Shrek the Third - review

"still big, and green... and on the screen"

Shrek the Third (U)
Dir. Chris Miller

Reviewed by Matt Adcock

Dear Sir or Madame, you are cordially invited to return to a land ‘Far Far Away’ – having just returned I am delighted to report that there is once again much for you to enjoy. Come and join everyone’s favourite jolly green ogre as he faces a challenge bigger than fighting dragons, rescuing princesses or overthrowing wicked fairy godmothers put together… yes, Shrek is about to face fatherhood and it’s an absolute blast!!
This time Shrek (Mike Myers) is bequeathed the throne of Far Far Away by his dying froggy father-in-law (the excellent John Cleese). He isn’t actually ogre the moon about this unexpected Kingship and so he sets off on a quest to a medieval high school to seek the ‘true’ next in line to the throne – a geeky kid named Artie (Justin Timberlake).
But while he’s away the total rotter Prince Charming (Rupert Everett) stages a coup and takes over to create his dream of ‘Happily Never After’ – one where there’s no room for greens.
Shrek has his work cut out to wrest back control, support his pregnant Mrs and deliver the green flavoured gags that have made these films such successes (Shrek 2 made nearly a billion dollars world wide). Shrek’s strength though – as always - is in his friends and along with Fiona and he gang of butt kicking girl power fairytale princesses, he is ably aided and abetted by Donkey and Puss In Boots plus Artie’s wizard pal Merlin (a classy cameo from Eric Idle).
Even though we’ve seen most of what Shrek has to offer at least twice before, it’s great to spend some more quality time with the big guy. As ‘threequels’ go Shrek the Third keeps up the standard for the series and is packed with enough inventive riffs off pop culture and film references to warrant you booking your tickets.
I especially enjoyed watching Snow White using her animal friends to battle evil trees (obviously dodgy relatives of the Ents in Lord of the Rings) and a show stopping body swap by Puss and Donkey. Some folks have been telling me that this helping of Shrekness isn’t a patch on the first two but I have to heartily disagree. For me you can’t have too much Shrek in your life and as a parent I found it especially reassuring to see that even ogres can be daunted at the prospect of raising a family. If you’re looking for a good family friendly film this week - go green!

Out of 5 you have to go with a surprisingly solid 3 and a half (highly enjoyable addition to the Shrek family)...

Darkmatters ratings:

Action ööö – more action orientated than the last one
Laughs öööö – plenty to keep you going
Horror ö – even little kids won't flinch
Babes öö – some of those princesses are babes...

Overall ööö1/2 (lots of fun)


"new school entertainment!"

Darkmatters: H O M E