While not a classic, Shrek Forever After improves on the 3rd film by concluding the ogre's journey

Rating: 8/10 (22 May 2020)

After how disappointing the third film was, Shrek Forever After is a good fourth entry of the franchise. Yes it's not a perfect movie as it does have some problems. The beginning of the film felt pretty rough and it may not be as hilarious as the first two films. However, it improves over the third by providing a neat conclusion to the adventures of our lovable ogre.
The story does borrow from It's A Wonderful Life, but at least it delivers on the idea of what life would be like without Shrek and at least it had a villain involved. It also gives some new character arcs for Shrek and Fiona. Shrek signs a contract from Rumpelstiltskin that would help him go back to his life as a terrifying ogre only to realize that Far Far Away and everything else is in ruins and has to fix his mistake. Fiona spent her entire life waiting for a true love that never came to rescue her from the Dragon's Keep which results in her becoming a tough stoic warrior. Donkey and Puss in Boots, while not given much to do, still provide some funny moments especially the fat Puss in Boots gag. The other side characters, while also not given much to do, also provide some funny moments and contribute to Fiona's goal to fight back against Rumpelstiltskin who now rules Far Far Away. Rumpelstiltskin, while not in the same league as Fairy Godmother, is entertaining enough thanks to Walt Dohrn's solid voice work.
Everything else is done very well. The animation is great with nicely detailed settings including the ruins of Far Far Away, the expressions are very real, the voice work from everyone involved including Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, and Antonio Banderas is superb, and Harry Gregson Williams reprises the same iconic theme from the previous films while introducing new motifs which enhances the darker atmospheric gothic tone very well while giving emotional beats throughout the film.
Overall, Shrek Forever After isn't a classic movie and I understand why critics and some people don't like it as much, but as for me who loved the Shrek franchise ever since I was a kid, this fourth entry is a good conclusion in it's own right. Thumbs up. :)