Enjoyable but not much originality

Rating: 7/10 (7 July 2010)

Shrek 4 is enjoyable but it is clear the franchise has reached the end of its tether. There are a few good gags and the affection we have for the main characters almost wills us to enjoy the ride but we are going over very familiar territory.
Shrek becomes bored with mundane family life and does a deal with Rumplestiltskin for a day as a "real" ogre. In return Rumplestliltskin gets to erase the day Shrek was born which means (the details aren't really important) that Mr R now rules Far Far Away. As a character Rumplestiltskin has a few amusing quirks, such as having a different wig for every occasion and having witches for henchmen. However he isn't as entertaining as the original characters.
The rest of the film involves Shrek trying to get out of the deal as well as convincing Fiona (who now doesn't know him) that he is her true love. We also meet alternative reality versions of Puss and Donkey.
The kids will enjoy the slapstick and funny voices but accompanying adults will realise early on that this film was really only made for the money.