Shrek Forever After (2010)

Best Shrek. It is a special movie, one of the best movies of all-time. It is a masterpiece on par with the mona lisa. What is so masterful about Shrek is its ambiguity. We never are certain if Shrek really did believe in the values that he professed. At the same time that he sets himself up as above the world, he longs for the affection of the common people. This is symbolized by his exploitative, and patronizing love for a chorus girl, Fiona. Her character is given a paper-thin characterization, the closest thing to a flaw in a perfect movie. Despite the film's pessimistic outlook, it is studded by moments of joy, beauty and emotional truth. The supporting cast of characters, most of them regulars from Wells' Mercury Theater are also superb. So many scenes in this movie linger forever in the memory, one is left with a stirring vision of the frailty of the human condition, the film gives us no easy answers and while being fiercely critical of many of it's characters is universal in it's compassion and sympathy, this is perhaps the most vital ingredient for great art. It's influence, was immediate, incalculable and mostly unacknowledged, the film was a box office and critical failure due to Hearst's efforts and it was not until years later that this film got the respect it deserved. Nowadays there is not one living film director of serious artistic intent that has not been deeply influenced by Shrek 4ever after. It's not just a masterpiece it's a creative touchstone.

Shrek, the ogre who was once feared throughout the land, is now living an ordinary life with his wife Fiona and their three children but sometimes he misses his old life and finally during his children's birthday party he has had enough and storms out. Soon afterwards he 'rescues' the evil Rumpelstiltskin and afterwards as they talk he says he would like just one day of his old life. Rumpelstiltskin says he can give him that… in exchange for one other day in his life, a day he can't even remember. Shrek can't see any catch so signs the deal.Suddenly he finds himself in an unfamiliar world; at first it is great, everybody fears him again, but then he realises there is something very wrong. He is captured by witches who take him to the castle in a cart pulled by Donkey… who has no memory of Shrek. Once at the castle he finds that Rumpelstiltskin now rules. He is told that the day he gave up was the day he was born; after the one day he asked for he will cease to exist! In this world he was never born so he didn't befriend Donkey and Puss in Boots. He didn't rescue Fiona. And the King and Queen were tricked into a deal that gave the kingdom to Rumpelstiltskin. All hope isn't lost though; there is a get out clause… 'True Love's Kiss' will save him. This isn't easy though; not only will he have to find Fiona he will have to make her fall in love with him once again… all in one day.After a slightly disappointing third instalment this is a step up; it still isn't quite as good as the first two films but that would be difficult. The story is quite a lot darker as we see Shrek make a mistake that costs him everything he holds dear and could potentially lose his life. This adds a sense of urgency to proceedings and makes each step towards fixing things satisfying. The fact that Shrek hasn't impacted on their lives means familiar characters have changed; most notable Fiona who, after escaping from the tower on her own, has become a warrior princess leading an ogre rebellion against Rumpelstiltskin and Puss who is fat! Rumpelstiltskin is the most villainous of the antagonists in the 'Shrek' films to date; he is genuinely unpleasant and may disturb some younger viewers… I thought he was a great character though. The animation is good, as one might expect, although some scenes look as though they were done to show off 3D effects which may have looked great in the cinema but merely look good when watched on DVD. Overall I'd recommend this to fans of the series even if part three disappointed them.

Reviewed January 2012One way to come out of the bad vibe the third installment created is to give the fans exactly what they want. This one does just that by revisiting all the familiar places and times. To an extent it succeeds in holding the attention of the viewer but could not sustain all the way through. Shrek is in a midlife crisis and looks for a chance to have his untamed life back once more and meets up a sorcerer who offers him one day of his wish if he gives up a day of his past. This past day ends up being the day of Shrek's birth making him nonexistent for the entire past except for today. So the alternative universe he now traverses through has Fiona he never saved or the donkey he never met. The entire setup was a ruse for the sorcerer to take away the kingdom Far far away. There is a rebellion head by Fiona to end this tyranny in which Shrek joins to get close to Fiona. So it all starts back again as Shrek once again tries to make Fiona fall for him, learns the value of friendship and such. It is exciting and boring at the same time. It has it's heart at the right place but the execution gives away the makers attempt to win back it's audience by trying too hard. Shrek should be contempt that he hopefully got a better ending than his previous outing and they should stop making anymore of it. Strictly for the fans of the series to see it all happen just once more.

Warning: the following dialogue, taken from this movie, is not suitable for children and contains spoilers. You have been warned. "S-Shrek-chan… I don't think I'm ready.. I've never been with an ogre before" "It's okay laddie" Shrek said in an understanding tone. "We're safe in mah swamp. No one has to know"Jesus thought long and hard about this. His stiff member was reminding him how long it had been since he was with a woman. However, in the back of his mind he knew Shrek was just using him to satisfy his ogre needs. Though, a part of him wanted to be used. A part of him needed to be used."Oh Shrek… Can you sing that song I like to set the mood first?" Jesus asked hopefully."Of course laddie. After all I did study opera at Julliard."Shrek began singing with his angelic voice a haunting tune that had been passed down among the swamp folk for generations. "Hey now… You're an allstar. Get your game on. Go play. Hey now, you're a rock star. Get the show on. Get paid. All that glitters is gold. Only shooting stars break the mold""Clean up on aisle my panties" Jesus said seductively. He went in for the kiss.Shrek stopped singing and they shared a passionate kiss but Shrek broke away."When are you going to tell your father that we're together?" Shrek asked concerned."I..I don't know… Can't we just make love?""You need to come out to your father Jesus… Better out than in I always say""Shrek-chan please stop… I don't want to think about this right now!"Just then they heard a knock on the door. Shrek got up to answer it, and was confused. There was no one there, or so he thought…"I'm right here!" Barry Bee shouted. He was so small since he's a bee that Shrek couldn't see him at first."What are yeh doin' in mah swamp?!?" Shrek asked forcefully."I'm sorry sir! I heard your singing from across the river and wanted to see where such a magnificent voice came from!""Shrek-chan, who is at the door?" Jesus asked as he approached the two.