An Entertaining & Amusing Film.

Rating: 8/10 (18 May 2001)

I've been looking forward to "Shrek". The previews looked great, and I like Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy, but the initial few moments of Smashmouth's "All-Star" made me first think of "Mystery Men", and then "Why is a Top 40 hit in an animated film set in a fairy tale past?" Admittedly, all the music specifically designed for the "film's (naturally) smash soundtrack" did turn me off a little, and it lost a point for that, as I would have given it a nine easily. But the rest of the musical score was fine. Note to filmmakers: Bad. Bad. Don't use "hip" marketing ploys in good movies as it only hinders, not helps.
As for the rest of the film, I did enjoy it. Quite a bit, actually. The CG was simply amazing. There were several times when the line between "reality" and animation was effectively blurred, so technically, it was impressive. I also had a good time with the story. "Shrek" took a few solid jabs at Disney, such as Lord Farquaad's blatantly theme-park inspired castle to some character designs, to even the goofy song at an inappropriate moment (of which this film pokes even harder fun at). It also has a few nods to "Matrix" and "Babe".
The film is very, very funny at times. Mostly in part to the voices, but some characters, such as the Gingerbread Man and Robin Hood made for great scenes. The dragon was also a really impressive visual treat.
From extremely detailed character expressions, to genuine laughs, to a few surprisingly sweet-natured moments, this film offered quite a bit, and even threw in a little "adult humor" and profanity at times. But it's light stuff, so it's not too bad. I guess besides the Top 40 music, the only other two things I didn't like about the film (but so many other films do it, that I can't singularly criticize this film) is all the "fart humor". Another note to filmmakers: Stop, please. Enough. Whoever in Hollywood that is telling you this is prime comedy material is lying to you. It's not funny.
*SPOILER*
Also, the film never quite explained what Farquaad did to remove the fairy tale characters from Shrek's swamp, or where they all went until the film's end.
*END SPOILER*
Despite a few small gripes, I had a good time watching the film, and I could easily recommend it during this summer's movie rush. Definitely worth a look, and I'll be interested to seeing what special features are offered when it hits for DVD. Recommended.