Ogredone

'Shrek the Third'

Running Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
Rating: PG
Directed by: Chris Miller

Shrek the Third is not a movie fit for a king, for it fails to live up to its predecessors. While Shrek and Shrek 2 were original and fresh, this movie seems to recycle and rehash its old material, ultimately sacrificing its comic wit.

The story starts with the King on his deathbed, the telling Shrek (Mike Myers) that he is the first in line to the throne. But luckily for Shrek, their is another heir, his cousin Arthur (Justin Timberlake). Shrek then begins his quest to track down Arthur and convince him to take the role as king of Far Far Away. And this is basically the main thrust of the film - an ogre trying to escape his duty as king.

The biggest problem with the movie is how the main theme is carried out through the character of Arthur. Instead of throwing Shrek and Fionna into the world of parenthood, Shrek assumes the role of a father-like figure. Its unsatisfying and sucks the comedy dry.

Additionally, many items from the second film and reinstated in this one. Charming is back once again as a villain, bringing along with him fabled villains. With all the scattered villains, and Charming at the helm, the climax comes off very anticlimactic.

The film's saving grace is the introduction of princesses (Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel) at Fionna's baby shower. All of them are voiced by SNL actresses and are unique and interesting, playing off of some of the stereotypical traits of the princesses.

Overall, Shrek the Third is a disappointment, with a weak plot, an underwhelming villain, and recycled material. Hopefully Shrek 4 can pick up the pieces.