The originalShrekwas a great movie, with funny fairytale references, hilarious support characters and a wit that appealed to adults, with animation that left the children starry eyed. The second was a great sequel, and the third … well, it was forgettable. So forgettable, we didn’t call for a fourth. But they made one anyway.
Shrek Forever Afterin 3-D, is a case of the franchise fights back. The 3-D effect is an attempt to give it more marketing angles and the storyline tries to go back to the future to find its original spark.
Shrek (Mike Myers) is settling into family life, children and notoriety, which seems to be a Groundhog Day of nappies, thwarted mud baths and toiletus interruptus. He longs to be an angry ogre again. And when Rumpelstiltskin (Walt Dohrn) grants him one day as an ogre in return for one day of Shrek’s life, he signs on the dotted line.
The problem is, while Shrek enjoys his newfound freedom as a bully, Rumpelstiltskin steals his birth date, so he technically won’t exist when the day ends. Rumplestiltskin is the new tyrant and the palace is a dance party of hip-hopping witches, while everyone Shrek knew or loved doesn’t recognise him. So he has to win them over, all over again.
Suddenly and cleverly, we are back in the same territory of the firstShrekfilm: bad ogre turns good, in the name of love. And it certainly has some similarities toIt’s a Wonderful Life. And you thought they were running out of new ideas, eh?
Fortunately, the effects are as dazzling as ever. Not a freckle or pock mark is missed; the weave of Shrek’s shirt incredibly detailed. Many of the flying shots benefit from the 3-D film, but otherwise they aren’t really necessary. The animation is vivid enough to impress.
The great support characters are still there: Cookie (Craig Robinson) now has the angry streak of a resistance fighter, donkey (Eddie Murphy) is still funny, and Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) still tries to win us over with his big eyes. And it works.
Walt Dohrn — who is the head of story — cast himself as Rumpel’s voice, and it is annoying and indulgent for him to do so. It’s an indicator of what has gone wrong with theShrekfranchise.
Despite any misgivings, you will enjoyShrek Forever After, with or without the 3-D. It still lacks the magic of the first, but is better than the third. The comedy is still there, but has lost its edge over time.
When the writers look for a way to rehash the first movie as way forward, you know it tastes a bit stale, but you will still take a bite anyway. You won’t regret it, but like many, you will vow it will be your last. Let’s hope the producers think the same.
Shrek Forever Afteris in cinemas now.
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