Film Review: SHREK FOREVER AFTER (2010)

Director: Mike Mitchell
Running time: 90 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): U

Genre: Animation/Comedy/Adventure
UK Release date: 2^nd July 2010

Watched on Sky+ Monday 8^th August 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I must admit that I have a bit of a soft spot for the Shrek films. I don’t know what it is; I guess I just like the brand of humour in them and (for the most part) the likable characters. The third one (I felt) was a bit of a mess, but they appear to have got it nearer the mark for the final instalment… until they decide to make some more, that is. I will give you my thoughts after this brief summary… sponsored by ‘Pete’s Potions’, available at all major ‘Fairy Godmother’ outlets nationwide.

Shrek is finding it hard to cope with the routine of everyday life, the children, the visitors, the tour bus… it’s all getting on top of him. This all comes to a head at the kids’ first birthday party where he has a big row with Fiona and storms out. He meets Rumpelstiltskin on the road and they start talking about their woes. Not knowing Rumpelstiltskin has an ulterior motive, Shrek signs a contract that sees him projected into an alternate reality, one in which he had never existed… until now. He finds that nobody knows him, not Donkey, not Puss in Boots… not even Fiona! It then dawns on Shrek that Rumpelstiltskin has conned him. Fortunately there’s a get-out clause in the contract, but can he fulfil it before sunrise? Of course, I’m not going to tell you here or them Spoiler Police will have me back on the farm working for that no good Old MacDonald.

Favourite Character – Puss in Boots (…made me laugh)

The animation is just what we’ve come to expect in these films, and, as usual, it is excellent. Just for reference, I stuck to my principles and watch it in 2D. As usual, some great tunes, particularly at the end, but generally, a decent score. All the usual voice talent was on show, and the all did a good job. So honourable mentions go to; Mike Myers as Shrek, Eddie Murphy as Donkey, Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona and Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots. I should also give a special mention for Walt Dohrn who did the voices for Rumpelstiltskin, Priest and Krekraw Ogre.

Favourite Quote – Donkey: “Wow, that’s a big kitty!... Can we keep him?”

I’m quite glad this franchise has reached an end, not because I think they’re no good any more, but I can see a day when that will be the case. As I’ve already said, I really get the humour in these films and I wish there were more comedies made in a similar vein. I half expected this one to be awful, if I’m honest, after the… let’s say… less than warm reception it got from the critics. It was a pleasant surprise to find it wasn’t all that bad. Yes, the Rumpelstiltskin character needed more development, but I didn’t really mind. It entertained me for ninety minutes and that’s all you can ask… Recommended.

My Score: 6.5/10

IMDb Score: 6.6/10 (30,431 votes when this review was written).
http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0892791/

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 57/100 (187 reviews counted when this review was written).
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/shrek_4/

LINKS:
Official Site: http://www.shrek.com/
Trailer: