The "Shrek" franchise was going strong with the first two movies, but unfortunately had to take a dip with this one

Rating: 5/10 (6 October 2008)

While this third "Shrek" movie from DreamWorks Animation was playing in theatres, I was well aware of it. By that time, I had seen the first two films in the franchise (both more than once, I think), but decided I wouldn't watch this one until I had seen both of its predecessors again. So, having finally done that very recently, after probably not seeing either of them in several years, I watched this second sequel to the 2001 animated hit, but my expectations weren't high, since I knew it was considered far inferior to the first two. After watching it, I think I get the criticism, and why so many fans were disappointed.
Shrek's father-in-law, the King of Far, Far Away, is not well, and is eventually found on his deathbed, where he tells Shrek that he is to take his place as King. However, Shrek does not wish to take this position, so just before the King dies, he tells the ogre about another possible heir to the throne, Arthur. So, Shrek sets out with Donkey and Puss In Boots to find this heir to the throne, and just as they're leaving, Fiona tells her husband news that he's not ready to hear...she's pregnant! The three make it to their destination, Worcestershire Academy, where they discover that Arthur (a.k.a. Artie) is a very unpopular student, often picked on by his peers, but it's obviously about to change for him! Meanwhile, Prince Charming is still hoping to become King and have his "Happily Ever After"! He has managed to round up a bunch of fairy tale villains, who also want their "Happily Ever After", so while Shrek, Donkey, and Puss In Boots are gone, these villains invade the Kingdom of Far, Far Away and help Prince Charming try and take over!
I think my main complaint about this third installment in DreamWorks Animation's "Shrek" franchise is the lack of humour. For example, Shrek's nightmare about having babies, with some throwing up involved. For the Worcestershire Academy, they combined medieval life with modern high school stereotypes. Sounds clever, but it didn't turn out to be very funny, I don't know exactly how to explain it. An example is one of the cheerleaders saying, "Ugh, totally eweth," when she sees Shrek, and I feel I could have found that more amusing than I did, I don't know. This movie also features a bunch of fairy tale princesses who unite with Princess Fiona and her mother against Prince Charming and his evil fairy tale allies, and they don't tend to add much to the film. This includes when they talk about babies "pooping". Yes, like the first two "Shrek" films, you can be sure this one has fart and bowel movement jokes, but this time, they may get worse. I did find an occasional laugh, and probably smiled quite a bit while watching "Shrek the Third", but overall, it didn't quite tickle my funny bone enough. Not only does this film lack humour, it also seems to lack excitement compared to its two predecessors, doesn't seem to get quite as heartfelt, and the plot may not be as intriguing.
Much of "Shrek the Third" is an animated take on the story of King Arthur's beginnings, which reminds me of another film. The film I'm thinking of is the overlooked 1963 Disney production, "The Sword in the Stone", which I think is far superior to this film, a major reason being that I definitely found it funnier. That includes the version of Merlin in that film, much funnier than the Merlin here, even though this movie's version of the wizard was voiced by funnyman Eric Idle. Anyway, this second sequel to the 2001 fairy tale spoof from DreamWorks Animation may have been highly anticipated by many fans, but unfortunately, it appears many were let down, and I'm not surprised. A fourth installment in the "Shrek" franchise has been confirmed, and I can't just assume right now that it won't be any better than the third, but I'd better not get my hopes up, and don't suggest others do, either.