Rated PG for some crude humor, suggestive content and swashbuckling action (yes–it actually said that).
Directed by Chris Miller (first time director)
Starring Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz and Antonio Banderas
We are a big fan of the Shrek franchise and were not disappointed at all by the third installment.
Shrek the Third begins with Shrek’s father-in-law, King Harold (John Cleese) dieing. Honestly, it was one of the funniest death scenes ever. Being the heir to the throne, Shrek (Mike Myers) is to assume rule of Far, Far Away. Unfortunately, his heart lies in the swamp and he is eager to return home with Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz). So Shrek sets out on a new adventure with Donkey (Eddie Murphy) and Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) to find Artie (Justin Timberlake), who is next in line for the throne, and return with him as King. Meanwhile back in Far, Far Away, Prince Charming (Rupert Everett) is still ticked off about his present situation and bands together with the villains to overthrow the kingdom. Princess Fiona and her princess girlfriends have to trade in their tiaras and kick butt until Shrek returns.
Todd’s Word:
The Shrek films have appeared in several of my reviews as the benchmark in quality animated entertainment. The characters are smart, well-developed and just plain hilarious. The humor is edgy and often goes over the heads of my 5 and 9 year old. At times we are all laughing but for very different reasons.
Jonathan’s Word:
I agree… the Shrek films really do deliver to all ages. I have numerous friends without kids who don’t own any animated films… except Shrek. Shrek helped people cross over to animation. Shrek is to film what the Beastie Boys were to rap in the late 80’s (Beastie opened the gates to rap for rockers everywhere. Hundreds of thousands of rockers owned no rap… but “Beastie.”)
Todd’s Word:
Shrek the Third is certainly not a lame sequel. The story is solid and the jokes are fresh and funny. I was half expecting a “jump the shark” kind of movie when I saw the previews with the babies, but that is such a small part of this film. For me, it felt like a more natural progression as opposed to the forced “what can we do now?” move.
Jonathan’s Word:
The progression was natural. I think I enjoyed this one better than the second. This film felt even less “sequal” than it’s predecessor.
Todd’s Word:
This really is a fun film with plenty of belly-laugh moments and movie spoofs like from Jerry Maguire, where Shrek says “You had me at vermin-filled,” the classic Monty Python knocking coconuts together to create the sound of the hoof beats and “The Six Million Dollar” Gingerbread Man daydream. Then there’s Shrek’s nightmare when he sees the bassinet roll into the spot light from Rosemary's Baby, green projectile vomiting from The Exorcist and ends with the Creepshow’s “They're Creeping Up on You!” story, replacing cockroaches with ogre babies.
Jonathan’s Word:
Wow… you lost me at Creepshow. But yes, I brought the whole family and we were laughing throughout.
Shrek the Third is hilarious…don’t miss it.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There is your typical crude humor that has made the Shrek movies what they are. So if you have seen 1 and 2 then I say, “Absolutely.”
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
