Review: Shrek 3

As for the look and sound of the film, the third is truly a sight to behold. The animation was stunning with several moments that felt as real as any live action flick. You can’t take your eyes off it. Visually, it is very compelling and it gives the animated characters depth. This is probably the best looking of all three movies. And add to that a very well-placed soundtrack including Paul McCartney and Wings addition to the 007 series, “Live and Let Die” (albeit, it context, it’s a little twisted) and the Dionne Warwick and friends sappy love fest, “That’s What Friends Are For” courtesy of Merlin (Eric Idle). This series has always used music to its advantage… it still holds true here. And it’s always nice to hear Donkey performing classic Harry Chapin; seriously, this is funny stuff.

Even though I enjoyed many of the additions to the cast, they did seem to take away from the Shrek charm a bit. The story tends to get a bit bogged down with unnecessary cameos and too much going on. I appreciated all the fun that this star-studded cast brings, but at times it didn’t work. Emphasizing all the side characters took a little bit of screen time from the more developed characters over the past two movies. This left me wanting more of the folks I’ve grown to love in Far Far Away. One of the most notable additions is Justin Timberlake who plays a supposed loser named Artie. Even the animation made this guy look pretty. So it was lacking in credibility when the Dungeons and Dragons dorks pick on him as does everyone else. Yet he does do a nice enough job that for awhile, I forgot the dude used to be in N’Sync.

While Shrek the Third doesn’t live up to the first, it rates close to the second. It is still an oftentimes hilarious kid’s flick that has plenty to keep the adults happy. The many references to movies and pop-culture are still fast and furious (one film NOT referenced) including a very odd mix of “It’s Alive” and “Porkys”… trust me, it’s damn funny. This is a smart, sweet story with fantastic animation and a few moments of sheer comic brilliance. All the while it delivers a positive message for children about being yourself no matter what others think, even if it is a bit clichéd. It kept a smile on my face and my foot tapping with the inspired soundtrack. This is a great summer movie that you can take the kids too without regret; it’s almost worth seeing for the “croaking” scene alone. You’ll know it when you see it. And if you’ve seen the first two, there’s not a reason in the world you shouldn’t go for thirds.