Berk !!!!! (TV)

Rating: 1/10 (7 August 2005)

I don't understand how this animation can be the third success in the all-time box office.
Sure, all the design is wonderful and the research has asked a lot of attention. Sure, the cat & the donkey, the piggies are funny characters, but the movie fails in all its intentions.
A comedy which laughs at fairy tales: Well, except two brilliant scenes (the speeches at the arrival, and the following super), all humor is based on the American way of life. The magic castle is here, but it's look like Hollywood, even MacDonald, Pop Idol are present. This is the worst kind of humor: references. There is no surprise in it.
Next, behind the smiles, the authors try to deliver a educational message, as any classic fairy tale. The problem is the choice of the subject: Is look important in life ? This question, again a typical American attitude, couldn't have been the greatest treason made to the spirit of fairy tale.
Indeed, beauty is always the necessary (and shadowed) support of true basic educational messages (independence, curiosity, etc.). The look, glamorous or frightening is only the more visible sign for young children to learn the good feelings (friendship, honesty --- characterised by "nice" people) from the bad feelings (cruelty, liar, temper --- characterised by "ugly" people).
So, Shrek keeps asking if "ugly" people can love "nice" princess, and finally, concludes that :YES !! 2 long hours to demonstrate an evidence (because, in his heart, he has good feelings) with an humor often not funny.
That explains my bad recommendation of this sequel..