Shrek Forever After (DreamWorks)
Not As Bad as Three, But Not As Good As One and Two
The first Shrek movie debuted in 2001 and since that time there has been a new Shrek film every three years. The first film was a surprise hit while the second one was surprising because it was better than the first. The came the third one which was not good at all. The fourth and supposedly final one is not as bad as three but also not as good as one and two.
The fourth animated film is titled Shrek Forever After and is presented in 3-D. This is clearly a ploy to bring in bigger bucks as 3-D movies are more expensive for audiences to see. The 3-D aspect of the film adds nothing to the enjoyment of the story or even its presentation. It is just there annoying audiences with those pesky glasses once again.
The plot of the film is one born out of pure desperation. Shrek (Mike Meyers) is tired of being a good husband to Fiona (Cameron Diaz) and father to his triplets. He also gets annoyed by Donkeys (Eddie Murphy) incessant braying about being his best friend. So he is primed to sign an agreement with Rumpel (Walt Dorn). He agrees to give up a day in his life in return for a day when he can be a big bad ogre once more.
Cant you just hear Jimmy Stewart and Frank Capra spinning in their graves at this blatant rip-off of Its A Wonderful Life Shrek looks at the way his life could have been and then wants it all to go back to normal. The sly Rumpel has arranged a way that he cant. it looks like Shrek and Fiona will never be ogre and wife again.
The problem with the movie is you just dont care all that much about Shreks dilemma. The fun of the film comes about via Donkey and the irresistible Puss In Boots (Antonio Banderas). In this alternate universe Puss has gained a few pounds and isnt quite as sleek as he once was. Still he hasnt lost his rapier sharp wit which allows him to steal every scene in which he appears.
The movie is rated PG for some mild rude humor.
Shrek is such a beloved character that the movie is able to end on such a note as to send audiences out of the theaters smiling. He and his cast of supporting players always manage to provide some fun and romance. It is just that this time out everything seems to be a pale intimation of what has been done before. The originality in the Shrek movies is definitely winding down and so it is appropriate that it all ends with this fourth and final film.
Shrek is a great character and Mike Meyers did himself proud by using his voice to bring the ogre to life. Diaz is also a worthy contributor as is Eddie Murphy. Still it is the gallantry and humor of Puss In Boots done up to a fare thee well by Banderas that lingers in the mind after the movie ends.
I scored Shrek Forever After a fairy Tale 5 out of 10.
