Remarkably good.

Rating: 9/10 (1 July 2001)

*** Warning: Possible spoilers ***
OK, I have to admit that the only reason I went to see this movie is because of the voice talent on show in the movie. The basic premise of this movie is no different to most other animated flicks, i.e. your typical Disney-fied story of the beautiful girl falling for the average schmoe after an adventure-filled journey through the woods. Ho-hum, I thought, but being a big Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy fan, I decided to check it out anyway, hoping that they would liven things up a bit.
And that's exactly what happens. The story, from start to finish, is predictably predictable, yet Myers and Murphy are in fine form delivering witty one-liners throughout the film. Cameron Diaz is also excellent as Princess Fiona, and although John Lithgow basically reprises his '3rd Rock From The Sun' role as the omnipotent, egotistical high commander in this film, it's a perfect fit.
The audiovisual department has also done a fine job in the movie. The hype surrounding the graphics is justified, and although some of the songs featured on the soundtrack don't seem to have been properly used in the movie, they're enjoyable nonetheless.
The ending is incredibly sappy, even compared to the usual animated happy endings, but then that could have been expected. Despite the obvious attempts to make the film appealing to adults, it's still predominantly a children's flick. Ultimately though, the outstanding voice performances by the four leads makes a conventional storyline pleasantly refreshing for people of all ages.
8/10