Shrek the Third
Shrek, Donkey and Princess Fiona don’t work up a sweat or kick up a fuss in their third cinematic appearance together in a fractured fairy tale. The highly anticipated “Shrek the Third,” which also features Puss In Boots from “Shrek 2” (2004), has some funny sequences, nice messages (especially in its celebration of girl power) and touching moments (including ones with cuddly baby donkeys and ogres). However, no one behind the scenes seems to have worked very hard or given much thought to this installment.
The colorful characters go through their paces in the fairy-tale spoof, so viewers won’t walk out feeling cheated. On the other hand, the PG-rated offering simply isn’t in the same league as the first two installments, in which Shrek and his cohorts tickled our funny bones while capturing our hearts.
In the new picture, Shrek (voice by Mike Meyers) wants to enjoy life in the swamp with his beloved Fiona (voice by Cameron Diaz), but it appears he may have a future as a monarch when the princess’ father (voice by John Cleese) passes away. Shrek, who has the loyal support of Donkey (voice by Eddie Murphy) and Puss In Boots (voice by Antonio Banderas), doesn’t want to sit upon the throne and searches for a likely candidate, who turns out to be Artie (voice by Justin Timberlake), Fiona’s cousin and the future King Arthur.
Of course, nothing is so simple in the kingdom of Far Far Away, where the narcissistic Prince Charming (voice by Rupert Everett) feels he’s the rightful heir to the throne. Charming plots to rule the land and plans to use any means necessary to do so.
Some of the most enjoyable moments in “Shrek the Third” involve Fiona as she drafts other fairy-tale damsels – Snow White, Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella (voices by Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, Cheri Oteri and Amy Sedaris, respectively) – to put up their fists and fight for the future of Far Far Away. These fun-to-watch young ladies – each with her own eccentricity – form an alliance, take charge and kick butt with the help of the resourceful Queen (voice by Julie Andrews).
“Shrek the Third” holds few surprises as the lovable green ogre takes his first step into adulthood by giving up immature views, accepting that being married carries certain responsibilities and discovering that having children can truly bring joy into one’s life.
Viewers have come to accept that computer-animated images can be mind-blowing. The technical talents behind “Shrek the Third” offer bright, bold and cheery visuals that light up the screen and never disappoint.
Sitting through “Shrek the Third” is like visiting old friends with familiar stories to tell. It may not be the most exciting way to spend an evening, but there’s certainly plenty of comfort and joy in it.
Postscript: Familiar faces provide the lines for some supporting characters. Monty Python troupe member Eric Idle and Ian McShane (HBO’s “Deadwood”) perform the voices of Merlin and Captain Hook, respectively. TV hosts Regis Philbin and Larry King lend their voices to the ugly stepsisters Mabel and Doris, respectively.
FILM REVIEW
“Shrek the Third”
Grade: B
Starring: The voices of Mike Meyers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas, Justin Timberlake, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, Cheri Oteri, Amy Sedaris, Julie Andrews, John Cleese and Rupert Everett; screenplay by Jeffrey Price, Peter S. Seaman, Chris Miller and Aron Warner; produced by Aron Warner; directed by Chris Miller.
Running Time: 92 minutes.
Parental Guide: PG rating (crude humor, suggestive content, swashbuckling action).
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