Directed by Mike Mitchell; written by Josh Klausner and Darren Lemke, Shrek Forever After is the forth and final Shrek movie to be released. In an interview with Cameron Diaz, she summed it up nicely by saying “I think it’s great to have four films because they are like four different chapters of life. You know, you’ve got the meeting each other and falling in love, incorporating each other into each other’s lives, friends and family, starting your own family and then being comfortable with where you’re at in life.”
I sometimes feel that at this stage of a franchise, films tends to get a bit sour and disappointing. I must admit that I wasn’t too fond of the third film and I’m really glad they pushed to end Shrek on the forth instead. This really wrapped the Shrek saga up and was a good send off. I do like 3D a lot but I don’t think the 3D really added much to the feature. There is always the appeal of 3D when going to the cinema because it’s an experience that can’t be replicated at home but if you go to see a 2D showing, you won’t be missing out on much.
The plot is one we’ve seen before but a classic one nonetheless. (Think it’s a wonderful Life). Shrek is growing tired of his new domestic life. He longs for the days when he was feared as an Ogre and left in peace in his swamp. Caught at a bad moment, the evil Rumpelstiltskin uses this knowledge to trick Shrek into giving up his existence and making himself king of Far Far Away. Rumpelstiltskin is a great villain that is very comical. He is voiced by Walt Dohrn who is a writer and animator of Spongebob Squarepants fame. The big star voices come from the original cast- Mike Meyers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy and Antonio Banderas. The alternate reality that Shrek is landed in is one where Ogres are hunted and nobody knows him. He has only has one day to set things right or he will disappear forever. This plot keeps the movie fresh because it gives us a glimpse of what would have happened if Shrek had never rescued Fiona in the first place, and befriended the lovable Donkey and Puss.
Shrek Forever After manages to include the classic funny characters, bring back some great pop culture references and even scratch the surface of a deeper meaning that most animated movies avoid. Overall, this is a great way to end the series and I don’t think that Shrek fans will be disappointed. This is the best Shrek since the original.
You can see the interactive trailer that Darren posted here and it’s out in cinemas on July 2nd. This Sunday, however (June 27th) Cineworld on Parnell Street are having a Shrek family day party to celebrate the release of this last chapter. It will be a great day out for the little ones with face painting, balloon making, a Shrek Disco and a colouring competition. To book tickets head over to cineworld.ie.
Rating 6.5/10 Alternate reality is always fun, I enjoyed the plot, it didn’t drag at all, there were lots of funny moments, it was a good ending to the series.
Recommended for: Fans of Shrek, families, kids, those in the mood for a giggle, Sunday cinema goers.
Not recommended for: People looking for mind-blowing 3D only, people already tired of Shrek.
Have to say i went off Shrek halfway through the second one, and the whole 3D thing is SO boring now. But this looks like a decent end to a franchise on its last legs. And of course, kids will probably love it! Nice review
Thanks for reading, I do think it’s a good ending and kids will definitely love it!