MOVIE REVIEW: SHREK FOREVER AFTER 3D

IN THEATERS

SHREK FOREVER AFTER 3D



A domesticated Shrek hatches a plan to recapture his mojo and discovers what life in Far Far Away land would have been like had he never existed in this final chapter of the popular animated film series. There used to be a time when the villagers would run in terror at the mere mention of the name Shrek, but these days the big green ogre is married to Princess Fiona and raising triplets. Maintaining your fierce public persona is no simple task when you're juggling infants and changing diapers, so when Shrek realizes that nobody is afraid of him anymore he recruits mischief-maker Rumpelstiltskin to restore his once-mighty roar. Unfortunately for Shrek, that plan hits an unexpected hitch. As a result, the morose monster takes a trip into an alternate-universe Far Far Away land where there is no Shrek, and Rumpelstiltskin reigns. There, Donkey spends his days hauling carts, and a portly Puss in Boots prefers lounging to swashbuckling. Perhaps with a little extra effort, Shrek will be able to regain his status as top ogre in town and still have his happily ever after, too. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Director: Mike Mitchell

Cast: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas, Julie Andrews.

Release Date: May 21, 2010

Rated PG for some rude humor, mild action and brief language

Runtime: 1 hr. 33 min.

Genres: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review:

Shrek Forever After is a decent if mostly ho hum finale to the once impressive and fresh series. Not nearly as horrible as the dreadfully boring Shrek The Third this entry recaptures a bit of the energy of the first two entries. The 3D is used well and certain scenes are truly magical especially with witches hovering around. The script is fun if a tad bland and predictable. The satire isn’t as strong as it could have been considering the It’s a Wonderful Life slant this go around and it feels like they play it way too safe. Instead we get more pop songs and dance numbers that feel terribly forced. It not all bad there are some funny portions spread throughout the films run time. Mike Meyers does decent work and even provides some dramatic thump during some of the more tender moments. Cameron Diaz is a given a fun warrior princess angle and she clearly enjoys herself. Eddie Murphy and Antonio Banderas both give fun if paint by the number performances. New comer Walt Dohrn has an interesting nasally timber to his voice and his character could have been more interesting and better fleshed out. As the finale entry, Shrek Forever After can’t help but show the series age, fun but overly safe.

C+