Review: Shrek The Final Chapter

Remember how unique the first Shrek film was? It was a new take on the classic fairy tale, a way to introduce a new hero that has always been a villain of sorts and make him lovable. It also had great humor, humor that the kids loved but adults got a kick out of too ("Please keep off of the grass, shine your shoes wipe your...face). The 2nd one was equally fun. I must admit to not having seen the third film, skipping it due to mediocre reviews.

This last week, with a few hours to burn and a free movie ticket, I went to see Shrek The Final Chapter (in 2D). How does it compare? Read on to find out!


The fim opens with Rumpelstiltskin (voiced by Walt Dohrn) recounting the events of the first film-Princess Fiona (voiced by Cameron Diaz) is put away in a tower, cursed to turn into an ogre every night until she is rescued and kissed by her true love. Fiona's parents (voiced by Julie Andrews and John Cleese) meet with Rumpelstiltskin to sign a magical contract that signs their kingdom over to him, in exchange for their daughter's freedom. Just before signing, however, Shrek rescues the princess and the contract is torn up by the king.

Furious about the turn of events, Rumpelstiltskin vows to find a way to get Far, Far Away for his own. Cut to Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers), who is living with Fiona and his three kids. He seems happy, having Donkey (voiced by Eddie Murphy) and his dragon/donkey kids over for dinner each night and re-counting the story of how he met and rescued Fiona. When Fiona sees a shooting star and asks him to make a wish, Shrek wishes that every day could be like the one he just had.

But this of course turns out to not be what he wants-soon he finds himself yearning for the days when he was a feared ogre, not a huggable celebrity. When he finally snaps and storms off, he runs into Rumpelstiltskin who offers him to have one day as a feared ogre once more, asking in return for one day from Shrek's life. So he makes the deal, and arrives to find that he is once again a feared ogre. The only problem is, he's a stranger to everyone-to Fiona, to Donkey, to everyone. As it turns out, in this fantasy Rumpelstiltskin rules Far, Far Away. He captures ogres using witch minions and enslaves them, targeting Shrek amongst them. So what's going on? Why does no one know who Shrek is? And why is Far, Far Away under Rumpelstiltskin's rule?

Naturally, what follows is a sort of It's A Wonderful Life tale of helping Shrek realize he should be grateful for what he has. So does it work? Sadly...not really. It's a huge departure from the Shrek we've all come to love. In essence, it goes all the way back to the origin of the story...which feel strange in the 4th movie in a series. Because Shrek is largely working alone, the friendships between the characters is null and have to be built again, dragging the pacing down and making for a bit of repetitive humor.

Even Rumpelstiltskin is begging for a quickened pace

Granted, there is still some good humor, such as the introduction of the Pied Piper as a bounty hunter who can only communicate through playing his flute. Rumpelstiltskin isn't done that well, as he never feels like a good villain. Still, Dohrn portrays him in a funny, memorable way.

Bottom Line: Shrek The Final Chapter suffers from poor pacing in points, repetitive humor, and a storyline that feels way too odd for a Shrek film. Sadly, it seems apparent that the main reason this film was made was to capitalize on the 3D trend (I saw it in 2D, so I can't speak for that experience)

Grade: C