One Delightful, Fruitful "Fairy Tale"

Rating: 10/10 (16 November 2004)

***POSSIBLE SPOILERS*** "Shrek" succeeds as a unique, intelligent, and delightful spin on the general Disney-dominated fairy tale genre. It is simplistic, satiric, and unapologetic in its marvelously clever deviation from what has been historically perceived as the general fresh, moral-promoting, sensational fantasy genre, and as a matter of fact, it makes no compromises in deploring Disney's notorious masterpieces! Featuring a reclusive, abhorrent ogre as the protagonist is daring and unorthodox enough, yet also include the likes of an obnoxious, yet amicable chatterbox donkey (Eddie Murphy) as his "unwanted sidekick", an ungrateful (and quite peculiar) princess as the subject of the heroic quest, and a lamentable, unintimidating midget named Lord Farquad as the villain, "Shrek" is not your typical innocent family fare, and it deserves high accolades for breaching the boundaries of what is traditionally accepted of the fantasy genre, and achieving an unconventional, dynamic, and truly amazing work of entertainment. To begin with, the title character Shrek is absolutely hilarious: a low-brow, anti-social "hideous creature" who resides in a filthy swamp, consumes worms, and justifies his personality in descrying: "Ogres are like onions, because they have lairs". Just about every line that is uttered by this whimsical, yet loathsome, Shrek, is entirely laughable, and it is very difficult to actually take him seriously, even during frequent areas of sentimentality and self-reflection. Eddie Murphy provides his raw energy and vocalism in playing Shrek's opposite, the donkey, who is at times irksome with his incessant babblings, yet at times provides a welcome balance to Shrek's weaker parts. The screenplay is very engaging, extremely clever, and often hilarious. Besides the delightful dialogue between Shrek, Donkey, Princess Fiona, and Lord Farquad, there are some very daring and innovative "pokes" which deserve much commendation. The silliness of the gingerbread man pleading desperately not to pluck his gumdrop buttons is timeless! The Snow White "mirror, mirror, what will it be? Princess 1, 2, or 3?"--- how classically contemporary! And Shrek awaking "Sleeping Beauty" perfunctorily and unconventionally--- hilarious! There are some really imaginative qualities to be applauded here: the animation settings are a mix between notorious fairy tale scenes, yet full of modern characters and dialogue that would appall anyone really living in those times! The cheerful, melodic music brilliantly collaborates with the mostly amusing, sometimes sentimental atmosphere of the film, and reminds us that every scene in the film plays a purpose to the story that is trying to be told. This is definitely one of the most enjoyable and satisfying animated films I have ever seen, is quite superior to its successor "Shrek 2", and as a piece of entertainment, it works extremely effectively in achieving the humor, structure, character, catharsis, and meaning that is so often desired in movies, and is extremely rare as far as innocent animated fairy tales come. "Shrek" is one jolly, fruitful green ogre to behold! **** out of ****