Shrek the Third
‘The rule of threes’ is a term most gamers will recognize. It’s a recognizable pattern that says a task, puzzle or giant robot weakness has to be completed, solved or shot with a high velocity blast three times. 2007 seems to be the ‘year of threes’ in theatres. Spiderman dropped its 3rd bomb (and not in a good way), a third installment of pirates is nearly here, another Rush Hour, Bourne’s triple play and Ocean’s boys tackle things thricely.
Good or bad, a third installment is usually a safe bet. Shrek the Third was a no brainer for Dreamworks. Mike Meyers once again voices the green ogre and is joined by his motley crew of fairy tale compadres. Fortunately for audiences the story doesn’t come off as stale even if some of the dialogue dates the film. Ironic, since it takes place in an assumed medeival Europe.
Things pick up where Shrek 2 left off. Shrek and Fiona are happily married but have moved into Far Far Away’s castle to help care for the ailing king and keep the kingdom running as smoothly as it can. Shrek refuses to see himself in the royal role and when he learns of an heir to the throne he, Puss and Donkey head out to retrieve the would be ruler and bring him back to take the throne. Dealing with teenaged Arty Pendragon (see where this is going?) proves difficult enough without the ogre contemplating his own future… as a father.
There’s a lot of funny here. Puss and Donkey are better friends but still vie for the sidekick spot and their banter is heightened when they magically swap bodies. We get to see some of the fairy tale princesses really break out of their shell and the classic fairy tale villains get a chance to take center stage as well. Site gags are plentiful too, almost ensuring a second viewing or DVD buy.
As I mentioned before, the only real downside is the pop culture references in some of the dialogue dates the film and I could have done without Shrek trying to speak ‘gangsta’. It’s all good fun and generally what you would expect from a thrid Shrek outing, but I think pushing forward with a fourth attempt might be like trying to squeeze swamp mud from a stone. Despite all that though, Shrek the Third is a good way to spend 75 minutes and 10 bucks.
