Shrek and co feel stale today.

Rating: 5/10 (17 June 2010)

This fourth instalment tries hard to bring something fresh to the franchise, however Shrek and co just feel stale today, nine years on from their glorious introduction. Donkey has gone from causing belly laughs and sprouting quotable one-liners to being annoying and repetitive; not overly great for the character which has always been the true drawcard for the series. Though it is the big green man himself who has become the most tiresome; his constant whinging and heavy Scottish accent the source for serious boredom. Especially since this sequel has amped up the seriousness and soppiness, majority of which comes from Shrek. There are a few supporting players which snare a laugh here and there, Puss-in-Boots and Butter Pants – a manly looking child with a memorable voice – being two worth mentioning.
Fortunately the in-charge Mitchell has a solid handle on the action sequences. There are a number of set pieces – Shrek and Fiona's climactic escape from Rumpelstiltskin's clutches is a highlight – that are exciting and enjoyable, but they act like a double-edged sword and also serve to emphasize how dull the slower, talkative scenes really are. If only the cast and crew could inject the familiar characters and run-of-the-mill story with the same amount of energy and enthusiasm, perhaps Shrek Forever After could have been a more fitting closure.
The one (and only) thing improved upon since the first movie – the animation – is delightful to look at mind you. The picture is crystal-clear and the third dimension has been utilised properly. There are a handful of instances where the 'coming-at-you' gimmickry rears its ugly head, which the kiddies don't seem to mind, however for the most part Mitchell grasps the true effectiveness of 3D quite well and adds depth to the visuals which in turn allows his on screen universe to expand.
Dreamworks has said for a long time that this will be Shrek's last adventure, if this is the best they can come up with for the famous ogre and his friends then let's hope they stick to their guns.
2.5 out of 5 (1 - Rubbish, 2 - Ordinary, 3 - Good, 4 - Excellent, 5 - Classic)