When the first "Shrek" made its theatrical debut in 2001, it came accompanied by expectations normally reserved for sequels with impressive pedigrees. Unlike any previous animated endeavor, it was a magically irreverent experience whose appeal crossed age and gender barriers.
As is often the case with family-friendly blockbusters, it became the flagship of a merchandising onslaught.
Sequels followed. "Shrek 2" was enjoyable, but unspectacular and "Shrek 3" seemed to be going through the motions. The fourth Shrek movie called "Shrek Forever After," is being hyped as the final chapter, and that's not surprising.
The goose's eggs have gone from gold to silver to clad.
It has been said that if you're going to steal, steal from the best. The filmmakers responsible for "Shrek Forever After" have taken this advice to heart. The core storyline has been lifted from "It's a Wonderful Life," albeit with the character of Clarence turned nastier than Mr. Potter.
Shrek (voice of Mike Myers) is provided with a chance to see life flash before his eyes as it might have been had he never been born. He gets into the situation because he's upset with the mundane day-to-day routine of being an ogre who doesn't scare anyone. For one day, he wants the world to go back to a time when everything makes sense.
The impish Rumplestiltskin (Walt Dohn) overhears Shrek's wish and offers to grant it. Shrek signs a contract without reading the small print, and soon discovers that his existence is in danger.
Fortune unites him with Donkey (Eddie Murphy), who is more than a little skeptical of Shrek's hard-to-swallow tale. To get his old life back, Shrek has to fulfill an escape clause in the contract, which requires him to find his wife Fiona (Cameron Diaz) and share a kiss of true love with her.
There are a few problems. In this reality, Fiona is a warrior queen who has long since stopped believing in things like true love. Shrek also fails to make a positive impression during their initial encounter.
Finally, Rumplestiltskin also knows about the escape clause and is determined not to let Shrek and Fiona lock lips.
All in all, this isn't a terrible movie. It's just not as magical as the first Shrek film.
2.5 Buckets
