Fantastic animation but lacking luster of first two

Rating: 6/10 (19 May 2007)

Okay, so I was that idiot you met way back when who was the first to tell you that Shrek 3 was coming out. I was excited and yet I was wary (as I always am for remakes and sequels). My excitement has continued until tonight (19th), my first opportunity to see the movie. The animation was great, the message was over half-decent (though not as meaningfully forward as the first two), and even the plot line wasn't too bad. However, it was still lacking the luster of the first two movies. And I must confess, much of the humor was lacking compared to the first two. (Such as the Gollum/Cinderella, Shrek talking in modern lingo, Shrek's nightmare, Merlin,etc. And why was Eric Idle's Merlin not given the opportunity to soar in his role like I know Eric Idle can?)
Also, the plot seemed to consist of way too much in-between time. This is because the makers wanted to develop way too much of a new plot and new character(s), but they depended a lot on your knowledge of the previous movies.
But I am not one to be a downer, so now I must go and tell all my friends to see it because it will still make you laugh (a lot). The animation was amazing. The familiar characters and odd friendships (i.e. Gingy, Pinocchio, Grandma Wolf and Three Little Pigs) are so developed that you do take it for granted. Several parts were still witty, like 1&2... Of course there are too many things good and bad to say so I will still recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the first two, but right now all I can remember is Gingy's hilarious flashback and that my popcorn didn't have enough butter.