Film reviews: Shrek the Third
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What’s the story?
When his father-in-law King Harold (John Cleese) croaks it and suggests Shrek (Mike Myers) as rightful heir to the land of Far, Far Away, the not-so-jolly green giant determines to find the only other man suitable to take his place – a young lad named Artie (Justin Timberlake) – with the help of Donkey (Eddie Murphy) and Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas). But while they're away, it's left to Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) to resist a coup by the jilted Prince Charming (Rupert Everett) while coming to terms with pregnancy.
What we say
Once upon a time there lived an animated green ogre who existed to poke fun at many cartoon conventions, while giving cartoon-making rivals Pixar a serious run for its money. Three movies in, however, and the early magic of those first two Shrek outings now seems far, far away.
Shrek The Third is a laboured entry into the series – visually astounding, yes, but now steadfastly conforming to many of the stereotypes it sought to resist. It gets by on the camaraderie that still exists between its principal performers – notably Myers, Murphy, Diaz and Banderas – but it's a pale imitation of its former self.
The main problem with the film is that it feels too much like a message movie rather than a rollicking good adventure. Issues such as the importance of family, the responsibility of fatherhood, the dangers of vanity and so on are rammed home tirelessly, often at the expense of some of the more savvy pop culture references that made the first two films such a breath of fresh air.
The in-jokes, too, are much more obvious and distinctly under-whelming, while the addition of new characters such as Timberlake's rebellious Artie and Eric Idle's Merlin bring nothing worthwhile to proceedings. Past favourites Donkey and Puss In Boots are criminally under-used and even Shrek isn't afforded as many laugh-out-loud moments as previously (despite the best efforts of Myers).
There are good moments, such as a clever nightmare sequence involving multiple Shrek babies and some colourful, if fleeting, villains. But given the high standards of the previous movies, Shrek The Third feels like a wasted opportunity.
Rating: 
Certificate: PG
Running time: 93mins
Review: Rob Carnevale Photo: Paramount
