Shrek ***** (voices of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz) – Classic Movie Review 435

Once upon a time, there was an ornery green ogre named Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers), who lives in a swamp. His nice quiet life is invaded first by a motor-mouth donkey (Eddie Murphy), then by fairy tale characters (three blind mice, a big bad wolf, three little pigs) banished from a nearby kingdom by their evil lord, the scheming Lord Farquaad, (John Lithgow). And so, dear children, Shrek must appease the nasty one by saving a princess (Cameron Diaz) from a dragon.

This extremely charming and funny DreamWorks Animation computer-animated gem thumbs its nose at Disney cartoons, but manages to conjure up a new classic fairy tale with enchanting characters and jolly voices. Aimed mainly at older kids, who’ll adore it, but so will all adults still in touch with their inner child.

Beloved character actress Kathleen Freeman is the voice of the Old Woman, in her last film work before her death he same year.

Neil Diamond’s song ‘I’m a Believer’ and Joan Jett’s ‘Bad Reputation’ are both neatly revived.

It’s got a U certificate but there’s mild swearing and crude humour.

Sequels: Shrek 2 (2004), Shrek the Third (2007) and Shrek Forever After (2010) followed triumphantly.

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© Derek Winnert 2013 Classic Movie Review 435

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