Whatever was wrong with “Shrek” - and there were more weaknesses than its beloved status would suggest - has been eradicated or improved with this rare example of a sequel that's better than the original. The computer-generated animation, which dazzled the first time in 2001, looks even better. But the most important change of all, and the most fundamental, is in the screenplay. While the “Shrek” script consisted of little more than a litany of pop culture references, many of which already felt stale, “Shrek 2” has a strong story line, with more fully developed characters. Several strong supporting roles and actors have been added to the already-solid lineup of returning vocal talent, led by Mike Myers as the lovable ogre, Shrek; Cameron Diaz as his bride, Fiona; and Eddie Murphy as his perpetually perky sidekick, Donkey. But Antonio Banderas steals the show as swordfighting cat named Puss-In-Boots. PG for some crude humor, a brief substance reference and some suggestive content. 93 min. Three and a half stars out of four.

SH1REK 2 (PG) at 2.30, 5.30, 7.30 and 9.30 p.m. today, 2.30 and 7.30 p.m. tomorrow and 7.30 and 9.30 p.m. on Monday. - The Liberty Theatre

WALKING TALL (PG13) at 7.30 p.m. only today and 2.30 p.m. only tomorrow, and LADY KILLERS (R) at 9.30 p.m. only today and 7.30 p.m. only tomorrow. Closed on Monday. - Neptune Theatre

“Troy” - Women. We make men do crazy things for love, like woo us away from our husbands and start wars that destroy entire nations. But we're worth it ... right?

Well, maybe we are if we look like Helen, she of the ship-launching face, played with delicate, beguiling beauty by Diane Kruger in this blockbuster.

Brad Pitt, the film's star, has always had a face that could set an armada or two in motion, but he's added to that a buffed body. As Achilles - the greatest warrior, like, ever - Pitt leads a tremendous supporting cast (including Eric Bana, Brendan Gleeson, Brian Cox and Peter O'Toole) through a giant, CliffsNotes version of “The Iliad.”

The film from director Wolfgang Petersen is enormous and awe-inspiring; visually, it's everything you'd want from this kind of epic. It's is too long, though, and it lacks narrative momentum, lurching from one battle to the next with some unconvincing romance in between. R for graphic violence and some sexuality/nudity. 140 min. Two and a half stars out of four.

TROY (R) at 2.30, 6.15 and 9.30 p.m. today, tomorrow and Monday. - Little Theatre