Prince Charming... Ogre

Rating: 10/10 (5 June 2001)

"Shrek" is the best movie of the year so far. Ted Elliot's screenplay message of not judging people (or ogres) by what they appear is "in your face", funny, and truly touching. Not like this has any relevance to any of us living in a city like... LA. Elliot's words in concert with the direction and care of Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson make Shrek a special movie. Shrek, Princess Fiona, and Donkey are genuine characters that you care about. Mike Myer's Scottish Shrek voices the Ogre as one who is smart, brave, and lonely. Shrek knows what the game is, and how he fits in the grand scheme. There is a particularly moving scene while he and Donkey are looking at the stars, and Shrek voices the burden that he bears when it comes to people. Eddie Murphy as Donkey is fabulous as Shrek's sidekick and confidant. Murphy gets it right for the combination of smart-ass and compassion. Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona is perfect as the princess who has waited all her life to be rescued by her Prince Charming, only to saved by Shrek. And she also hides a secret. The end is a surprise and very cool one. Like the movie and it's story, what matters is a good heart and beautiful soul. Perhaps this is corny, and someone needs to remind us of that. Who better than "Shrek"?