromise, brimstone, and the tall Yanqui dollar.

Toy Story 2, on the other hand, is the rare sequel (and even rarer animated sequel) that's actually better than the original.

[cherielabombe.livejournal.com]

Personally I thought both Shrek 1 and Shrek 2 were both overhyped and overrated.

Personally I think Shrek sends mixed messages. On the one hand, it's saying be who you are and be proud of that, which is A Good Thing, I'm sure we can agree. On the other hand, it also sends the message that if you are "fat" and "dumpy" as the princess is, you may be loved if your inside is beautiful. It's not that Shrek thinks that look is hot. He loves her in spite of looking as she does. So the message that Thin + Blonde = Beautiful still stands.

Those movies, IMHO think they are a lot smarter than they actually are.