ROLL M |
Shrek (starring the voices of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, John Lithgow; written by Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio and Joe Stillman and Roger S.H. Schulman; based upon the book by William Steig; directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson; rated PG.)
Get ready for this summer’s animated blockbuster. Shrek is headed for the computer animation hall of fame, just as soon as they build one – and this movie is one good reason why they should.
More than just incredible digital animation, however, the film actually has a lot to offer. Kids will enjoy the story, based on William Steig’s children’s tale of an ugly ogre named Shrek (which, incidentally, means “a fright” in Yiddish, as in “It gave me a terrible shrek!”). And, oddly, actor Mike Myers has given Shrek a Scottish accent, which is a bit distracting.
Shrek’s a reclusive swamp thing, an ill-mannered brute who is really a softy on the inside, seemingly happy as a confirmed bachelor living a life in disgusting filth, and loving it (as will the kids who see this). Enter Donkey (yes, that’s the character’s name), voiced by Eddie Murphy. Together they go on a quest to fight a dragon and rescue the beautiful princess so she can marry her true love, Lord Farquaad (Lithgow). Typical fractured fairytale stuff. But this is done so well, with great humor, that incredible animation, and enough twists and turns in the plot to keep parents glued to their seats as much as kids. Adults will enjoy the clever satire as production company DreamWorks takes potshots at Disney (former home of producer Jeffrey Katzenberg) and the not-so-Magic Kingdom.
Although I grew a bit annoyed at some of the fart jokes and potty humor, this has become standard fare for youngsters, it seems. I just wish there had been less of it. Otherwise, this is a fine movie for every age, guaranteed to clean up at the box office – which will give other movie studios a shrek for certain.
Shrek is set to open nationally on May 18th.
FOUR AND A HALF – out of five owls