Pretty darn good!

Rating: 8/10 (26 May 2007)

Unlike the first two "Shrek" films, "Shrek the Third" is getting roasted by many critics. Most are saying it's pointless, mediocre, not as smart, and not funny. While I agree with the first three comments, the part about not being funny is not true in my book. The plot goes something like this: When his new father-in-law, King Harold falls ill, Shrek is looked at as the heir to the land of Far, Far Away. Not one to give up his beloved swamp, Shrek recruits his friends Donkey and Puss in Boots to install the rebellious Artie as the new king. While Shrek is away, Prince Charming gathers a band of fairy tale villains to take over Far, Far Away, and it's up to Fiona to stop them.
You can probably tell just from reading the plot that the filmmakers are running out of ideas for "Shrek", and that this film was made only for the hundreds of millions it would make. This stands to reason. Director Andrew Adamson of the first two "Shrek" films doesn't return for this one, which might explain why it wasn't as good, Chris Miller, who hadn't directed at all previously, took over. Many jokes are a rehash of things we have already seen before, and not done any better. Still, I laughed quite a bit, and I know you will too.
The entire original cast is back yet again Â– probably for the last time Â– to voice the huge line-up of characters. Antonio Banderas as Puss-in-Boots once again steals the show, as does new character Merlin, voiced by Eric Idle. Another welcome addition is Amy Poehler, Cheri Oteri, and Maya Rudolph from "Saturday Night Live" as cranky princesses. One character I didn't like was Artie voiced by Justin Timberlake, he is the annoying, bratty, and stupid prince who just gets on your nerves.
The animation is excellent as always, and for every two bad jokes, there was one good one Â–a school pep rally tells you to "Just Say Nay". So, like "Spider-man 3", which wasn't as good as the first two either, "Shrek 3" is entertaining. It's a good way to spend 90 minutes, and for the most part, you won't regret it and your kids will adore it. Critics need to realize we don't see movies like Spidey and Shrek to watch a great movie, we watch it to be entertained. But frankly, I don't think critics even know the meaning of the word.