Starring: Voices of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz and John Lithgow
Director:
Rated: PG
SHREK is an animated film based on the children’s book of the same name by William Steig.
Shrek (Mike Myers) is an ogre who lives in a swamp. He is big, ugly, has disgusting personal habits and is feared by human and beast alike. He pretends he likes his isolation by erecting warning signs to all trespassers. The wicked Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow) orders that all fairytale characters in his kingdom be rounded up and imprisoned. The Talking Donkey (Eddie Murphy) leads a break for freedom. All the characters end up as refugees on the ogre’s compound. The ogre wants them out. He does a deal with Farquaad. In return for their freedom the ogre will rescue Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) from the Dragon’s castle so she can marry Farquaad. The ogre and the donkey set forth and on the way they discover self-esteem, love and the secret to a happy life.
Everything about Shrek is clever. The script is multi-layered and very funny, even if it is unnecessarily coarse and crude in parts. The technology brilliantly brings to life these likeable characters. The original music is terrific and the use of pre-loved songs has been perfectly judged. Brisk editing enables the story to move along. Each voice captures the nuance of the character, with Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy taking top honours.
While this film has been made for children, adults will love it so much that they shouldn’t need a child who can take them to see it. The engaging twists and turns in this moral fairytale make it universal in its appeal and impact.
