Shrek the Third

Shrek the Third
Wednesday, 13 June 2007

• Howick and Botany Times

Shrek The Third. Actors’ voices — Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, Antonio Banderas. Dreamworks. Directors Raman Hui/Chris Miller. Rating PG (low level violence). Running time 93 minutes.
Times rating:

When the friendly green ogre married Princess Fiona the last thing on his mind was becoming the next king of Far Far Land.

Mixed marriages are quite the thing in this entertaining movie. Fiona’s mother (human) is married to King Harold (a frog). When he suddenly croaks Shrek faces the prospect of being King.

With the help of his trusted companions Donkey and Puss in Boots (my favourite — so suave), must find a suitable King. A ‘promising’ candidate is Arthur Pendragon (Fiona’s cousin, a rather useless high school student).

Almost every fairytale character you can remember from your childhood reading appears in this film: The Three Little Pigs, Captain Hook, Snow White, The Wicked Witch, Rumplestiltskin, Cinderella, The Ugly Sisters and many many more. To my surprise, the villain turns out to be Prince Charming, who attempts to stage a coup to take over Far Far Land. He’s a nasty character with a gang of ruffians to help him in his dastardly attempt.

For a long time the last thing Artie wants in the world is the responsibility of becoming King and he resists the persuasion of Shrek and Fiona, who is now pregnant.

There is plenty of action as Fiona tries to foil Prince Charming’s takeover attempt. There are evil looking gnarled talking trees (very dangerous) and a motley crew of evil doers. To make matters worse, the beautiful Rapunzel (of the long, long hair) changes sides, presumably to marry the evil Prince Charming and become Queen of Far Far Land.

Fiona, Shrek and their supporters have the mother of all battles on their hands as they fight monsters and bad fairytale characters.

All Shrek and Fiona really want is to return to their swamp hut and have the baby (is it an ogret?). However there’s a long way to go before they can once again enjoy their former happiness.

Having not seen the first two Shrek movies I cannot say whether it is better or not. Nevertheless the computer generated animation is superb, the voices are great and there’s plenty of action and entertainment. The audience appeared to enjoy every moment. Don’t leave Shrek The Third when the credits start to roll — you will be amazed at how many other illustrious stars took part.

– Barbara Weil