A romantic fairy tale with a difference

Rating: 9/10 (30 December 2016)

Set in a world of fairy tales where fairy tale creatures find themselves persecuted by the unpleasant Lord Farquaad there is a big green ogre named Shrek. Shrek lives alone in his swamp; which is just how he likes it so he is less than happy when all the fairy tale characters turn up saying they are there because of Lord Farquaad. Shrek goes to see him, along with Donkey, a talking Donkey who Shrek finds annoying. Once there Farquaad tells him that he can have his swamp back if he goes on a quest; to rescue the Princess Fiona from a tower which is protected by a fire breathing dragon. She is waiting to be rescued by her 'true love' so is rather surprised to find herself rescued by an ogre. As they head back Shrek develops feelings for Fiona and it emerges that Princess Fiona is subject to a witch's curse; when the sun sets she is a very different person.
This animated fairy tale has become a modern classic thanks to the way it plays with traditional tropes and incorporates elements of many classic into its story. All too often a beautiful damsel in distress is rescued by her handsome Prince Charming and if for some reason he is less then handsome her kiss will free him of that curse and make him perfect not here though. Shrek is an ogre and he is staying an ogre and Princess Fiona well you'll have to watch the film. There are lots of laughs from start to finish and a good but not overstated message about the nature of true beauty. The animation is top notch with great character designs. These characters are voiced by familiar actors; most notably Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy and John Lithgow and they do a fine job bringing their animated characters to life. The humour is likely to appeal to all ages; a few gags might be a little crude but these are likely to go over the heads of younger viewers. Overall I'd say this is a great film that can be enjoyed by everybody.