Get better with every viewing

Rating: 9/10 (17 December 2002)

I must admit that I was not very overwhelmed the first time I saw "Shrek". It wasn't as smart and heartwarming as I thought it would be and it had a mean edge to it's story and characters. Well, that was my first viewing. Another five or so viewings later I am willing to hail this movie as the masterpiece it is. True, it is not as cute and sugarcoated as your average Disney-saga, but now I consider it a big bonus. Instead you have some amazing characters who interact better than most live actors, a great but simple-to-follow story and lot's of funny lines and moments. And there ARE some heartwarming episodes! All the voices are superb in there parts, with an added bonus for Eddie Murphy (his best part in YEARS!) and John Lithgow. And I do like the interwoven fairytale creatures, especially the Gingerbread man whose "torture" is a hilariously funny scene. And Shrek himself is a truly likeable fellow even if he is somewhat of a slob. The animation is amazing! The best part is the rescue of the princess with it's firebreathing dragon and all (also a funny scene). The ending ,with the escape from the dragon's clutches, is pure "James Bond meets Indiana Jones" with a score to match and even the use of slow-motion! A delightful mix of suspense and humour! My only, minor, complaint is that the movie is too short!! But you do get a bonus after the feature to treasure :-) A MUST-SEE for children of all ages!!!!!!