By Lizzy Warner

Gargoyle staff reporter


Posted Sunday, May 20, 2007, The OG, arts

LOVING THE FIRST “Shrek” movie, but not so much enjoying the sequel, I was fairly hesitant to see “Shrek the Third,” only to end up going after a good deal of persuasion.

The first “Shrek” movie I found enjoyable as it had both funny lines and a good moral, whereas the second movie focused on borderline crude humor and added random, unnecessary jokes such as an entire scene dedicated to making fun of the Gingerbread Man wearing a thong … not something expected from a supposedly cute children's movie.

I must say my opinion of the third Shrek movie was higher than that of the second movie, but nonetheless it still didn't live up to the standards of the original.

In this movie Shrek (Mike Myers) and Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) are next in line to take over as king and queen of Far Far Away after King Harold (John Cleese) dies. As an ogre, all Shrek really wants to do is go back to his swamp and live his own happily ever after.

After a big announcement from Princess Fiona that keeps Shrek worrying for days on end, Shrek decides to go find the next heir to the throne, a boy by the name of Artie (Justin Timberlake), to relieve Shrek of his duties.

But all the while Prince Charming (Rupert Everett), still thinking himself to be the rightful heir to the throne, is stirring up some trouble.

This movie, though, did seem to have some trouble pleasing my particular sense of humor. Personally I tend to like witty humor, or the “unintentional” humor that you often find in romantic comedies, whereas “Shrek the Third” often used very blunt humor.

For example, in one scene, as two statues are being pushed together they form a picture of a frog kissing a horse's butt. And when Shrek is trying to comment on Merlin's overexposure certain language is interrupted with either other people butting in or other sounds overpowering his voice. Again, funny to some, but overdone to others.

On the other hand, Shrek is always a very lovable character, teaching us not to care what anyone else thinks. With everything from enjoying the smell of morning breath to dressing in dirty white shirts (even when he has to assume the role of the king), Shrek is a unique character.

After experiencing it himself in the first movie, Shrek helps to teach other characters in “Shrek the Third” not to let others influence who they are: You are who you want to be.

On top of that, Princess Fiona, yet again, emerges as a powerful female character. As all the other princesses tend not to understand what's going on and prefer to wait for their knight in shining armor to come save them, Princess Fiona takes charge and helps to defeat the bad guy.

A decent enough movie, “Shrek the Third” is only borderline good. Overall, I would say it's at least worth seeing so as to keep track of all the “Shrek” movies.

But I would wait to rent it after it comes out on DVD, instead of paying $6.50 for one showing.

“Shrek the Third” is playing at the Beverly 18 and Savoy 16. For showtimes at both theaters, click here. Runtime: 92 minutes. Rated: PG.

RELATED

— External link: The film's official site

— External link: The film's IMDB site