The Milan News-Leader
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Movie Review
This should be the last 'Shrek' movie
PUBLISHED: May 24, 2007
I am Ryan Michaels. Have you heard of me yet? Well, I am not in the least bit surprised if you say no because I am no Roger Ebert. I'm a kid, a 10-year old movie fanatic who loves writing reviews as much as watching movies. Below is my take on "Shrek the Third," the second of my summer movie reviews for Heritage Newspapers. Watch for more reviews as I catch all the summer's best flicks.
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Everyone's favorite ogre is back in the sequel "Shrek the Third."
"Shrek 2" was the No. 1 animated moneymaker of all time and "Shrek 1" was a smash with critics and audiences, so naturally they're gonna make a third. And I respect that. I mean, I gave the first Shrek an "A," the second an "A-," and this one a "B+."
But if things turn out the way I predict it will, "Shrek 4" will net a "D." In the hands of "Sky High" and "Deuce Bigalow" Director Mike Mitchell, disaster is imminent.
"Shrek the Third" is a great movie that delivers kid-oriented jokes, and pokes fun at fairy tales like a Tommy gun.
Everyone's back, reprising their roles. And while the director of the first two Shrek films was making "The Chronicles of Narnia," fellow animators Chris Miller and Raman Hui took the helm. To be frank, their talent is obvious.
I will admit, the trailers for "Shrek the Third" looked terrible. The "My butt's itching up a storm" line was stuck in my head for Lord knows how long. So, I reluctantly walked into the theater and was pleasantly surprised.
Ogres Shrek and Fiona are married, their friend Donkey has kids, who are absolutely adorable, and generally are living happily ever after. This is interesting because it shows what happens after the good guys live happily ever after.
Meanwhile, the evil Prince Charming has been reduced from the would-be heir of Far, Far Away to having a gig as an actor in a restaurant, a change that doesn't set well with him.
When Fiona's father, King Harold, dies, it occurs to Shrek and Fiona that they need to find a new king because Shrek doesn't want the responsibility.
Shrek is told of a new heir to the throne, a teenager named Arthur, who goes by "Artie." So, Shrek, his loud-mouthed sidekick Donkey and the ever-cute cat Puss in Boots set out to find the teen so he can become king.
Meanwhile, Prince Charming rounds up an army of villains to raid Far, Far Away. To take back the town, Fiona teams up with Queen Lillian, Snow White, Cinderella and the gang. But how long can they hold the town before Shrek convinces Artie to become king?
It seems like the moviemakers are running out of ideas, and if they do decide to make "Shrek 4," they should make it a prequel about Shrek's early exploits.
I really liked this one. Sure, the predecessors are much better, but that's like comparing "The Wizard of Oz" to "Gone with the Wind."
The voiceovers are hilarious, featuring talk-show host Regis Philbin, pop star Justin Timberlake and British comedian Eric Idle. While their characters are generally brief, they are a worthy addition.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one, but the franchise should stop here.
The next film I will review is "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End." Check the Web site www.heritage.com for my review on video before the the paper comes out May 31. Video of my "Shrek the Third" review is also on the Web site.
Local movie critic Ryan Michaels can be reached through mrogers@heritage.com.
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