| Shrek |
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| Rating: Good Distributor: Dreamworks MPAA Rating: PG Genre: Comedy, Computer Animation, Family Release Date: May 18th, 2000 (wide) Running Length: 1 hour, 27 minutes Directors: Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson Voices: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, and John Lithgow. |
| picture above from www.shrek.com |
| Plot: Shrek (Mike Myers) is a green ogre, who lives in a swamp. When Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow) decides to kick out all the fairy tale characters in his kingdom they are forced to live in Shrek's swamp. Shrek, who can't stand visitors, decides to go to Lord Farquaad's kingdom, to find a way to send them back. To accompany him is Donkey (Eddie Murphy), a donkey who loves to talk... and talk. Shrek doesn't like company so he first tries to get rid of Donkey. Eventually Donkey's charm wins him over. Farquaad, meanwhile, wants to be a king, and he discovers that the best way to do that is to find a queen. With the help of the mirror from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Farquaad decides he will marry Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz). Princess Fiona lives far away in a castle, guarded by a dragon. When Farquaad discovers Shrek, or Shrek discovers him, Farquaad decides to send him off to find Fiona. In return he will take care of the fairy tale creatures who are taking over Shrek's swamp. |
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| Critique: Shrek is an entertaining, usually funny, unorthodox fable. Although there is no serious conflict(s), which gives the film lack of organization, the film still winds up being effectively whimsical. Even when it dangerously approaches generic plot points, its jokes and premise rescue it. The dialogue, and unique ideas guide the film, even when its storytelling lacks excellence. To enjoy Shrek, is not very difficult. It's a joyous romp, a silly escapade, a deliriously irreverent comedy. The score is uplifting, and the screenplay is often uplifting, but never manipulative. The screenplay's strengths lie in its genuine warmth, and hilarity. Its weaknesses, as I noted are its lack of organization and interesting storytelling. These weaknesses are eclipsed by its strengths. The actors are all terrific in their respective voices. John Lithgow has a less than demanding role, but he is casted perfectly and puts out genuine effort. Cameron Diaz shows versatility, and pronounces every funny joke with remarkable effectiveness. Eddie Murphy steals the show however. He is the majority of the comedy relief, in his hilarious, quick spitting, but still warm character. The visuals do not betray the voices. They are expressive, unique, and in many cases, especially Donkey, very funny. The computer animation of Donkey is the most remarkable because of his hilarious positions. My favorite of all the visuals is the repeated scene of Donkey sleeping. He kicks his feet up, with his unattractive belly in the air. The only problem with the visuals is the inability to create realistic knights. This certainly doesn't ruin the film, but it puts a dent in the versatility of the story. Last, but not least is Mike Myers. He is very genuine, and there is a tremendous amount of effort behind his voice. Still, I can't help but thinking he was not casted correctly. Shrek, needed a deeper voice, or someone who's voice could somehow be related the the figure we see. I can see how the film makers wanted to do something off the wall, unusual, and not stereotype an ogre, but I think they went too far. The voice, no matter how unorthodox, must parallel the figure. It's that simple. Shrek, has some flaws, but they do not hinder the film from doing what it came to do. It's effectively fun, and witty. It's a breath of fresh air, a different look at a frequently told story. Shrek is also very emotionally satisfying. Its characters are hilarious, warm and always very genuine. It's not a film that thrives on its storytelling, or its brilliant organization. Yet, as I said, its winning because of terrific humor and its silly warmth. It's a wonderful ride, and I highly recommend it. review by supernothingman |