Shrek the Third (Widescreen Edition) [Import]

My kids had a good time with this while I enjoyed it mildly. To be fair, from a story standpoint, this doesn't drop the ball quite like 2004's "Shrek 2" but is something that the whole family can enjoy, as there's plenty of obvious humor for the kids, as well as more subtle, subversive humor for the adults. The voice acting is up to par for both Myers and Murphy who are excellent as Shrek and Donkey. There's an ease about their performances that no doubt comes from long familiarity with the characters and with each other - this is the third installment, after all - that communicates the friendship between Shrek and Donkey to the audience, making the film that much more fun to watch. Add in Banderas' excellent performance as Puss in Boots, and you've got a real winning combination. Justin Timberlake, as King Artie, meshed surprisingly well with the act of those who had been through the previous two.

"Shrek the Third" found some room for a story about personal responsibility and impending fatherhood, themes that are new to the series. That's not to say it's a story well-told; too often does the movie seem to try and manipulate an emotional response from us in tried and true ways (a melancholy song or quick change of mood) that is counteractive from the original's genuine charm and feeling. Gone is director Andrew Adamson- off making the second "Chronicles of Narnia" film, and his intelligent feel for the material is missed as co-directors Chris Miller and Raman Hui- working with an army of four screenwriters- go through the motions of telling the story, with predictable plot devices and easy jokes (some of which are funny, but not enough) while introducing new characters (like Eric Idle's inspired Merlin) and finding room for old favorites (Pinocchio and Gingerbread Man) at the service of a story that's just good enough to keep people in their seats. I suppose the curse of the third-film letdown could strike "Shrek" as it has so many- artistically, it already has- but come on, this is summer, this is a "Shrek" movie, and it's got just enough of what its' target audience wants to keep them coming back for more come, what, 2010?

I'd be enjoying the franchise a lot more if it were offering anything new artistically (not complaining about the animation here; it's spectacular without calling attention to itself (Happy Feet- call it a quiet confidence); but at least their rivals at Pixar do sequels for the right reasons- they have a darn good story to tell (anyone else excited about "Toy Story 3" being written by "Little Miss Sunshine" Oscar winner Michael Arndt?). Dreamworks is just padding the bottom line on a blockbuster franchise. Other than that, it's still worth your time and your money for the sake of the kids.

I like that theyres not much cameroun Diaz in this movie (she aint funny). Some funny part but not the best one.

The third instalment of the Shrek franchise takes the story to a new level compared to the first and second films. There is still a great degree of impressive humour throughout the film as well as some new entertaining characters that add a little something extra to the viewing experience.

In this film new themes are explored and one can see the characters progressing a little, actually maturing as Shrek and Donkey have moved from the Odd Couple to a couple of married friends facing the challenges and joys of being grown up and responsible. The film isn't as quick with simple, straight forward humour as the past films, but that's keeping inline with the maturing of the franchise.

Rest assured, however, that there is still plenty of good childish fun that kids (and parents) will enjoy; from absurdly funny scenes like Snow White and other princesses mounting an impressive counter-offensive to a somewhat earthy Merlin the Magician who is about as flower-child as one can get without any mind-altering substances.

This is a film that families will enjoy to watch together and that's what animated films should be; something that children and parents can be entertained by.