Get off the throne, already

Rating: 6/10 (30 November 2008)

A very tired Shrek (Mike Myers) tries to recruit a kid Artie (Justin Timberlake) to replace the recently deceased king (John Cleese) so that Shrek does not have to assume the throne. Prince Charming (Rupert Everet) meanwhile decides to install himself as the new king, and imprisons all who defy him, including Fiona (Cameron Diaz), her mother (Julie Andrews) plus Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Snow White, Rapunzel, Pinocchio, 3 Blind Mice, 3 Little Pigs and the Gingerbread Man. Charming also eventually imprisons Shrek and plans to kill him on stage before a live audience. Will Artie save the day? Or will Shrek get the ax? Who cares? The jokes are as tired as Shrek. Not even Puss (Antonio Banderas) and Donkey (Eddie Murphy) can save this unnecessary, plodding sequel. There is one funny bit involving walking, talking trees that are straight out of THE WIZARD OF OZ, but that's about it. And I will admit Shreks's offspring, seen at the end, are adorable -- but of course. SHREK 3 is for small children and Shrek fans only.