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shrek 3 movie review

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"Shrek the Third" is a damped-down return to the Kingdom of Far Far Away, lacking the comic energy of the first brilliant film and not measuring up to the second. From the thrills of dragon-slaying and damsel-rescuing, Shrek's challenges have been reduced to a career decision: Should he become the king?

The movie is as visually enchanting as the first two in the series, and the big green ogre (voice of Mike Myers ) is as gentle and lovable, but the movie settles for action that it trusts is funny, instead of aiming for comedy itself. Another peculiarity is that the plot will probably not be engaging for younger audience members, who understand dragons but don't care that uneasy lies the head that wears a crown. Shrek spends too much time in lachrymose conversation with his bride Fiona (voice of Cameron Diaz ) and pondering the challenge of fatherhood, and not enough time being an ogre.

Indeed, Shrek is the only character in the movie who makes a big deal about his ogrehood. The king and queen (voices of John Cleese and Julie Andrews ) have long since embraced their son-in-law, and on his deathbed, the frog king reveals that Shrek is an heir to the throne — one of two, including the feckless Artie (voice of pop star Justin Timberlake ). Shrek demurs, preferring life back in the swamp in what Fiona describes as his "vermin-filled shack."

Why would Fiona, raised as a princess, accept life in such a dreary mire of despond? Recall from " Shrek " (2001) that she was a conventional princess only by day, and became an ogre after nightfall. When she was rescued from marriage to Lord Farquaad with Shrek's kiss, she became an ogre full-time. Before that she was a human, I guess, although her father was a frog. Inter-species reproduction is so common in Far Far Away that it makes irrelevant such questions as whether Kermit and Miss Piggy ever had sex. Remember that the dragon and Donkey fell in love in the first film. For someone like me who has never understood how birds and snakes do it, thoughts of their marital adventures boggles the mind.

Back again this time are the two supporting stars from the earlier films, Donkey (voice of Eddie Murphy ) and Puss in Boots (voice of Antonio Banderas ). But they're reduced to being friends and traveling partners and are never really foregrounded. At one point, magically, they switch bodies and talk in each other's voices, but that's what it amounts to: They talk in each other's voices. Such a thing is not intrinsically funny, unless it is plot or character-driven. Little really depends on it or comes from it, except for a weak little sight gag at the end. Since Murphy's vocal riffs and improvisations have been so inspired earlier in the series, we want more of him this time, not less.

Shrek, Fiona, Donkey and Puss have to sail to the land of Worcestershire to find Artie, and also encounter Prince Charming (voice of Rupert Everett ), who is reduced from princehood to (in an opening scene) performing in dinner theater. Fairly arbitrary developments produce a team of heroines (Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty) who are sort of Charlie's Angels, I guess, although they provide the movie with too many characters and not enough for them to do. In the first film, they were a sly Dreamworks dig at Disney and were dumped, as obsolete, in Shrek's private swamp.

Indeed, the movie practices such economy of characters that the Gingerbread Man and the Three Blind Mice turn up again — unwanted, if you ask me. What's the use of Three Blind Mice if you can't see them run? And although I have been trained to accept talking animals, living pastries fail to engage me.

I learn from Variety that there will be a fourth "Shrek" and a Broadway musical, and I hope both return for their inspiration to the original "Shrek." That film did so much with the outsider status of an ogre, and Shrek's painful uncertainties about his role in non-ogre society. It involved intolerance and prejudice and courage, and had real stakes. And it was funny. And had great action scenes, like Shrek's rescue of Fiona. Now everybody in the Land of Far Far Away acts as if we (and they) have seen the first two films.

The movie's always a pleasure to watch for its skilled animation. But it lacks truly interesting challenges. It makes the mistake of thinking slapstick action is funny for its own sake, a mistake made by a lot of Saturday-morning TV cartoons. True, characters zooming and bouncing around are easy to write because no creative invention is required to set them in motion. But so what?

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

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Film Credits

Shrek the Third movie poster

Shrek the Third (2007)

Mike Myers as Shrek

Eddie Murphy as Donkey

Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona

Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots

Justin Timberlake as Artie

John Cleese as The King

Julie Andrews as The Queen

Rupert Everett as Prince Charming

Directed by

  • Chris Miller
  • Jeffrey Price
  • Peter S. Seaman

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shrek 3 movie review

  • DVD & Streaming

Shrek the Third

  • Animation , Comedy , Kids , Sci-Fi/Fantasy

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shrek 3 movie review

In Theaters

  • Voices of Mike Myers as Shrek; Eddie Murphy as Donkey; Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona; Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots; Rupert Everett as Prince Charming; Justin Timberlake as Artie; Julie Andrews as Queen Lillian; John Cleese as King Harold; Eric Idle as Merlin; John Krasinkski as Lancelot; Ian McShane as Captain Hook; Cheri Oteri as Sleeping Beauty; Amy Poehler as Snow White; Amy Sedaris as Cinderella; Maya Rudolph as Rapunzel; Regis Philbin as Mabel; Larry King as Doris

Home Release Date

  • Chris Miller, Raman Hui

Distributor

Movie review.

The world’s most famous ornery ogre is back for another misadventure. As the story opens, we find Shrek pining for his stinky swamp; he aspires to nothing more than a quiet life with his wife, Princess Fiona. Palace existence, with its stringent formalities, has become unbearable. And despite Shrek’s best intentions, he’s forever accidentally causing havoc of all kinds.

Things go from bad to worse when the lime-green lug’s frog-shaped father-in-law, King Harold, erm, croaks. The autocratic amphibian’s parting wish? That Shrek would become the next ruler of Far Far Away. Before passing, however, the dying dignitary leaves the door open for one other heir to the throne: a distant relative named Arthur (aka Artie).

Shrek pounces upon that possibility with ogre-sized zeal. With his indispensable sidekicks Puss in Boots and Donkey in tow, Shrek departs for the distant land of Worcestershire in search of the would-be king. And as he sets sail, Fiona informs the adventurous ogre that he’s going to be a father … a revelation that turns Shrek’s thoughts and dreams upside down.

Meanwhile, the ever-scheming Prince Charming sees his chance for twisted redemption. Rallying such disaffected villains as Captain Hook, Snow White’s Evil Queen, the Headless Horseman, Cyclops and others into an angry army, Charming successfully stages a coup, imprisoning Fiona and her high-maintenance posse of princesses (Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Rapunzel and … Doris), as well as Queen Lillian. Charming then dispatches Hook to track down Shrek and the realm’s future king (who turns out to be a wimpy, self-absorbed high school student). That sets the stage for a climatic, dramatic and comedic melee that will determine who lives happily ever after in the land of Far Far Away.

Positive Elements

Like the first two films in this franchise ( Shrek and Shrek 2 ), Shrek the Third delivers strong messages about family, love and self-acceptance. On his deathbed, King Harold tells his daughter that her love for Shrek “taught me so much.” The king who once rejected Shrek now can say, “I’m proud to call you my son.” Likewise, Donkey is full of affection for his four dragon/donkey babies (he married a female dragon in the last film); he tells them he loves them, and they reciprocate.

Shrek is terrified of fatherhood (“No one ever says, ‘Sweet as an ogre'”) but gradually warms up to the idea. Before the birth, he gets in some dad practice relating to Artie, who’s a difficult teen. Artie talks about the struggle of growing up fatherless (his dad abandoned him), and Shrek relates the “difficulties” he had in that area (“My father tried to eat me”). The ogre encourages Artie to be his own man (“People thought I was a monster. I believed them. … Ignore people who call you names, and trust who you are”). It’s a message the adolescent later reshapes to convince the film’s villains to switch sides. “Just because people treat you like a villain doesn’t mean you are one,” he says. “The thing that matters most is what you think of yourself.” Under Shrek’s tutelage and influence, Artie gradually grows from being a pushover to someone self-assured enough to be king.

Still on the parenting theme, both Shrek and Fiona later split the tasks of raising their offspring. And even Cyclops says of his daughter, “Who would have thought a monster like me deserved something as special as you?”

To save Artie’s life when Charming is on the verge of killing him, Shrek confesses some important things that he’s lied to the boy about, which indirectly preserves Artie’s life long enough for Fiona and her princesses to ride to the rescue.

Spiritual Elements

After they find Artie and convince him to be king, Shrek and Co. are shipwrecked and losing hope when they meet Merlin the magician. He mentions the need to “discover your divine promise,” stokes a magic fire and says, “Look into the fire of truth and tell me what you see.” Shrek sees a baby carriage but lies, “I see a rainbow pony,” while Artie sees images of a father bird that abandons a baby bird, which represents his own life. An errant spell from the senile old wizard then transports Shrek and his crew back to Far Far Away … and swaps Donkey’s and Puss in Boots’ souls in the process (a mistake the wizard later mostly rectifies).

Sexual Content

Mabel and Doris are Cinderella’s ugly stepsisters, but Regis Philbin and Larry King voice their characters, giving them a drag-queen feel. That makes this line from Doris sound creepy: “I know he’s a jerk, but that Charming makes me hotter than July.”

Other scenes go out of their way to expose effeminate qualities in male characters. Shrek’s royal outfit includes lipstick applied by a stereotypically portrayed effeminate male servant (who later reappears as Charming’s stage manager in a play). A character thinks that Artie is (or looks like) a girl. Shrek compliments Charming on his leotard, then asks if it comes in men’s sizes too.

Shrek and Fiona kiss. Donkey pulls the covers off Shrek and Fiona’s bed, revealing an apparently naked ogre. We see only his stomach, but the shocked Donkey blurts, “You really need to get yourself a pair of jammies.” A princess preparing to go into battle removes her bra (offscreen) and burns it. Others rip off sleeves and skirt hems before combat. One lifts her dress and bares a leg to distract a soldier. (The joke is that in the next instant the ogling men come face to face with one of the ugly stepsisters.) All of the princesses and the queen show a bit of cleavage. Charming’s invading forces changes the name of “Ye Olde Bootery” to “Hooters” by slapping an H and an S on the sign.

Shrek jokes about not knowing where babies come from, and Puss in Boots begins to explain, “When a man has a certain feeling for a woman, a powerful urge sweeps over him…” Shrek cuts him off, but Donkey admits he doesn’t know where babies come from (even though he has four).

Violent Content

Several clashes between Charming’s villains and our heroes include all manner of slapstick violence (though the rogue prince’s takeover of Far Far Away is a bit more intense as the baddies fly into town on broomsticks, then trash it). Donkey’s dragon-wife grabs one invader in her mouth, then tosses him. When the princesses come to the rescue, Snow White commands forest creatures to attack evil guardian trees.

More seriously, it’s implied that Charming was ready to kill Artie. And in rehearsals for Charming’s play, two people playing the part of Shrek are apparently killed (we see the body of one being pulled off the stage). It’s suggested that Captain Hook use his hook to “do a number” on somebody’s face. One of the ugly stepsisters decks the other. We see Artie being bullied at school. The queen is held hostage with a sword at her throat. For a few moments it appears as though Shrek has been impaled.

Jousting, head-butting and other prone-to-injury activities do indeed end in injury. Shrek’s antics sink a ship and set the castle on fire. And an unfortunate person he’s knighting apparently gets nailed (offscreen) with his sword. Donkey intentionally kicks Shrek in the crotch. Babies inflate frogs like balloons.

Crude or Profane Language

Several times, dialogue suggests profanity without actually going there. In a thick accent Shrek calls King Harold his “frog-king dad-in-law.” Donkey asks, “What in the shistershire kind of place is this?” Donkey also begins but doesn’t finish the phrase, “What the…” And after he switches bodies with Puss in Boots, he exclaims, “How in the Hans Christian Anderson am I supposed to parade around in these boots?” The captain of Shrek’s ship says, “You, my friend, are royally…” before the final word is cut off by a foghorn. Lobbed insults include “dork,” “loser,” “freak,” “stupid,” idiot,” “fool,” “moron” and “twit.”

Drug and Alcohol Content

Two students emerge from a VW van-like stagecoach with smoke pouring out of it. We’re left to figure out what kind of smoke it is as they laugh and joke about burning “frankincense and myrrh.” Reeling from the body-switch, Donkey blurts, “I haven’t been on a trip like that since college.”

Prince Charming goes to a rough-looking tavern to recruit his army, where he orders a round of Fuzzy Navels for everyone. Puss in Boots looks forward to an “ice-cold pitcher of mojitos,” a traditional Cuban cocktail. After Charming’s takeover of Far Far Away, a bar sign advertises, “Mean Mead.” We see a drunken man stumbling around on the street.

Other Negative Elements

Visual and verbal references to all kinds of bodily functions pop up frequently. Baby poop, dirty diapers, stretch marks, belching, flatulence, projectile vomiting, trimming nose hairs, itchy bottoms, ear wax, body odor and morning breath all receive the comedic treatment. A baby passes gas as one of Donkey’s baby dragons breathes fire—causing an even bigger explosion. A terrified gingerbread cookie has a small piece of pink candy pop out behind him. Mention is made of student bullies who shove others’ heads in “chamber pots.” High schoolers talk about underpants and wedgies, and they mock a teacher named Mr. Primbottom.

Shrek imagines himself naked in front of an audience of babies. (We see the top part of his bare bottom.) Obnoxious adolescents tell Shrek that he looks like a “giant mutant Leprechaun” and affix an “I Suck-eth” sign to Donkey’s behind. Snow White, who sports a tattoo on her upper bicep, gives Fiona one of her (slovenly) dwarfs as a baby shower gift.

If you’ve seen either previous Shrek film, you already have a good idea of what’s on offer here. It’s another cockeyed combination of genuinely positive themes and rollicking storytelling regularly interspersed with what feels like unnecessary allusions to sexuality, drugs and bodily functions.

Some of those moments are merely silly and innocent, such as Shrek’s baby making bubbles in the bathtub. But this well-told tale isn’t helped by its inclusion of a burning bra, mixed drinks, hints at drug use and “playful” approximations of swear words. And then there’s the not-so-subtle running joke about men getting in touch with their feminine side while women get down to the business of battling the baddies. These characters—and the actors who play them—are funny enough without such cheap gags and cheap shots.

Many, if not most, of Shrek the Third ‘s edgiest jokes will sail right over the heads of its youngest viewers. They won’t know what in the world is going on when two high schoolers role out of a smoke-filled carriage. And yet…

Most kids today are growing up on a media diet that consistently portrays drinking, drugs and sexual ambiguity as humorous non-issues—even if in relatively minor ways. The message is that it’s all normal stuff that we don’t really need to think or worry much about. In the end, it’s just fodder for a good laugh, just part of the comedic background.

Which is unfortunate when there are so many good laughs to be had in Shrek the Third , and praiseworthy messages about love, honor, doing the right thing and self-respect to boot. (Of the Puss variety, naturally.)

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Adam R. Holz

After serving as an associate editor at NavPress’ Discipleship Journal and consulting editor for Current Thoughts and Trends, Adam now oversees the editing and publishing of Plugged In’s reviews as the site’s director. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children. In their free time, the Holzes enjoy playing games, a variety of musical instruments, swimming and … watching movies.

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Shrek the Third

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Shrek the Third

Shrek the Third

  • Reluctantly designated as the heir to the land of Far, Far Away, Shrek hatches a plan to install the rebellious Artie as the new king while Princess Fiona tries to fend off a coup d'état by the jilted Prince Charming.
  • When King Harold (John Cleese) of Far, Far Away dies, the clumsy Shrek (Mike Myers) becomes the immediate successor of the throne. However, Shrek decides to find the legitimate heir Artie (Justin Timberlake) in a distant kingdom with his friends Donkey (Eddie Murphy) and Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) to be able return to his beloved house in the swamp with the pregnant Fiona (Cameron Diaz). Meanwhile, the envious and ambitious Prince Charming (Rupert Everett) joins the villains of the fairytales plotting a coup d'état to become the new King. — Claudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  • When King Harold (John Cleese) of Far, Far Away "croaks", it is up to Shrek (Mike Myers), Donkey (Eddie Murphy), and Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) go off to bring back the next heir to the throne, Artie (Justin Timberlake). While Shrek and his crew are gone, Prince Charming (Rupert Everett) brings together all evil fairy tale creatures in an attempt to take over as the new King. — Film_Fan
  • When King Harold (John Cleese) suddenly "croaks", Shrek (Mike Myers) is left with the duty and responsibilities of running Far, Far Away as the new King. But Shrek doesn't feel like he is the right guy for the job. The only solution is having someone else take the throne. So Shrek, along with Donkey (Eddie Murphy) and Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas), goes on a search for a rebellious Arthur (Justin Timberlake), who is the only remaining heir aside from Shrek. Little does he know is that his old enemy, the ruthless Prince Charming (Rupert Everett), is plotting to take over the kingdom with an army of fairy-tale villains at his command. Only Fiona (Cameron Diaz) and a posse of Princesses are left to defend the kingdom from Charming's wrath. — Blazer346
  • After King Harold (John Cleese) of Far, Far Away becomes ill, he says that it is time for Shrek (Mike Myers) to be King. But Shrek doesn't want to be King, so he, Donkey (Eddie Murphy), and Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) embark on a quest to find the rightful heir, Fiona's cousin, Arthur Pendragon (Justin Timberlake). But while they are gone, Prince Charming (Rupert Everett) attacks Far, Far Away and hopes to become King. Now Shrek and his friends must make it back to Far, Far Away before Charming becomes King.
  • Shrek (Mike Myers) and Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) are to set to succeed the dying King Harold (John Cleese), but Shrek's attempts to serve as the Regent during the King's medical leave end in disaster. He insists that an ogre as king isn't ideal (everything he touches turns to disaster and his people have to pay the price for the same) and that there must be someone else. Before he dies, Harold tells Shrek of another heir: his nephew, Arthur "Artie" Pendragon (Justin Timberlake). Meanwhile, Prince Charming (Rupert Everett) vows to become King of Far Far Away (he is starring in cheap dinner plays at the local diners and is frustrated with his life) and avenge the death of his mother, the Fairy Godmother. Charming goes to the Poison Apple tavern and persuades fairy tale villains to fight for their "happily ever after". Shrek, Donkey (Eddie Murphy), and Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) set out to retrieve Artie. As they sail away, Fiona reveals to Shrek that she's pregnant, much to Shrek's horror who doesn't believe he's capable of raising children. The trio journey to Worcestershire Academy, an elite magical boarding school, where they discover Artie as a scrawny, 16-year-old underachiever. At the school pep rally, Shrek tells Artie he's been chosen for king of Far Far Away. Artie is excited until Donkey and Puss inadvertently frighten him by discussing the king's responsibilities. Immediately losing confidence, Artie tries taking control of the ship to go back to Worcestershire, and following a scuffle with Shrek, the ship crashes on a remote island where they encounter Artie's retired wizard teacher, Merlin (Eric Idle). Charming and other villains attack the castle, but Wolfie (Aron Warner), Pinocchio (Cody Cameron), Gingy (Conrad Vernon), and others stall them long enough for the castle's occupants including Fiona and her mother Queen Lillian (Julie Andrews) to escape. One of the Pigs accidentally reveals that Shrek has gone to retrieve Arthur, and Prince Charming reacts by sending Captain Hook (Ian McShane) and his pirates to track them down. The ladies are locked in a tower after Rapunzel (Maya Rudolph) betrays them, having fallen in love with Charming (but before being locked Fiona sees that Charming is creating the stages for a large play where he plans to kill the entire royal family and its supporters, in front of the public). Captain Hook and his pirates catch up to Shrek on Merlin's island. Shrek avoids capture, and Hook reveals Charming's takeover of Far Far Away. Shrek urges Artie to return to Worcestershire. Instead, Artie cons Merlin into using his magic to send them to Far Far Away. The spell causes Puss and Donkey to accidentally switch bodies. They find Pinocchio and learn that Charming plans to kill Shrek as part of a play. Charming's men arrive, but Artie tricks the knights, and they avoid capture. Later, they break into the castle during rehearsals for the play. Caught in Charming's dressing room, the four are taken captive. Charming prepares to kill Artie to retain the crown. To save Artie's life, Shrek tells Charming that Artie was a pawn to take his place (but this really hurts Artie's feelings as he already had a very low self-esteem of himself, and Shrek had boosted his confidence by saying that the King had personally asked for Artie to return to the Kingdom to take charge). Charming believes Shrek and allows Artie to leave. Donkey and Puss are imprisoned with Fiona and the ladies, where Fiona grows frustrated with their lack of initiative (Donkey and Puss inform that Charming is planning to eliminate the family at the play that very night). Queen Lillian smashes an opening in the stone wall of the prison with a headbutt. While the princesses launch a rescue mission for Shrek, Donkey and Puss free Gingy, Pinocchio, and others along with Dragon and Donkey's children. Puss and Donkey mollify Artie by explaining that Shrek lied to save Artie's life. Charming stages a musical in front of the kingdom. Just as Charming is about to kill Shrek, Fiona, Puss, and Donkey, the princesses and other fairy tale characters confront the villains. They lose in a showdown: the pigs are kidnapped by henchmen, Gingy is held hostage by knights, Dragon is surrounded by guards, and Fiona is tied up. Artie shows up and gives a speech to the villains, convincing them that they can be accepted into society instead of being outcast. The villains agree to give up their evil ways, while Charming refuses to listen and lunges at Artie with his sword. Shrek blocks the blow and pushes Charming aside, while Dragon knocks over Rapunzel's tower, crushing Charming to death. Artie is crowned king. While the kingdom celebrates, Merlin reverts Puss and Donkey's body swap. Shrek and Fiona return to their swamp, where they become the parents of ogre triplets, coping with parenthood with the help of Puss, Lillian, Donkey and Dragon.

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Shrek the Third Review

Three-dimensional in look, one-dimensional in gameplay..

shrek 3 movie review

Shrek the Third isn’t a bad game; it’s an unpolished one. For the millions upon millions of movie-goers this summer, Shrek will work great as a compliment to the experience, though we can’t endorse it any further than a weekend rental. The game captures the feel of the franchise, but seriously lacks any sort of depth or attention to detail, as the game is ridden with buggy areas, odd animation glitches, and an entirely linear design. Any way you slice it, Shrek cuts corners, and though it’s still fun to rip through levels, beating up on enemies with simple combos and gag-based finishing attacks, players who want to dive in will find the waters shallow. The entire game can be played with three buttons (or a button and Wii-mote/nunchuk waggle on Wii), and never goes beyond an average quarter-jerking arcade experience. Put a few hours into the game and you’ll see all it has to offer. If you’re in dire need of some Shrek action this summer, give this one a rent. All others should save their cash for a more committed and in depth gaming experience; Shrek is thin even for a licensed title.

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Shrek the Third

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Shrek The Third Parent Guide

While some men dream of fame, fortune and power, Shrek (voice of Mike Myers) has his heart set on living out his days obscurely in the swamp he calls home. So when it looks like his royal father-in-law (John Cleese) might croak, which would put him next in line for the throne, the ogre nearly turns green (okay, more green than usual). In order to avoid such an unwelcome future, Shrek gets help form his faithful friends Donkey (Eddie Murphy) and Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas).

Release date May 17, 2007

Why is Shrek The Third rated PG? The MPAA rated Shrek The Third PG for some crude humor, suggestive content and swashbuckling action.

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The guide to our grades, parent movie review by kerry bennett.

Lumbering, ornery ogres have never had it so good. Fated to be the bad guys in almost every tale, they could only dream of hero status until Shrek came along giving audiences a dose of the unexpected. Lampooning tired stereotypes, Hollywood movies and conventional fairytales, this odorous monster from the swamp fell in love with a cursed princess who chose to remain an ogre herself.

Since then, Shrek (voice by Mike Myer) has made the trek to the kingdom of Far, Far Away. He’s met his new bride’s regal parents (voices by John Cleese and Julie Andrews) and been presented in the royal court. Now all the big, green ogre wants to do is take his wife Fiona (voice by Cameron Diaz) back to the bog where they can live in peace among the fungus and swamp rats.

While still packing it’s share of jokes and parodies (like the lingering, drawn-out, protracted death scene of the king), the script’s pacing lacks the kind of sparkle and snap audiences have come to expect from the crabby swamp dweller and his tag-a-longs. Whether it’s Shrek’s concern over impending parenthood or Donkey’s preoccupation with his kids, these two wisecracking guys appear to be settling into the mid-life doldrums. Although adults may relate to the characters’ concerns, there is less time for punch lines aimed at kids.

Exposing a different side of Shrek (only brief buttock nudity is seen), the movie sidesteps some of the sexual innuendos played out in previous films, however it depicts a group of high school students stumbling out of a smoke-filled chariot where they’ve been sharing a joint between classes. A lit cigarette in an ashtray and references to being high on drugs are also shown. (Considering the MPAA’s recent attack on smoking in PG-13 movies, this appears entirely out of place in a PG film.) Rough swordplay and brief hand-to-hand fighting occur as well when the villains attack the castle. And after being captured by soldiers, Shrek is chained up and prepped to be run through by the nasty Prince Charming in front of the whole kingdom.

Reshuffling the level of content concerns found in earlier Shrek flicks, this third installment waffles between the cliche three strikes you’re out (shortage of jokes and underplayed use of Murphy’s talent) and third time’s the charm (a satchel full of life lessons about accepting oneself and embracing new challenges).

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Shrek the third rating & content info.

Why is Shrek The Third rated PG? Shrek The Third is rated PG by the MPAA for some crude humor, suggestive content and swashbuckling action.

Despite the PG rating, this film briefly (but heavily) implies teens are partaking of illegal drugs, and contains cigarettes (a brief shot shows a smoke smoldering in an ashtray) and alcohol use as well as brief drug references. After the king dies, an attempt to overthrow the kingdom of Far, Far Away results in the city being pillaged by villains who capture Fiona and her princess friends and throw them in the dungeon. Shrek and his buddies are attacked by pirates and animated trees who later capture the ogre and chain him up. One of Shrek’s fans is shot in the chest with an arrow and Artie has a sword held to his throat. Several characters are impaled, slashed or beheaded by swords (limited view of the action). The script includes infrequent sexual references, a cross-dressing princess, brief buttock nudity and some scatological terms.

Page last updated October 27, 2010

Shrek The Third Parents' Guide

Why is Shrek so nervous about becoming a parent? How does his own experience with his father affect the way he feels? What does he learn from his interaction with Artie?

What impact do the students at Artie’s school have on him? Why is it important to believe in oneself despite the opinions of others? Does he learn to accept his role in life?

In what ways is Fiona different than the other princesses? How does she react to Prince Charming’s plans to take over the kingdom? How does she meet challenges in her life?

The most recent home video release of Shrek The Third movie is November 12, 2007. Here are some details…

If you can’t get enough of Shrek-even after this third helping, then the DVD release of Shrek the Third is just for you. Plenty of extra materials are dished up, such as additional scenes ( The Fauxly Grail, Hot Lunch and Cyrano De Artie ), an audio commentary with the cast, a featurette ( Tech of SHREK 3 ), music videos ( Dancing Babies and Donkey Dance ) , interactive games ( Learn The Donkey Dance and How To Be Green ), trailers and a text/photo gallery ( Shrek’s Guide To Parenthood ). There are DVD-ROM offerings as well, including printables, weblinks and activities ( Royal Tournament Games and Shrek Smash Ups ). Audio tracks are available in Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround ( English, French and Spanish) and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround (English, French and Spanish), with subtitles in French and Spanish.

Related home video titles:

In Happily N’Ever After , discarded fairytale villains take an active role in re-writing stories in their favor. While pirates make an appearance in Shrek the Third , the captain and his cronies have to settle things once and for all with Peter Pan in the movie Hook . Don’t forget to check out our reviews of the first two movies, Shrek and Shrek 2.

Related news about Shrek The Third

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shrek 3 movie review

All 6 movies in the Shrek franchise ranked, and how to watch them - Opinion

To mark the re-release of Shrek 2 in theaters, The Focus has taken a look back through all of the movies in the Shrek and Puss in Boots franchise – here’s our ranking.

From humble beginnings with the release of the first movie in 2001, the Shrek franchise has grown to become one of the most beloved in Hollywood and now comprises the four main Shrek movies as well as two Puss in Boots spin-offs, the most recent of which hit screens in December 2022.

6. Shrek the Third

Where to watch: Available to buy/rent on digital stores

We begin our ranking of the Shrek movies with 2007’s Shrek the Third.

While the film felt like a fitting conclusion to the initial trilogy when I first watched it as a child, the years haven’t been quite so kind and it pales in comparison to other efforts in the series.

Despite being full of pop culture references, the humor, heart and charm don’t quite hit the same level as other entries.

・ WHAT TO WATCH: All of the movies hitting theaters in April 2024

5. Shrek Forever After

Where to watch: Prime Video

Conversely, I wasn’t sold on Shrek Forever After when I first saw it in 2010. It seemed like a needless installment into the franchise and completely changed all of the characters we’d grown to know and love.

However, following subsequent re-watches, making Shrek a fish-out-of-water (or rather an ogre-out-of-his-swamp) seems increasingly inspired and having him encounter his former friends having lost their memories of him brings about some unexpected twists and turns to breathe just enough life into the movie.

4. Puss in Boots

Serving as both Puss in Boots’ origin story and a prequel to his appearance in Shrek 2, the 2011 movie stands above the final two Shrek movies as it oozes endless wit and charm.

Much of that is courtesy of a standout performance from Antonio Banderas as the titular feline but new arrivals such as Salma Hayek’s Kitty Softpaws and Zach Galifianakis as Humpty Dumpty are worthy additions to the franchise’s beloved cast of characters.

3. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

Where to watch: Netflix

You could make a very good argument for 2022’s Puss in Boots: The Last Wish to sit higher on this list, or for it to be tied in second place at the very least.

Despite arriving 11 years after the previous entry, the film not only earned its place in the franchise but won recognition for being one of the best animated movies in recent years.

Boasting a stunning new animation style inspired by Spider-Man : Into the Spider-Verse, The Last Wish steps fully into the world of fairy tales and while returning characters like Banderas’s Puss and Hayek’s Kitty still shine, the movie welcomes in several new fan-favorites, most notably Death, who takes the form of a genuinely terrifying red-eyed wolf who is brought to life by Wagner Moura.

・ WATCH FOR FREE: New Spider-Man short film is the perfect watch for fans missing Beyond the Spider-Verse

Where to watch: Peacock

Without 2001’s Shrek, the multi-billion-dollar franchise wouldn’t exist, making it fully deserving of second place in our ranking.

At a time when Disney was coming off the back of one of the most successful periods in its history, Shrek arrived like a plucky underdog and truly pulled the rug out from under the House of Mouse.

Packed full of wry humor, heartfelt charm and arguably career-defining performances from Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy, the movie proved to be a recipe for success and would lay the foundations for a franchise that now spans more than 20 years.

Where to watch: Peacock & re-releasing in theaters on April 12

And finally, taking the top spot in our ranking of the six movies in the Shrek franchise is 2004’s Shrek 2.

While the original Shrek introduced us to the titular ogre, Princess Fiona and Donkey, Shrek 2 expands the world in which they live by having the trio venture to the kingdom of Far Far Away, somewhere Shrek is very much out of his comfort zone.

Not only does this bring about the introduction of Fiona’s parents, wonderfully portrayed by John Cleese and Julie Andrews, but also the Fairy Godmother, a villain on par with, if not better than, The Last Wish’s Death.

Don’t get us started on Jennifer Saunders’ masterful rendition of Holding Out for a Hero – arguably better than the original by Bonnie Tyler – that plays as Shrek and the gang break into Far Far Away to foil her evil plan.

And, of course, Shrek 2 also gives the ogre a new sidekick with the introduction of Puss in Boots, who becomes a franchise classic just minutes into his first scene courtesy of those big black eyes.

If any of the Shrek movies were deserving of a theatrical re-release, it’s Shrek 2.

・ STREAMING SOON: 11 movie releases to get excited about in April, and you can watch them all from home

Shrek 2 will be re-released in theaters across the US for one week only from April 12, 2024.

All 6 movies in the Shrek franchise ranked, and how to watch them - Opinion

Shrek the Third 4K UHD Review

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  • October 9, 2023

Fruity in the Loops

Prince Charming isn’t wrong. His methods, yes, but his cause? No. Charming (Rupert Everett) leads the charge against the Far, Far Away kingdom because of their overbearing wealth, to which none trickles down to the poor. He’s got a point.

Shrek the Third is clearly a sequel running on fumes, so much so that to find a story, the villains become sympathetic. The franchise’s core message remains, that of being your absolute self, said theme evident in Shrek (Michael Meyers) refusing to become a well-dressed king and Arthur (Justin Timberlake) not believing he’s destined to take the throne. Anxiety over fatherhood for Shrek and egotism for Charming do their part to add some substance to this otherwise empty animated feature.

Shrek the Third finds time for a few animated gags

Toy Story found its way to theaters in 1995. Apparently, by Shrek the Third in 2007, the animation medium already lost its way, covering the obvious faults with licensed music and egregiously overdone voice casting. Nearly every role features a celebrity behind it, even if it’s one or two lines.

Somewhere in the mix, Shrek the Third finds time for a few animated gags, even if the fairy tale world is hardly different from the prior two films. All the enthusiasm spent creating a place based on Mother Grimm is lost at this point, every story parodied, every character exhausted. Shrek the Third falls to the unwritten sitcom rule – when in a creative rut, add a baby. So it goes here, with no less than eight babies (of various species, anyway).

As snobbish as this sounds, Shrek the Third feels composed by a boardroom rather than creatives. It’s stupid to say Shrek was ever anything less than corporate licensing contracts, but Shrek the Third is led by co-directors Chris Miller and Raman Hui, the former a pre-visualization artist, the latter promoted from the animation team. That’s usually how these things go – notable directors leave because of shrinking creative possibilities, and someone is found from the internal team. That isn’t a knock on their talents, but in that position, they have less pull with the studio. That’s movie making politics, and the result is a Shrek the Third .

shrek 3 movie review

Banding in the opening storm clouds isn’t a positive sign. More than likely, that’s a limitation of the original animation; there’s a lot of that here. Rendered at 2K originally, that much is clear. Resolution doesn’t bring any surprises when compared to the Blu-ray, marginally defining textures better, although that dissipates at a distance. Aliasing in hair and finer lines on costumes reveals the lacking fidelity. Shrek the Third lacks the precision needed to justify this release.

Not even the color makes an impression, on the flatter side, even Shrek’s greens; a pallid yellow tint limits the potential. For such a fantasy world, the lackluster vibrancy becomes a disappointment. Not even the contrast perks up, lightly accentuating illuminated sources against black levels equal to the Blu-ray. Merlin’s spells, certainly an opportunity to show peak brightness, level off to a middling high.

Updated to DTS:X, small gains made to the soundstage add some value to this presentation. Storms bring overhead thunder and capably surround the soundstage. Action drifts between speakers cleanly and occasionally, stereos separate the dialog away from the center.

Light punch in the low-end drops into the subwoofer convincingly, adding power to the music and dragon fire.

Same as the previous Blu-ray, which is exactly what’s included in the package (although almost everything is on the UHD, minus the games). That amounts to a handful of dated featurettes and some games for the kids. It’s unexciting at best.

Shrek the Third

Shrek the Third is visibly part of the mid-2000s, and the dated gags don’t help, even if it’s occasionally charming.

User Review

The following six screen shots serve as samples for our subscription-exclusive set of 39 full resolution uncompressed 4K screen shots grabbed directly from the UHD:

shrek 3 movie review

Matt Paprocki

Matt Paprocki has critiqued home media and video games for 20 years across outlets like Washington Post, Variety, Rolling Stone, Forbes, IGN, Playboy, Polygon, Ars, and others. His current passion project is the technically minded DoBlu.com . You can read Matt's body of work via his personal WordPress blog, and follow him on Twitter @Matt_Paprocki .

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Gross-out laughs meet a marvelous fairy tale mix.

Shrek Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Intended to entertain rather than educate.

Staying true to yourself, looking beyond appearanc

Princess Fiona is a strong character who challenge

Characters in peril; ogre hunters wave pitchforks

Mild sexual humor. Some innuendo that will go over

Strong language for a kids' movie, including "damn

Lots of tie-in products available in real life.

Parents need to know that Shrek includes some edgy humor directed at teens and adults. The jokes that teens and adults snicker at (like when Shrek wonders whether the small Lord Farquaad is compensating for something with his very tall castle) will be over the head of most younger kids, but parents should be…

Educational Value

Positive messages.

Staying true to yourself, looking beyond appearances, and the power of friendship are big themes. (But there's also a fair bit of bodily function humor.)

Positive Role Models

Princess Fiona is a strong character who challenges the prim 'n' proper princess stereotype. Shrek seems cantankerous and rude, but he has a tender heart and is ultimately trustworthy, loyal, and brave. Donkey is a dedicated friend. Many characters demonstrate the qualities of curiosity, integrity, perseverance, and teamwork.

Violence & Scariness

Characters in peril; ogre hunters wave pitchforks and torches; a bird explodes; scary fire-breathing dragon (who is much less scary when she gets a crush on Donkey); one character is eaten in one gulp by the dragon.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Mild sexual humor. Some innuendo that will go over kids' head (for example, when Shrek sees the big tower that is Farquaad's castle and says to Donkey, "Gee, think he's compensating for something?").

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Strong language for a kids' movie, including "damn," "ass," and "crap."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

Parents need to know.

Parents need to know that Shrek includes some edgy humor directed at teens and adults. The jokes that teens and adults snicker at (like when Shrek wonders whether the small Lord Farquaad is compensating for something with his very tall castle) will be over the head of most younger kids, but parents should be ready for some questions. There's also plenty of potty humor and gross-out jokes directed at kids – mostly based on the appalling personal habits of ogres. Scary scenes for young ones include fights with guards, villagers coming after Shrek with pitchforks, and a fire-breathing dragon (who turns nice when she falls for Donkey). A bird explodes, and its eggs are eaten, and a character is eaten in one gulp by the dragon, but it's not graphic. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

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shrek 3 movie review

Community Reviews

  • Parents say (90)
  • Kids say (267)

Based on 90 parent reviews

Too dark for kids

What's the story.

SHREK has an enchanted princess in a tower, guarded by a fire-breathing dragon. It has a donkey that not only talks, and not only sings, but sings the old Monkees' song, "I'm a Believer." It has an evil (but short) bad guy, kickboxing, a Robin Hood and Merry Men who perform an Irish Riverdance, potty humor, and some digs at Disney. It has sensational animation, adventure, romance, and laughter. And most of all, it has Shrek, a big, green ogre who lives happily alone in a swamp until Lord Farquaad of nearby Dulac sets out to create the perfect kingdom by getting rid of all of the fairy tale characters and sending them to "a designated resettlement community." Soon, the three blind mice, the three little pigs, the gingerbread man, all the broom-flying witches, Pinocchio, and a talking donkey are all relocated to the swamp. Shrek is furious at the intrusion. He makes a deal with Farquaad, who needs to marry a princess to put the final touch on his kingdom. Shrek will rescue Princess Fiona and bring her to Farquaad, and Farquaad will give Shrek his swamp back.

Is It Any Good?

The movie is a marvelous fairy tale, with a thrilling quest and a happily-ever-after ending. Shrek has the great themes of enduring myths, about believing in yourself, being loved for the person you really are, and good triumphing over evil. It is also a delicious satire, tweaking all of our assumptions about ogres, princesses, rescues, and even fire-breathing dragons. The voice talents of Mike Myers (as the Scottish-burred Shrek), Eddie Murphy (as Donkey the talking donkey), Cameron Diaz (as Princess Fiona), and John Lithgow (as Farquaad) are all perfect.

The computer animation is breathtaking for its time, like nothing seen before it. The textures are stunning. The glass, fire, clouds, and water seem three-dimensional, and you will feel that Donkey's fur almost brushes your hand. The animation has wonderful warmth and depth, but it also has a great deal of character and wit. The facial expressions and body language are such a treat that the audience can't help thinking that if ogres and donkeys and don't really look like that, they should.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about Donkey's statement that Shrek has "that kind of 'I don't care what nobody thinks of me' thing." Is it true that Shrek didn't care what people thought of him? How can you tell? What did it mean to say that ogres are like onions? What does it mean to say that people have layers?

Princess Fiona expected Prince Charming to save her, and Shrek came instead. How did she change her mind about him? How did it help her to accept herself? Why is self-acceptance so important?

How do the characters in Shrek demonstrate perseverance and teamwork ? What about curiosity and integrity ? Why are these important character strengths ?

Movie Details

  • In theaters : May 18, 2001
  • On DVD or streaming : November 2, 2001
  • Cast : Cameron Diaz , Eddie Murphy , Mike Myers
  • Directors : Andrew Adamson , Vicky Jenson
  • Inclusion Information : Female actors, Latino actors, Black actors
  • Studio : DreamWorks
  • Genre : Family and Kids
  • Topics : Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More , Adventures , Book Characters , Friendship
  • Character Strengths : Curiosity , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
  • Run time : 93 minutes
  • MPAA rating : PG
  • MPAA explanation : language and some crude humor
  • Last updated : October 5, 2023

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Suggest an Update

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2004, Kids & family/Comedy, 1h 32m

What to know

Critics Consensus

It may not be as fresh as the original, but topical humor and colorful secondary characters make Shrek 2 a winner in its own right. Read critic reviews

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Watch Shrek 2 with a subscription on Peacock, rent on Prime Video, Fandango at Home, Apple TV, or buy on Prime Video, Fandango at Home, Apple TV.

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Shrek 2 videos, shrek 2   photos.

After returning from their honeymoon and showing home movies to their friends, Shrek and Fiona learn that her parents have heard that she has married her true love and wish to invite him to their kingdom, called Far Far Away. The catch is: Fiona's parents are unaware of the curse that struck their daughter and have assumed she married Prince Charming, not a 700-pound ogre with horrible hygiene and a talking donkey pal.

Rating: PG (Some Crude Humor|A Brief Substance Reference|Some Suggestive Content)

Genre: Kids & family, Comedy, Fantasy, Animation

Original Language: English

Director: Andrew Adamson , Kelly Asbury , Conrad Vernon

Producer: Aron Warner , David Lipman , John H. Williams

Writer: Andrew Adamson , J. David Stem , Joe Stillman , David N. Weiss , William Steig

Release Date (Theaters): May 19, 2004  wide

Release Date (Streaming): Nov 25, 2015

Box Office (Gross USA): $436.5M

Runtime: 1h 32m

Distributor: DreamWorks SKG

Production Co: DreamWorks SKG, Pacific Data Images (PDI)

Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS

Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

Cast & Crew

Shrek Voice

Eddie Murphy

Donkey Voice

Cameron Diaz

Princess Fiona Voice

Julie Andrews

Queen Lillian Voice

Antonio Banderas

Puss-in-Boots Voice

John Cleese

King Harold Voice

Rupert Everett

Prince Charming Voice

Jennifer Saunders

The Fairy Godmother Voice

The Ugly Stepsister Voice

Conrad Vernon

Cedric, Announcer, Muffin Man, Mongo, Gingerbread Man Voice

Andrew Adamson

Kelly Asbury

Screenwriter

J. David Stem

Joe Stillman

David N. Weiss

William Steig

Jeffrey Katzenberg

Executive Producer

Aron Warner

David Lipman

John H. Williams

Harry Gregson-Williams

Original Music

Mike Andrews

Film Editing

Francois Antoine

Visual Effects

Chris Douridas

Music Supervisor

Sim Evan-Jones

Guillaume Aretos

Production Design

Ken Bielenberg

Visual Effects Supervisor

Steve Pilcher

Art Director

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Critic Reviews for Shrek 2

Audience reviews for shrek 2.

A worthy sequel to it's original, Shrek 2 is not only just as funny as the first, but also just well animated, just as satirical and has the same level of quality voice acting. Arguably better then the original.

shrek 3 movie review

I don't know if this is a popular opinion but I prefer this film over the first. Shrek 2 is the most memorable of the franchise for me and is a lot more funnier and better than the first film!

It stands there with the first one.

Making a sequel to Shrek was both a complete no-brainer and a cause for great concern. The first film was a huge hit, taking more than eight times its budget at the box office and winning over critics and audiences alike with its intelligent storytelling and witty script. But with the continued success of PIXAR, first with Monsters, Inc. and then Finding Nemo, you would have been within your rights to doubt that any sequel could compete. Fortunately, Shrek 2 is a great second outing, thanks in part to the continued presence of Andrew Adamson behind the camera, as a co-writer now as well as co-director. The film may not be quite as edgy as its predecessor, perhaps due to Dreamworks head honcho Jeffrey Katzenberg wanting to play it safe to secure further outings. But the film is every bit as funny as the first one, if not slightly moreso, and continues to develop and deepen its unique fairytale world. Making a sequel to any film can go one of two ways, depending on the attitude of the people behind it and the potential present in the characters. On the one hand, the film can repeat all the basic rhythms of the first film, either with the main character being replaced (so that the journey appears to be new) or by the stakes being raised (so that it feels like the action is more significant). Occasionally this approach works wonders - as on Evil Dead 2 - but often it results in tired, formulaic offerings, such as the many straight-to-video sequels produced by Disney. On the other hand, the film can attempt to tell a new story, with the characters undergoing a new challenge and more characteristics of their universe being revealed. This approach is harder to get right, but when things come together the results regularly outclass their predecessors. The Empire Strikes Back, Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior and The Rescuers Down Under are all examples of this approach working well - and now we can add Shrek 2 to that list. The basic principle that operates in Shrek 2 is the same one that operated in Shrek: taking familiar aspects of the fairy tale genre, and turning them on their heads with plenty of humour. But rather than simply create Lord Farquaad Mark II, the obstacles facing Shrek are different and perhaps more nuanced. Not only that, but Shrek is a slightly different person (or ogre), having married Fiona at the end of the first film. Both of the main villains are as entertainingly subversive as Farquaad, or any characters from the first film. The Fairy Godmother (played brillaintly by Jennifer Saunders) is not a benevolent aid to our heroes, but a scheming, manipulative, power-hungry despot wanting to rule the kingdom through her son (not unlike Livia in I, Claudius). Magic is not the universal force for good that it is in Disney's Cinderella; the Fairy Godmother is more like her Mafia namesake, granting favours in return for power and influence. As for Prince Charming, he anything but lips up to his name. While many of his Disney counterparts are painted as (occasionally bland) ideals of masculinity, Charming is vain, self-centred, effeminate and a total Mummy's boy. Rupert Everett's clipped yet world-weary delivery perfectly conveys the frustration of the character, whose ego and sense of entitlement take a severe blow over the running time. As far as the story of Shrek 2 goes, it's a natural continuation of the first film in terms of theme and plot. Beneath all its fairy tale trappings and pop culture references, Shrek is a film about inner beauty, the hard work that goes into relationships, and why the rules of a given world aren't always fair. Bringing Fiona's parents into the mix is a logical decision, adding a new obstacle or source of prejudice with the twist of wanting acceptance from said source for the sake of those one loves. Disney films often get accused of presenting a shallow view of what constitutes beauty; in The Little Mermaid, for instance, the female lead signs away her most distinctive features just so she can get a husband. Shrek 2 does the opposite, using a radical physical transformation to show how little such a transformation changes, and how little such a change matters. The filmakers deserve enormous credit for following through with this idea, and it resonates really strongly right up to the end. It's arguable that because Shrek 2 has a more tongue-in-cheek, parodic sensibility, it can get away with such a heartwarming message purely by virtue of not looking or sounding like a Disney film. In reality, it earns the right to do this by developing the characters we love in a genuine and convincing way. Fiona has become so comfortable in her ogre self that it makes sense for her to scream when she first sees her human face in the mirror. Likewise, Shrek may still be bad-tempered and cantankerous, but he's more noble in the causes for which he fights, and a little more cunning in the fights that he chooses to pick. What this means is that the increased amount of reference humour in Shrek 2 doesn't jar like it does in later Dreamworks efforts. There are some cracking reference gags here, whether it's Prince Charming's slow-motion hair flick (Heartbreakers), the wire rescue of our main characters (Mission: Impossible) or Donkey fearing that he will melt when it rains (The Wizard of Oz). And that's not to mention all the pops at brands like Starbucks, Baskin Robbins and Versace. But like the best work of Aardman, these touches or little sight gags take a back seat to the plot, and the film still works whatever age or however culture-literate you may be. On top of everything else, Shrek 2 is really, really funny. Many of the best gags are those which are completely unexpected, such as Puss in Boots' hairball or Pinocchio's brief stint as a real boy. Others are the product of really good editing, such as the dinner table sequence (a nod to Rocky Horror) or the parallel conversations when Shrek first meets Fiona's parents. The big set-pieces are inventive and fast-paced, and the film is never afraid to take its characters down a peg or two by things not climaxing quite as we might expect. The performances in Shrek are all extremely good. Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz remain as convincing and enjoyable as before, with Adamson and his co-directors managing to focus the two male leads. Of the newcomers, Jennifer Saunders is very impressive and John Cleese is a very fine choice for King Harold. But of course, the show is stolen by Antonio Banderas, who ribs on his own work in The Mask of Zorro to make Puss in Boots truly unforgetable. Shrek 2 is every bit as good as the original, and may even be slightly funnier in terms of the quantity and quality of its jokes. Despite being more rounded than its edgy predecessor, this is still a very intelligent offering, populated by interesting ideas and a host of compelling characters. In hindsight it's a shame that the series couldn't continue to progress in such a positive way after this instalment, but Shrek 2 remains a sterling effort, both in this context and on its own terms.

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‘Shrek’ Ruined Kids’ Movies — But That’s OK

By Ej Dickson

A few months ago, I was scrolling through TikTok when I saw a video of Shrek on a giant screen at a rave, happily gamboling through his swamp to a remixed version of “Boom Boom Boom Boom.” Then the beat drops, and he starts stomping and projectile vomiting all over the audience, lasers shooting out of his eyes. It’s truly a terrifying sight, particularly if you’re on molly, as many of the attendees likely are. But judging by their reaction in the video, they can’t  get enough of it. 

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I adored Shrek when I first saw it at my aunt’s house one Thanksgiving, cracking up with my cousins at the special karaoke feature of the Gingerbread Man singing “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me” and Donkey rapping to “Baby Got Back.” My friend Sam Schreck, in a move apparently intended to preempt schoolyard bullying over his last name, also loved it, throwing a Shrek -themed 11th birthday party by taking a group of friends to see it in theaters before going to the now-defunct restaurant chain Cosi and using the payphone to call Z100. It’s easy to see why kids, particularly older ones, loved it so much. When it came out. I was about 10, and I didn’t find any of the pop culture references gimmicky or pandering. On the contrary, it felt like the filmmakers respected my cultural intelligence enough to get the joke, regardless of whether it was particularly funny. 

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The sequel, Shrek 2 , went even heavier on the Disney digs, featuring anthropomorphized cartoon furniture a la Beauty and the Beast and a sequence in which Fiona spots a Little Mermaid doppelgänger getting too cozy with Shrek and tosses her back into the ocean. Such gags, though fairly par for the course in contemporary animation (even within the Disney company, which has started leaning into skewering its own brand, peaking with a princess-centric gag in Ralph Breaks the Internet ), were a hit with fans and critics at the time. New York Times film critic Elvis Mitchell wrote that while “beating up on the irritatingly dainty Disney trademarks is nothing new; [it] has rarely been done with the demolition-derby zest of Shrek .”

Still, there’s real heart beneath the great green belly of Shrek — you just have to know where to look. Shrek is, fundamentally, a happy outsider, someone who gives little thought to contemporary social mores and how he presents himself to the rest of the world — and likes it that way (in this sense, he’s a little like a kiddie Larry David). As he famously explains, “ogres are like onions,” in that they both have layers; when Donkey suggests that Shrek alter the simile to make it more appealing by invoking cakes or parfaits, Shrek snarls, “I don’t care what everyone likes. Ogres are not like cakes.” 

So many children’s movies are centered around exceptional, ambitious characters: the most beautiful princess, the fastest car, the pluckiest bunny, the evillest supervillain, the most loyal toy. In presenting the world through the lens of extremes, these movies often fail to recognize that for many of the kids watching, most will not be the best at everything, or even reasonably good at one particular thing. Not everyone can be worshiped; many people find it difficult to even be liked. To see a protagonist who’s not only defined by his unlikeability and unremarkable nature, as well as his total lack of interest in trying to make himself palatable to mainstream society — and to see that character carve out a happy and functioning family and social world for himself — is kind of awesome. 

There is a version of Shrek 2 in which that plot point would have sufficed as a happy ending in itself, and indeed, when I was a kid watching on DVD, I always wondered why that wasn’t the case: Why couldn’t Shrek and Fiona beat the bad guys and stay hot, together? Why would they opt to make their lives more difficult by actively choosing to be ugly? (I was 14, and obviously wildly shallow.) But of course, that’s not how the movie ends. Through a series of machinations, the potion drives Shrek and Fiona further apart, and when they are reunited, they choose to stay together as their ogre selves.

As an adult, I understand, for both commercial and screenwriting reasons, why Shrek 2 could not have ended with Shrek looking like a cartoon version of Henry Cavill. Still, I think emphasizing the importance of relinquishing your expectations for what you think your life should look like, and finding someone who loves you not in spite of your most ogreish qualities, but because of them, is a surprisingly sophisticated message for kids (and, let’s be honest, for most adults as well). 

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It’s unfair to place the death of blockbuster animation squarely on Shrek ’s shoulders, in part because it’s inaccurate to say that it’s dead in the first place. The Super Mario Bros. movie was a more than $1.36 billion worldwide hit in 2023, as was Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, and though Disney and Pixar’s 2023 efforts ( Elemental and Wish ) were disappointing, Frozen and Frozen II are to this day among the top five highest grossing animated films of all time. Kids’ movies still make money, and they will continue to do so for as long as there are parents looking for a way to kill two hours on a rainy Saturday. 

But with YouTube increasingly dominating the kids’ entertainment space — to the degree that MrBeast makes an appearance in the latest incarnation of Kung Fu Panda — and animated movies containing topical references to shows like The Bachelor a dime a dozen, it’s hard to imagine a world in which the Shrek franchise could have been as big of a success had it come out today. Much like Sam Schreck’s Cosi Z100 birthday party, it is very much a product of its time. Its worst qualities are very bad, and its best qualities rarely appreciated. At the very least, it marks the final nail in the coffin for the film’s industry use of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” But at the same time, in a landscape dominated by reboots and IP and algorithms determining what they think kids will like, maybe there’s a lesson to be derived from the fact that a farting, mossy-toothed, seven-foot-tall ogre was at one point the winner of the day, or that there’s something to be gained from not caring about being liked. Maybe Hollywood can learn from being an onion in a world of cakes. 

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The Colorful Cast of Shrek 3: a Movie Review of Memorable Characters

This essay about the characters of “Shrek 3” provides an insightful review of the diverse and memorable personalities that populate the beloved animated film. From the iconic duo of Shrek and Donkey to the empowering Princess Fiona, each character contributes to the charm and humor of the story. The essay explores the growth and development of these characters, as well as the introduction of new faces that add depth and complexity to the Shrek universe. Through witty humor and heartfelt messages, “Shrek 3” continues to entertain audiences of all ages, leaving a lasting impression with its colorful cast of characters and imaginative storytelling. More free essay examples are accessible at PapersOwl about Movie Review.

How it works

In the whimsical world of “Shrek 3,” audiences are treated to a diverse array of characters that add depth, humor, and heart to the beloved animated film. From familiar faces to new additions, each character brings something unique to the story, contributing to the film’s charm and lasting appeal. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout characters that populate the vibrant universe of “Shrek 3.”

At the heart of the film is the titular character, Shrek, a lovable ogre with a heart of gold.

Voiced by the talented Mike Myers, Shrek is known for his gruff exterior and dry wit, but beneath his tough exterior lies a deeply caring individual. Throughout the film, Shrek grapples with the responsibilities of fatherhood and the pressures of ruling the kingdom, showcasing his growth and development as a character.

Joining Shrek on his journey is his trusty sidekick, Donkey, brought to life by the hilarious Eddie Murphy. Donkey’s infectious energy and comedic timing provide much-needed levity to the film, as he navigates the challenges of parenthood alongside Shrek. With his larger-than-life personality and unwavering loyalty, Donkey quickly becomes a fan favorite and an integral part of the Shrek universe.

Another standout character in “Shrek 3” is the feisty and independent Princess Fiona, voiced by Cameron Diaz. Fiona’s journey from damsel in distress to empowered heroine is a central theme of the film, as she grapples with her newfound role as a mother and queen. With her fierce determination and unwavering spirit, Fiona serves as a role model for audiences of all ages, challenging traditional gender norms and expectations.

In addition to the familiar faces of Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona, “Shrek 3” introduces a host of new characters that further enrich the story. From the conniving Prince Charming to the formidable Queen Lillian, each new addition brings a fresh dynamic to the narrative, keeping audiences engaged from start to finish. Whether they’re allies or adversaries, these characters play a crucial role in shaping the events of the film, adding depth and complexity to the Shrek universe.

Beyond its colorful cast of characters, “Shrek 3” is also known for its witty humor, clever pop culture references, and heartfelt messages about friendship, family, and acceptance. Through its memorable characters and imaginative storytelling, the film continues to captivate audiences of all ages, proving that sometimes the most unlikely heroes can emerge from the most unexpected places. As fans eagerly await future installments in the Shrek franchise, one thing is certain: the iconic characters of Shrek 3 will continue to hold a special place in our hearts for years to come.

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IMAGES

  1. REVIEW: Shrek the Third (2007)

    shrek 3 movie review

  2. Shrek the Third (2007)

    shrek 3 movie review

  3. Shrek the Third (2007)

    shrek 3 movie review

  4. Shrek the Third (2007)

    shrek 3 movie review

  5. Shrek the Third (2007)

    shrek 3 movie review

  6. Shrek the Third (2007)

    shrek 3 movie review

VIDEO

  1. Shrek The Third: Trailer

  2. Shrek Full Movie Facts Story And Review / Mike Myers / Eddie Murphy

  3. Shrek 3🐸didn't you pay attention?

  4. The entire Shrek 3 movie but the screen is always green and no audio

  5. Shrek The Third Full Movie Story and Fact / Hollywood Movie Review in Hindi / Mike Myers / Eddie

  6. Shrek Cartoon Movie Edit'Z 💞 #shorts #edit #shrek

COMMENTS

  1. Shrek the Third movie review & film summary (2007)

    Indeed, Shrek is the only character in the movie who makes a big deal about his ogrehood. The king and queen (voices of John Cleese and Julie Andrews) have long since embraced their son-in-law, and on his deathbed, the frog king reveals that Shrek is an heir to the throne — one of two, including the feckless Artie (voice of pop star Justin Timberlake).

  2. Shrek the Third

    Movie Info. When King Harold suddenly croaks, Shrek (Mike Myers) learns he will have to rule the land of Far, Far Away, unless he can find a suitable heir to the throne. The most-promising ...

  3. Shrek the Third (2007)

    Shrek the Third: Directed by Chris Miller, Raman Hui. With Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas. Reluctantly designated as the heir to the land of Far, Far Away, Shrek hatches a plan to install the rebellious Artie as the new king while Princess Fiona tries to fend off a coup d'état by the jilted Prince Charming.

  4. Shrek the Third

    Shrek the Third Reviews. Both the donkey and the kitty have largely been neutered, and the film's makers didn't bother to introduce any compelling new characters to pick up the slack. Full ...

  5. Shrek the Third (2007)

    A film with a few moments does not win against a good, simple movie. The desire to produce a film merely ended up as a plot device to get Shrek and Fiona back to their beloved swamp. A long, boring plot device. With the passing of King Harold, Shrek and Fiona are heirs to the throne of Far, Far Away.

  6. Shrek the Third

    Shrek the Third (also known as Shrek 3) is a 2007 American animated fantasy comedy film loosely based on the 1990 children's picture book Shrek! by William Steig.Directed by Chris Miller (in his feature directorial debut) and co-directed by Raman Hui from a screenplay by Jeffrey Price, Peter S. Seaman, Miller, and producer Aron Warner, and a story conceived by Andrew Adamson, co-director of ...

  7. Shrek the Third

    Shrek is a character who won us over in previous films and, for us, is the ideal king for the kingdom, even though he feels unprepared and scared by the inherent responsibilities. Therefore, the question of succession is something that does not please those who liked him, whereas Arthur is a character who never won us over and who only appears ...

  8. Shrek the Third

    Palace existence, with its stringent formalities, has become unbearable. And despite Shrek's best intentions, he's forever accidentally causing havoc of all kinds. Things go from bad to worse when the lime-green lug's frog-shaped father-in-law, King Harold, erm, croaks.

  9. Shrek the Third [Reviews]

    Summary. When Shrek married Fiona, the last thing he had in mind was becoming the next King. But when Shrek's father-in-law, King Harold, suddenly croaks, that is exactly what he faces. Unless ...

  10. Shrek the Third critic reviews

    Shrek, DreamWorks' big green cash machine, has finally run dry, perhaps not of box office power, but most assuredly of the caustic, fractured fairy tale-isms and the wry, snarky wit that made the first film, and to a lesser degree, the first sequel, so winning. Read More. By Marc Savlov FULL REVIEW.

  11. Shrek the Third Movie Review

    What you will—and won't—find in this movie. Positive Messages. The princesses are selfish and a bit stereotypical. Positive Role Models. Shrek is a kind-hearted ogre who loves his wife an. Violence & Scariness. The villains and heroes of fairy tale lore engage. Sex, Romance & Nudity. Shrek and Fiona are affectionate and kiss; they.

  12. Shrek the Third

    This sort of sardonic humour is better when served hot & spicy with slight adult edge. Shrek 3.0 (apologies Bruce) was last night's pizza, curled, congealed and corny. Let Shrek return to his ...

  13. Shrek the Third (2007)

    The trio journey to Worcestershire Academy, an elite magical boarding school, where they discover Artie as a scrawny, 16-year-old underachiever. At the school pep rally, Shrek tells Artie he's been chosen for king of Far Far Away. Artie is excited until Donkey and Puss inadvertently frighten him by discussing the king's responsibilities.

  14. Shrek

    Movie Info. Once upon a time, in a far away swamp, there lived an ogre named Shrek (Mike Myers) whose precious solitude is suddenly shattered by an invasion of annoying fairy tale characters. They ...

  15. Review: Shrek 3

    Home » Movie News » Review: Shrek 3. Review: Shrek 3. By JimmyO May 14th 2007, 12:00am. PLOT: Shrek the Third finds the big, green ogre and his lovely wife Fiona filling in for her parents due ...

  16. Shrek the Third Review

    As of right now, you may be reading the review for the highest-grossing summer videogame of 2007. This isn't because Shrek the Third is an amazingly interesting title, or because it pushes the ...

  17. Shrek The Third Movie Review for Parents

    Shrek The Third Rating & Content Info . Why is Shrek The Third rated PG? Shrek The Third is rated PG by the MPAA for some crude humor, suggestive content and swashbuckling action.. Despite the PG rating, this film briefly (but heavily) implies teens are partaking of illegal drugs, and contains cigarettes (a brief shot shows a smoke smoldering in an ashtray) and alcohol use as well as brief ...

  18. All 6 movies in the Shrek franchise ranked, and how to watch them

    3. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. Where to watch: Netflix. You could make a very good argument for 2022's Puss in Boots: The Last Wish to sit higher on this list, or for it to be tied in second ...

  19. DoBlu.com

    Toy Story found its way to theaters in 1995. Apparently, by Shrek the Third in 2007, the animation medium already lost its way, covering the obvious faults with licensed music and egregiously overdone voice casting. Nearly every role features a celebrity behind it, even if it's one or two lines. Somewhere in the mix, Shrek the Third finds time for a few animated gags, even if the fairy tale ...

  20. Shrek Movie Review

    Our review: Parents say ( 90 ): Kids say ( 267 ): The movie is a marvelous fairy tale, with a thrilling quest and a happily-ever-after ending. Shrek has the great themes of enduring myths, about believing in yourself, being loved for the person you really are, and good triumphing over evil. It is also a delicious satire, tweaking all of our ...

  21. Shrek 2

    Shrek 2 is one of the best DreamWorks features and one of the best animated sequels ever made. It takes everything that made the first film a phenomenon and amplified it to create an unforgettably ...

  22. 'Shrek' Ruined Kids Movies

    The first sequel, Shrek 2, which celebrates its 20th anniversary on April 12, was for some time the highest-grossing animated movie in history; the franchise is, to date, the second highest ...

  23. The Colorful Cast of Shrek 3: A Movie Review of Memorable Characters

    Through witty humor and heartfelt messages, "Shrek 3" continues to entertain audiences of all ages, leaving a lasting impression with its colorful cast of characters and imaginative storytelling. More free essay examples are accessible at PapersOwl about Movie Review.

  24. Shrek 3

    Join us as we anotherdive into the third movie of the world FAR FAR AWAY!!!ROAD TO 50k Subscribers!JOIN PATREON NOW TO STAY 2 MOVIES AHEAD + WATCH FULL REACT...