It's Not Easy Being King

Movie Review: Shrek the Third
½


Something for everyone, but not as much as the previous films in the franchise. Shrek always delivers with the right amount of fairy tale characters mixed with kid and adult humor.

This time around, Shrek is called upon to play king while his father-in-law, King Harold is ill. Suddenly, Shrek realizes that he is expected to be the heir to the throne of Far, Far Away. Not willing to leave his life of swampiness, he sets out on a journey to find Arty (or Wart for the King Arthur fans) who is the only other living relative. Shrek sets sail with Donkey and Puss in Boots to a prep school to help find the outcast that would be king.

Meanwhile, Princess Fiona bands together her princess buddies to rise up against Prince Charming's coup d'etat. Prince Charming takes an odd turn as a woosy villain for Shrek, by deciding to band together with the other fairy tale villains in order to "win for once." This was kind of a let down as there wasn't a feel of peril for our heroes this time around - the "battle" was anti-climactic.

Honestly, the movie was cute, but just didn't entertain me as much as the previous 2 movies. The kids will love it and there are some jokes for the adults worked in (can you say Abercrombie & Witch?), but the 80 minutes seemed more like 180 - which is never a good sign.

The highlight for me was when I realized that Lancelot (a bully at the prep school) was voiced by none other than hottie John Krasinski (cutie Jim from The Office). I had no idea he was doing a voice, but it was a fun surprise. I can't help that I am such a geek when it comes to voice talent.

Folks, you won't be disappointed in this movie at all if you are looking to escape into a land far, far away for an hour and a half. This delivers, but just not as well as their predecessors.

Currently listening :
A Beautiful Lie
By 30 Seconds to Mars
Release date: By 30 August, 2005