no longer a fairytale

Rating: 5/10 (12 June 2007)

By now it has become apparent that animation has mutated to a state, that with each new computer animated film, the quality will constantly increase, where time will arrive we will not realise we are looking at something computer generated. It's awe gasping to marvel at what is achievable. But a very beautiful picture is all Shrek the Third will ever be. No longer a parody/satire of fairytale stories of old, of childhood memories, it's terrible to see when all things pop culture and easy jokes become the norm. Shrek 2 started this norm, though rising above this limitation, kept proceedings fresh and interesting; with new characters added to the mix and keeping its fairytale roots close to heart. A big heart still resides in Shrek the Third, the main driving force of the whole film, but those fairytale roots have been crushed, replaced with schmaltzy, over sweet life lessons to drag it down. All of the Shreks have held those 'life lessons', but only as after notes, to think on the way out. Shrek the Third is a constant lesson class; never judging yourself by others opinions, family and responsibility. The little ones will soak it up with glee, starring upon their cinematic heroes, yet the older generation will feel tiresome by halfway, wondering where that adult humour went from the last two films. Maybe if the laughs were up to snuff, Shrek the Third could reside with its predecessors, the jokes have run dry and bland. The whole reliance of pop culture and in-jokes; not helped with Justin Timberlake added to the bill - he ain't bringing no sexy back to help boost this, but bitching beauties with Snow White, Sleeping Beauty Rapunzel and Cinderella, acting from some forth rate soap opera; maybe some classy Dynasty cat fighting would have helped, is tiresome from the go, and clichÃ©d high school kids; girls talking like drones of Little Brittian Vicky Pollard and Mean Girls, spewing 'whatever' and 'ew-eth' at nauseating rate, Bill and Ted stoners, cocky jocks, and the braced up nerds. Enough material keeps proceedings above the water, yet not far from drowning. Charming's plays at the start and end are highlights, and the few out of the blue jokes. It's sad when events like a crazy aged Merlin, Puss and Donkey's body swap, are real missed opportunities and never really russel up the punch they require. All stars returning to their roles, own them easily like a second skin, many of the new actors bring nothing special; which is hard as they have no good material to work off. Shrek the Third runs far off course from it's predecessors, sitting now squarely in the kids section. Shrek the Third - you said it honey, ew-eth.