Synopsis: When Shrek makes a deal with Rumplestiltskin for just one day of his old life back he finds himself in an alternate world where he never existed, but everyone else he knew does.
Release Date: May 21, 2010 MPAA Rating: PG-13
Genre(s): Animation, Children and Family
Film Review
Production
In the fourth, and final chapter, of the films featuring the practically beloved ogre Shrek and his gaggle of peculiar friends, everything is kept very simple. So simple it makes the movie quite enjoyable from beginning to end. In its attempt to not regurgitate the same old story lines from films prior it takes the viewer on a new journey; one where Shrek never saved Fiona, Donkey never met Shrek, and everyone else but Rumplestiltskin knows nothing of the famous ogre Shrek has become. By taking the story to this new place it not only gives a veteran viewer of the Shrek films something fresh but also opens the film up to a wider audience who may not be familiar with some, or any, of the films prior. Resulting in a Shrek that is a whole new adventure tale with the same old characters performing in ways they never have before, and giving a story that is not only enjoyable to watch but a welcome end to an animated franchise.
Comedy Factor
Given that this is a more dramatic Shrek, since he has lost all of his friends and family, the laughs are not as prevalent as one would imagine. They are present and when they happen they are great but more of the comedic tone lies in knowing about the characters in their alternate reality, the real one. To see Puss In Boots as a fat, lazy kitty who can barely roll over or walk more than a few paces without losing his breath is hilarious compared to his other self. Fiona takes the turn as the more feminist battler and with that humor arises as Shrek tries to put the moves on her, and fails time and time again. As for Donkey, he remains the same but his well placed banter with Shrek is gone since their history no longer exists. As much as many scenes are funny it is hard to imagine anyone finding the film very funny unless they are in on the joke – meaning they have seen the prior films. For a newbie to the franchise it may just muster a chuckle now and again.
Cast and Crew
- Director(s): Mike Mitchell
- Producer(s): Josh KlausnerDarren LemkeMike Myers (voice of Shrek)
- Screenwriter(s): Eddie Murphy (voice of Donkey)Cameron Diaz (voice of Princess Fiona)Antonio Banderas (voice of Puss in Boots)
- Story: Julie Andrews (voice of Queen)
- Cast: Walt Dohm (voice of Rumplestiltskin) Yong Duk Jhun
- Editor(s):
- Cinematographer: Harry Gregson-Williams
- Production Designer(s):
- Costume Designer:
- Casting Director(s):
- Music Score:
- Music Performed By:
- Country Of Origin: USA
