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And I was right there with them, laughing myself silly … for pretty much the first two-thirds, at least. The reason most people consider Shrek 2 the best of the bunch is because it's consistently funny throughout, using all forms of humor—self-referential gags for the fans, slapstick for the kids, subtle cultural jokes that only adults would get, and all three for grown-up kids like me. At some point in Shrek the Third, the humor becomes less frequent and more predictable, and I couldn't help but notice that the audience began to gradually laugh less as well. One suggestion: It takes more than off-key singing to make a parody of musical theater funny.

Artie (Justin Timberlake) and his former magic teacher Merlin (Eric Idle)

That ties to the movie's chief weakness. While the story is a natural direction to take the characters after Shrek 2, it's not as zany or unpredictable—more what you'd expect from a Nickelodeon cartoon than a multi-million dollar franchise. Yes, there are nice positive messages about taking responsibility, finding confidence, and ignoring the taunts of others. But they're delivered by tired conventions, not the creative storytelling you'd expect. The first two films surprised; this one merely goes through the motions.

In fact, the movie's greatest fault is the way it sets the stage for a big showdown between the good guys and bad guys in the third act, only to dissolve into some sappy moralizing with spats of humor and little action. This is followed by forced humor in the epilogue and animation in the end credits that are seem more like the cheap laughs of an Internet short (e.g. the Dancing Baby) than the Shrek we know and love. A surprising letdown after such a strong start.

Giving the benefit of the doubt because of the kids in the theater that clearly enjoyed it all, I'll readily admit the movie is fun. Just not at the same level of fun as the other two, which succeeded brilliantly because adults enjoyed them as much as children. Shrek the Third lacks some of the sharp wit that originally carried it, yet retains the sophomoric gags and adult humor that caused some parents to cringe with Shrek 2 (see Family Corner below).

Dreamworks has already announced a fourth film to release in 2010. Knowing how Shrek the Third ends, I shudder at the idea, because it seems bound to become even more predictable and routine than this one. Time to put this fairy tale to bed while it's still good and let Shrek save some face—albeit a green ogre's face.

Talk About It

1. Because of his upbringing and the way kids at school pick on him, Artie struggles to find confidence in order to become king. Can you relate? How does he overcome? How do we cope with inadequacy to press ahead? What about the opinions of others? Do they matter?
2. Shrek is reluctant to accept fatherhood and leadership. Is he afraid of the two for the same reason? Is it a matter of immaturity, taking responsibility, or recognizing his limitations? Think of a time you were asked to do something you felt ill prepared for. Did you dive in and "learn on the job," or did you politely defer because you knew you weren't ready?
3. At one point, Shrek berates Artie rather harshly, but he has a reason for doing so. Do you feel Shrek was justified? Is it an example of tough love, or was there another way to go about it without hurting Artie emotionally? Could Shrek have been more truthful in his friendship with Artie?

The Family Corner

Parents still make the mistake of assuming that all animated films are for small children. Shrek the Third is rated PG for some crude humor, suggestive content, and swashbuckling action—all on par with the previous films. The action is mostly slapstick, although there are a couple of gags that reveal a hint of blood. Sophomoric humor abounds, including vomit, butt scratching, and belching, plus references to nudity and restrictive clothing. There are also scenes that humorously refer to Hooters restaurants and teens enjoying smoke from frankincense and myrrh (as if it were pot), both likely to sail over most kids' heads like Loony Toon humor. Still, while the film is generally family friendly, it may not be friendly to all families.

Photos © Copyright Dreamworks Animation

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