“Shrek the Third” (Paramount Pictures)
Stick A Fork In it, It’s Done
“Shrek” and “Shrek 2” were two of the most charming and entertaining movies I have ever seen. It seemed the story of the wonderful ogre named Shrek and his true love ogress named Fiona was the stuff of which legends are born. But then along comes “Shrek the Third” and everything that was right turned wrong. The warmth, humor, charm, and originality all went down in a blaze of glory. This “Shrek” is a wreck!
As the film opens Shrek (voiced by Michael Myers) and Fiona (Cameron Diaz) are living at the family castle in the kingdom of Far, Far Away. King Harold, the frog king (John Cleese), is ill and possibly dying. Shrek and Fiona are filling in on all the royal duties.
When Harold does finally succumb, Shrek is offered the throne. He doesn’t want it. The name of a boy named Arthur (Justin Timberlake) is mentioned as possible alternate choice. Shrek, Donkey (Eddie Murphy) and Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) set off to find him and to convince him to accept the crown.
Meanwhile Prince Charming (Rupert Everett) has assembled a group of Fairy Tale losers to help him overcome the royal family. Fiona, Queen Lillian (Julie Andrews), Sleeping Beauty (Cheri Oteri), Snow White (Amy Poehler) and Cinderella (Amy Sedaris) take steps to repel this invasion.
There is more than enough plot in this movie – too much plot. The film starts out slow and gets slower as the film progresses. There are still some funny moments, especially from Murphy as Donkey, but there are long stretches where nothing of interest or humor happens.
Maybe there are just too many characters that clutter up the scenery. Or maybe it is the fact that the long awaited battle that climaxes the film ends in a whimper instead of a rousing action sequence. For whatever reason this “Shrek” is full of dreck, and adult members of the audience will be asking “What the Shrek is this mess”
The film is rated PG for mildly crude humor.
Kids are going to love this “Shrek” but then they love anything animated. How else do you explain “Meet the Robinsons.” But for adults, I think this is the end of the road. The trip to the well of entertainment known as “Shrek” has been visited one time too many. It has run bone dry.
It was fun while it lasted but say good-bye to a franchise whose end has arrived. I know it will make a ton of money but it is time Hollywood put the “Shrek” series and us out of our misery.
I scored “Shrek the Third” a third strike 4 out of 10.
