Reviewed by Kate Rodger
The big green guy is back and as determined as ever to make a big impression on the box office. And don’t underestimate his potential on that front. Shrek 2 is in the New Zealand and American box office Top Ten Films of All Time, proof he’s one popular ogre.
Now we have Shrek Forever After, famous last words in Hollywood of course, and he’s in 3D. After writing and directing the first two Shrek’s, and writing the third, Kiwi Andrew Adamson takes an even bigger step back with just producer credits here, but all our favourite Shrek characters are back. Donkey is as annoying yet lovable as always, and Puss in Boots - my personal favourite – is also on good form, although in need of fewer carbs and some time at the gym.
Being Shrek’s fourth outing, it’s a good time for a mid-life crisis. He’s ensconced in domestic swamp bliss, with his lovely wife Fiona, his three adorable children, and his legions of friends. He’s more celebrity than ogre to the local villagers, who ask him to sign their pitchforks rather than throw them at him.
And herein lies our story.
Shrek misses the good ole days of scaring the daylights out of everybody, when just the mere sight of him induced the masses to run screaming for the hills.
Enter stage left, a brand new fairytale addition, Rumpelstiltskin. This little meanie causes all sorts of mayhem for Shrek, and for everyone in Far Far Away.
Useful in sequels when you’ve run out of story ideas, is the whole “alternate reality/travel back in time” idea, and this is what the Shrek writers resort to here. It works on some levels, and feels a little tired and far from original on others.
There isn’t enough Puss in Boots here for my liking, although rumours Adamson might be involved in a Puss spin-off is cause for much expectation.
The 3D has its moments, although overall doesn’t add too much to the mix.
But hey, it’s the school holidays, its Shrek, and there’s just enough here to distract kids of all ages from the mid-winter holiday blues.
Three Stars.
Shrek Forever After
:: Director: Mike Mitchell
:: Starring: Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, Antonio Banderas, Julie Andrews, Justin Timberlake, Maya Rudolph, Eric Idle, Walt Dohrn
:: Running Time: 93 mins
:: Rating: PG - contains low level violence
:: Release Date: June 24, 2010
:: Links: Offiical site
