Just what a "kid's movie" should be

Rating: 7/10 (20 July 2001)

In my mind, this is what a kids film should really look like. There's enough to keep the kids entertained, so they don't start to moan, but enough to keep the parents dragged along glued to the screen.
Myself, I'm a grown up lover of kids movies. This one really hits the spot. There are no running gags found in other movies, but a regular supply of one liners and surprises, keeping all viewers interested.
I'm not a big fan of Mike Myers, but I have to admit, he fitted his character. But, I would have to say that the movie once again should go to the sidekick, played by Eddie Murphy. As often happens, he gets most of the gags and one liners. Surprisingly though, for a change, he doesn't actually bring all the attention upon himself, as the sidekick usually does, for me anyway. The cast makes as many jokes as the character they play normally would.
As a film, Shrek breaks the mould, shatters it, and grinds it to dust, not only are there unorthodox parts (no knight, but an ogre, no sweet princess, but a girl with a mind of her own, and no tall, domineering bad guy, but a wimpy shrimp) but the even mention it throughout the film.
To me, this is a spoof of every fairy tale known to man, all put together into a movie. A must see for children, parents and those wishing they were young enough not to be self conscious to go and see it. When I went to see this movie, a couple who must have been in their sixties were there, laughing with everyone else. That really said it all. A movie for all ages, for once, really does apply.