The originality has gone but there is still a chuckle or two

Rating: 6/10 (28 June 2010)

There was a time some 9 years ago when an animation was released that shone with the energy, the humour and the drama that was remarkably a Pixar beater. Shrek was an outstanding piece of entertainment, containing colourful reincarnations of fairy tales with modern skits and a fresh faced array of family enjoyment and somewhere along the way of overselling, 3 sequels it lost its freshness.
Whilst the first sequel had plenty of zip and panache it didn't grab you the way the first did and this 3rd instalment tries to recapture the first's essence, and fails in that aspect but still packs some zippy humour and a relaxing hour and a half viewing.
This story revolves around Shrek searching for a rightful heir to the throne of far far away whilst Fiona has a surprise for her husband and Prince Charming recruits a bunch of villains to take over far far away.
There is quite a bit going on which gives strong humour opportunities if the momentum of certain situations is disrupted, not to mention this franchise's frequent attempt to add new characters never works. The dragon babies are ridiculous whilst getting Justin Timberlake, a professional singer, to voice a supposed heir completely abolishes anything short of credibility.
Salvation is found as usual through Donkey and Puss in boots whilst there are lovely phrases and sequences with Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and Cinderella. A great new addition is Captain Hook who is not given enough screen time.
Chris Miller directs well enough with the production at the finale a stand out, despite being ruined by a conventional speech motive. However when the gang circle around John Cleese's King there is an air of uncomfortably as it is produced trying to be funny when it definitely should not be and the scene with the singing frogs and unhappy face afterwards feels crudely disrespectful.
Whilst these faults are usually frequent there is still a likable association with the characters as we know their tricks now and hopefully with the forth Shrek due out in recent weeks this series can match the first and give the series a grand send off.
6/10