PG
DreamWorks Home Entertainment

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds...” Romans 12:2

Introduction

Shrek 2, the sequel to the 2001 animated movie hit, picks up where the original left off with the marriage of the ogre Shrek and Princess Fiona. The two newlyweds are enjoying their honeymoon when Fiona’s parents summon them to her home land of Far Far Away for a wedding celebration. Shrek fears his in-laws will not accept him because he is an ogre. Furthermore, unbeknownst to the king and queen, their daughter has taken the shape of an ogre as well (this is where the first Shrek movie left off).

During their time in Far Far Away, Shrek and Fiona’s relationship becomes strained. Fiona’s father is plotting to get rid of Shrek and get Fiona to marry Prince Charming. Fiona works to show her father the true virtues of her husband and justify her decision to “take love’s true form” as an ogre. Meanwhile, Shrek deals with inadequacy issues and struggles to be accepted. He acquires a potion that makes both of them more physically beautiful. However, Fiona is tricked into thinking that Prince Charming is actually the transformed Shrek before he can find her. Once the hoax is exposed (through a dramatic turn of events), she finally meets the “handsome” Shrek. Fiona is confronted with a decision: remain physically beautiful or resume their true form as ogres. In the end, she chooses for them to “live happily ever after with the ogre I married.”

Shrek 2 is full of pop culture references and situational comedy that should keep junior and senior high youth entertained and engaged. The movie’s running time is just over 80 minutes, which makes it easy to view and discuss in a two-hour youth group setting.

Discussion topics

The central theme of this movie has to do with relationships. This should resonate with young people, who are constantly working in relationship with friends, parents, and boy/girlfriends.

Dating relationships

 Adolescent youth are often consumed by dating relationships. There are different designations for this, such as “going out,” “going steady,” “seeing each other,” “boyfriend and girlfriend,” “exclusively dating,” and many others. However, they all have to do with being in some sort of dating relationship. Though Shrek and Fiona are married, we see them struggle with many of the same issues that youth face while dating.

Discussion questions

• How important is it for people in your school to be dating someone?
• How important is it for you to be dating?
• Is it difficult to be yourself on a date? Why or why not?
• Name the terms that people use for “dating.” What’s the difference between them?

What does the Bible say?

Young people often enter into dating relationships in a search for love and acceptance. Take a look at 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 to explore what it is that people of all ages should be looking for when they search for love. These verses are commonly used in weddings to remind everyone (not just the bride and groom) what love is all about.

Activity suggestion

1. Divide the group into males and females. If possible, have at least one same-gender adult in each group.
2. Each group should come up with two lists. The first list is “Things I look for in a person I’d like to date.” The second list is “Things I like to do on a date.”
3. Bring the two groups back together to share the lists. This will help young people become more aware of the similarities and differences between how men and women view dating relationships.

At the end of the sharing, it’s important that young people hear that it’s important for them to be true to themselves in their dating relationships. The purpose of the activity is to increase their awareness of the other person… not to tell young people how they’re supposed to act. We are all created in God’s image and we shouldn’t be ashamed of whom we are; nor should we try to be like someone else to gain acceptance or love.

Friend relationships

The friendship that Shrek and Donkey share is an interesting one. Donkey is a loyal friend who always seems to be getting on Shrek’s nerves. Shrek obviously cares for Donkey, despite his lack of patience. Their friendship becomes a bit strained when Puss in Boots shows up and pledges his life and service to Shrek. Though this isn’t a major subplot, the moments in the movie where Donkey feels left out may open the door to talk about friendship, acceptance, and loneliness with your group.

Discussion questions

• What do you value in your relationships with your friends?
• Have you ever felt that you were in an unequal friendship (where one person was more invested in the friendship than the other)? What was it like?
• Do all of your friends like to hang out with each other? Is it awkward if they don’t? When do you prefer to spend time alone or apart?
• How does it feel to have a close friend who is dating someone? What are the challenges or difficulties in being a friend when you’re dating?

What does the Bible say?

• Colossians 3:12-17 (response to new life in Christ)
• Job 2:11-13 (Job’s three friends)
• Proverbs 17:17 (what a friend does)
• Proverbs 18:24 (true friendship)
• John 15:12-17 (Jesus’ words of friendship)

The Bible doesn’t offer many rules of friendship. However, it is clear that biblical understanding of a “friend” is directly linked to actions. Use these verses to discuss how important the actions and behaviors of friends are.

• How do you know if someone is your friend? Is it because of what they say or because of what they do?
• How painful is it when a friend says one thing and does another?
• How can you establish real trust with your friends?
• When do you find it difficult to be a friend to others?

Activity suggestion

1. Have the group develop two lists. The first is “Characteristics of a good friend.” The second is “Things that friends do that annoy me.”
2. Once the lists are up, give 2-4 minutes of silence for youth to reflect on how they see themselves acting in their relationships with friends. How are they acting as “good friends?” How are they “annoying?”
3. Once they’ve reflected on these things, ask them to create two more lists based on their personal reflections: 1) Ways in which they are a good friend, and 2) Ways they can be a better friend.

(Leader’s note: Check out Youth & Family Institute’s “Peer Ministry Curriculum” for more materials and activities to help youth learn how to interact with peers.)

Parent relationships

Young people often find that relating to their parents is one of the greatest stressors in their life. Trying to balance the need for parental approval and the need to be your own person is especially difficult for youth. Fiona struggled with this throughout the movie. She travels to her hometown to receive the blessing of her parents, but struggles when her father doesn’t accept Shrek (or the “new” Fiona).

Discussion questions

• How important is it for your parents to approve of your decisions and relationships?
• Does the opinion of your parents matter to you? Why?
• Do you think it’s easier or harder to relate to your parents as you get older? Why?

What does the Bible say?

• Exodus 20:12 (Fourth Commandment)
• Ephesians 6:1-4 (children and parents)
• Luke 2:41-52 (Jesus as a child)

Often times “honor” gets confused with “submission” in the understanding of the Fourth Commandment. The Ephesians verses indicate that both parents and children have responsibilities to each other. In Luke's story of Jesus as a boy we see him be obedient to both his heavenly Father (vs. 43) and his earthly parents (vs. 51).

Activity suggestion

Try role playing different scenarios that youth and parents find themselves in. Have someone play the role of “child” and someone play the role of “parent.” Sometimes it’s fun to invite adults to participate in this (although you may not want to invite the parents of the youth who are present). It can get really interesting if you ask an adult to play the role of “child” and a youth to play the role of “parent.” Write out some situations that might be relevant to your group and let them go at it. Encourage both “parent” and “child” to keep in mind the things that were discussed earlier. Here are a few examples to get you started:

• A new student has moved into your neighborhood. He or she dresses Goth, has multiple piercings, gets bad grades, and doesn’t talk much. You invite this person over to your house and become friends over time. Your parents aren’t so sure that this is the kind of person you should be spending time with.
• You have a 3.5 GPA, but you bring home all C’s on your report card. Your parents are upset, claiming that you’re not trying hard enough. You’ve had a busy semester with extra-curricular activities and are taking several college-prep courses.
• Your parents have set an 11:00pm curfew for you. All of your friends are able to stay out until at least midnight. You think your curfew should be extended so you can have a social life. Your parents think “nothing good can happen after 11:00.”

Afterwards, discuss appropriate ways to work through conflict with parents.

• What things may be influencing your parents’ decisions and perspectives?
• What things may be influencing your own decisions and perspectives?
• How can you come to an agreement, compromise, or consensus when conflicts arise?
• What values, perspectives, or blessings do you have in common with your parents?

Encourage youth to have open, honest, and regular communication with their parents, even when it’s really difficult to do. This is one of the best ways to “honor your father and mother,” grow in your family relationships, and keep things civil at home!

Revisit this conversation about relationships at other times throughout the year. Young people struggle daily with their relationships with parents and peers. Having regular discussions about how to handle various situations will give them tools to use in daily life.

Closing prayer

Pray for all the people that your group is in relationship with. If you have a close group, you can go around the room and have youth offer one person or relationship that they would like the group to pray for. Otherwise, something like this may work:

God of love, you call us to be in relationship with one another and with you. Help us to share your gifts of grace, compassion, and forgiveness with those we encounter. Give us the patience to be faithful as we walk with others here on earth. Amen