Believe the hype! This movie rocks!

Rating: 9/10 (27 May 2001)

OK, I have to admit I've always had problems with Dreamworks' movies... I hate Spielberg's Disney/sugar-coated touch and how it effects many of the movies released by them.. However, Katzenberg and Dreamworks' animated films are another story. Chicken Run and now Shrek were both great films that work so well not because they copy the Disney cliches (like that dumb Mosses movie) but because they break free from them. Biting humor, a great msg. that doesn't sell out (notice in Beauty and the Beast how the happy ending revolved around the Beast becoming a handsome prince and not us accepting him for who he is- "Don't judge the book by it's cover because underneath the ugly beast is Matt Damon...").. ANYWAYS, Enjoy this movie NOW on the big screen and not on video months from now- some of the Joke's may simply not be funny anymore. The Matrix spoofs and river dancing bit have been done and will continue to be done making the film seem tired and "old." This is not a criticism just a fact about today's film climate- comedy right now revolves around in-jokes, pop-culture references, and fart jokes.. The writers of Shrek know this and do an excellent job..
Witty as the writing was, Eddie Murphy simply has out-done himself yet again.. I've never seen an animated film that felt so improvised.. Murphy should be respected and seen as a A-list performer. While Myer's and Diaz may get all the press, the true talent here is Murphy.
Lastly, people that think this film is crude or "immoral:" Please, lighten the heck up. This film has a great msg. that I think kids should hear... Kids live on a diet of poop and fart jokes- don't try to shelter them from a rewarding and near brilliant film.. This movie aside, "protecting" your child from the outside world to the degree that some of you people seem to go to ("previewing" a cartoon before bringing your kid to watch it??) should be considered CHILD ABUSE.. I have a larger argument based on personal experience but you people are doing horrible damage to your kids by not letting them be young and silly.. This isn't Freddy Got Fingered and nothing in this movie is "ruder" than what's on television.. I personally have not read the bible passage that you all seem to live by "Thou Shall not Let Your Children Watch a Witty and Wildly Creative Film Because of the Butt Jokes".. is that in Luke? I think I missed that one..