Shrek the Third (DVD, 2007, Widescreen Version - Checkpoint)

Right off the bat, Third had massive shoes to fill. The second Shrek, by far the series' sharpest installment, also happens to be one of the funniest animated comedies I've ever seen. It's also the third-highest grossing film of all time . In comparison, this new sequel cannot measure up to its immediate predecessor. Third more closely resembles the original Shrek, hinging its fate on a rescue mission (of sorts) that's designed to bring the titular, bitter homebody a little bit closer to his beloved swamp

Subversive humor, long the calling card of the Shrek films, is present here but in shorter supply. A dream sequence involving a wave of baby ogres invading Shrek's cottage gets its biggest laugh when the scene shifts abruptly to a textbook nightmare that shows Shrek giving a commencement speech at his college graduation wearing a cap but missing his gown. The Shrek team assumes their audience has matured since the ogre's 2001 debut, so it doesn't hesitate to toss off jokes about Hooters, baby making, and parenting perils, knowing full well these gags will reach maximum impact at an altitude higher than the average adolescent head.

Third is a short comedy (running barely 90 minutes), and the funniest bits are in the trailers: Shrek and Fiona bumbling through their royal duties in the requisite opening montage; Donkey and Puss switching bodies after new character Merlin (Eric Idle) casts an inappropriate spell. When the sharp sarcasm wanes, Shrek smashes objects or falls back on a flatulence joke. Ninety minutes of this is more than enough.

It goes without saying that the cutting-edge animation impresses. In this installment, our main ogre looks more human -- Shrek actually resembles the late Carroll O’Connor in this outing -- and the human characters behave more like ogres. Unfortunately, Prince Charming is a minor foil compared to his mom, the Fairy Godmother (voiced with devilish wit by Jennifer Saunders in part two), and the conflict sustaining Third withers rather quickly.

Thankfully, there is the family issue, and Shrek the Third concludes with a choreographed home-from-the-nursery routine that’s frantic, caring and -- again -- constructed with parents in mind. Some might think this is a natural end for Shrek and Fiona, but parents know their fun is just beginning.

THIS IS A MUST BUY

OVERALL
8.5/10

Very simple. If you liked the 1st and you liked the 2nd prepare to like the 3rd. When Fiona's father and King of Far Far Away passes away, the clumsy Shrek becomes the immediate successor of the throne. However, Shrek decides to find the legitimate heir Artie in a distant kingdom with his friends Donkey and Puss in Boots to be able return to his beloved house in the swamp with the pregnant Fiona. Meanwhile, the envious and ambitious Prince Charming joins the villains of the fairytales plotting a coup d'état to become the new king. Stars Mike Myers,Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz,ect,ect,ect.......

My family enjoys this one as much as the previous Shrek movies. Great family movie. One of the few movies that the whole family can enjoy. There is some adult humor that the kids won't pick up on, but you will. I think that's one of the things that makes Shrek movies good. Never been disappointed with any of the Shrek movies, but I think this is the best.

This was a good overall movie, but to be honest the only reason that I purchased it was to make my set of all three of the Shrek movies complete. In my opinion the second movie was the best of all. But it still keeps my kids busy for an hour. I would not pay full price for this I would buy it second hand.

The movie was okay...I was looking forward to this movie but found myself sorely disappointed. Shrek 2 had me in tears from laughter and in awe from creativity. Shrek the Third had me wondering what staff changes the writers & producers had before they created this sequel. Oh well. Not everyone is perfect. It wasn't a complete waste of my time, but I definitely wouldn't suggest owning it if you're not collecting the series.