Shrek the Third (2007)

Directed by: Chris Miller, Raman Hui | 93 minutes | animation, comedy, family | Original voice cast: Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, Antonio Banderas, John Cleese, Rupert Everett, Julie Andrews, Eric Idle, Larry King, John Krasinski, Ian McShane, Justin Timberlake, Amy Sedaris, Maya Rudolph, Amy Poehler, Cheri Oteri | Dutch voice cast: Carlo Boszhard, Angela Schijf, Jon van Eerd

Shrek (Mike Myers) and his wife Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) act as the official deputy for Fiona’s father, the ailing King Harold (John Cleese). Shrek already has a hard time with this, but when Fiona’s father also names him his successor just before he dies, it becomes too much for Shrek. He doesn’t want to be king of the fairytale land of Far Far Away at all. Living in the swamp with Fiona is all he needs to be happy. But the looming kingship isn’t the only thing that throws him off balance. Fiona is pregnant and the fact that he is becoming a father also seems to disrupt his quiet dream life.

Along with his sworn companions Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) and Donkey (Eddie Murphy), Shrek sets out to find Arthur “Artie” (Justin Timberlake), Fiona’s nephew who is the next in line. The intended heir to the throne turns out to be anything but a hero, but the target of ridicule and bullying at his school and of course he agrees to become king. Shrek doesn’t tell Artie that he’s actually the heir apparent and is just using Artie as an excuse to get out of his obligations. Returning to Far Far Away, Prince Charming (Rupert Everett) appears to have seized power. He exercises a real terror with the help of other fairytale characters who, like him, are also dissatisfied with their ‘happy ever afters’, such as Captain Hook and Snow White’s stepmother. He imprisoned Fiona and her mother. Shrek, his friends and Arthur must free the ladies, put Prince Charming out of his power and give Far Far Away a new king.

As in the previous two parts, this Shrek film is also very funny because of the many references to well-known fairy tales and giving it its own twist, such as the dark bar in which Prince Charming looks for allies to take over Far Far Away. to appropriate. Playing on the discontent of figures like Rumplestiltskin, who never had the baby promised to him, is especially fun because it shows great psychological insight, but is at the same time so absurd. The rest of the film also has many funny moments and of course a drop of seriousness and sadness for the necessary counterbalance. Amazing is the part in which Fiona with her friends and mother escape from prison while fighting and as superwomen are afraid of nothing or no one. Why can Queen Lillian (Julie Andrews) literally ram her head through a wall, but can’t rule in place of her late husband? The energetic and resourceful Fiona is never in line for the throne, and not only that, she settles for a role as a stay-at-home mom and is willing to spend her life in the swamp if Shrek wants. A contradictory message.

‘Shrek the Third’ is a fun, entertaining film, but it is not unrelentingly compelling, although the sets and animations are more than beautiful. However, due to the eye-pleasing appearance, the feel-good tone and the many funny incidents, there is more than enough fun to be had. Strangely enough, this time that fun is only reserved for anyone over the age of six.