Fast-Paised review: 'Shrek the Third'

Suddenly, "Spider-Man 3" doesn't look so lame

By Matt Pais

May 16, 2007

Thinking an ogre could never be king, Shrek recruits geeky Artie to rule the land of Far, Far Away after Shrek's royal father-in-law dies. Shrek also finds out he's going to be a father while not-so-nice Prince Charming plots to overthrow the good guys with his team of villains. Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, Antonio Banderas and the rest return to provide voices, with Justin Timberlake on hand as Artie.

Big question: Does this franchise still have wit and excitement in its belly the third time around?

Skip it: You're not an ogre for thinking that "Shrek the Third" feels tired, like the big green guy after a light jog. The story is more of the same--Shrek has self-esteem issues, we got it--and it never shifts from a lazy stroll to an adventure of fairy tale proportions.

Catch it: If you'll settle for chuckles of recognition instead of laughs. Practically half the gags in "Shrek the Third" are music cues to tunes like "Live and Let Die" and "Cats in the Cradle," with your best possible reaction being "Oh, I know that song. Ha."

Bottom line: Even when it's not working, "Shrek the Third" manages to emit good vibes--perhaps it's the scent of Gingerbread, as Gingie provides the only great scene when his early cookie life flashes before his eyes in a moment of danger. While fun isn't far, far away in "Shrek the Third," the film looks like a lowly servant in the wake of its noble predecessors.

Bonus: Need some gift-giving advice? Snow White (voiced by Amy Poehler) shows that one of the seven dwarves can make the perfect present for any occasion! Hint: It's not Grumpy.

Matt Pais is the metromix movies producer.

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'Shrek the Third'

Directed by Chris Miller; co-directed by Raman Hui; screenplay by Jeffrey Price, Peter S. Seaman Aron Warner and Miller; edited by Michael Andrews; music by Harry Gregson-Williams; production design by Guillaume Aretos; produced by Aron Warner. A DreamWorks release; opens Thursday night. Running time: 1:32. MPAA rating: PG (for some crude humor, suggestive content and swashbuckling action).

Shrek - Mike Myers

Donkey - Eddie Murphy

Fiona - Cameron Diaz

Puss - Antonio Banderas

Prince Charming - Rupert Everett

Artie - Justin Timberlake