SHREK THE THIRD
It's Easy Being Green, But Not Royal Or Fatherly
The PopcornReel.com Movie Review: "Shrek The Third"
By Omar P.L. Moore/May 18, 2007
Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves (and their men): The
Avengers of Far Far Away defend their land from enemies foreign and domestic
while striking a Charlie's Angels pose (led by "Charlie's Angel" Cameron Diaz,
pictured here in the center as Fiona, whom she voices), in Chris Miller's "Shrek
The Third", which opens today in the U.S. and Canada and is distributed by
Dreamworks Animation. (Photo: Dreamworks Animation LLC)
"Shrek The Third" is easy to fall in love with, and in this
third go-around, the film is more cute than funny, more endearing than
excellent, but very enjoyable nonetheless. Having not seen either of the
first two films (the second of which made over $440 million in the U.S. alone)
this reviewer can say that on its own, "Shrek The Third" is a delight.
Those who have seen the first two may well have fallen into the category of
jaded.
The principal story information of note is that in this installment, Shrek
(voiced by Mike Myers once again) has been anointed king of Far Far Away, but
reluctantly he accepts the challenge. His comrades in arms, trusty Donkey
(Eddie Murphy) and ever-faithful Puss In Boots (Antonio Banderas) gird him to
face life as a father after Fiona (Cameron Diaz) discloses news of her
baby-in-waiting to her ogre husband. Shrek doesn't fall in love with the
news; his nightmares about little baby shreks running wild paralyze him.
Meanwhile, the sanctity of Far Far Away is threatened by the greedy ambitions of
Prince Charming (Rupert Everett) who vows to become King Charming, His Royal
Highness of Far Far Away. Shrek has to convince Fiona's underpar and
unmotivated cousin Artie (Justin Timberlake) to take the royal mantle and
relieve him of the ignominy of being an ogre king. These story threads are
bare and elementary, but how deep and involving do the threads really need to be
to relax and enjoy this film? For those who have seen the first two
installments of this Dreamworks Animation series, whose third edition (directed
by Chris Miller) whips into theaters today in the U.S. and Canada, this new film
is more a celebration of Shrek as an animation icon of sorts than a
groundbreaking third episode. The gags, barbs and satirical flourishes on
child fairy tales of yore are a joy, with additional humorous touches to keep
audiences of all ages smiling.
The film features an all-star voice-over cast which would sit proudly in any
voice-over hall of fame: Julie Andrews, John Cleese, Eric Idle and Ian McShane,
all great screen presences in their human forms. "Shrek The Third" will
get many more laughs from kids than adults, whose own joy and appreciation for
this affectionate and tidy 93-minute film will be exhibited in distinctly
audible sustained chuckles.
"Shrek The Third", based on Willaim Steig's book, is rated PG
by the Motion Picture Association of America for some crude humor, suggestive
content and swashbuckling action. The film's duration is one hour and 33
minutes.
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