SHREK
***1/2 out of *****

Genres
Animation
Comedy
Family
Fantasy
Spoof

2001
Directed by
Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson
Written by
William Steig (book Shrek!)
Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio and Joe Stillman and Roger S.H. Schulman (written by)
Cody Cameron & Chris Miller & Conrad Vernon (additional dialogue)
Voice Cast
Mike Myers .... Shrek/Blind Mouse
Eddie Murphy .... Donkey
Cameron Diaz .... Princess Fiona
John Lithgow .... Lord Farquaad
Vincent Cassel .... Monsieur Hood
Peter Dennis ....     Ogre Hunter
Clive Pearse ....     Ogre Hunter
Jim Cummings .... Captain of Guards
Bobby Block .... Baby Bear
Chris Miller .... Geppetto/Magic Mirror
Cody Cameron .... Pinocchio/Three Pigs

Having seen Shrek in the cinemas upon its first release I was quite impressed with the overall product. The story was sweet and well written, the voice acting by the four stars was spot on and gave life to the 3-D images in the most wonderful way, and to compliment that the visuals were also a treat for the eyes. Dreamworks, along with the gifted filmmakers, created a funny and fantastic fairy tale that can be enjoyed by both adults and children.

Shrek was the second entirely computer animated feature film produced by Dreamworks, the first being Antz. Their other previous animated films were traditional 2-D animations with some computer effects added in. Although Antz was a minor hit, it was largely overshadowed by Pixar’s A Bug’s Life. But it was Shrek that showed audiences that Pixar did not monopolise the CGI film market and really positioned Dreamworks as a major competitor in the genre. The gamble of taking on Pixar paid off and Shrek went on to gross gigantic numbers at the box office.

The story is rather simple and based on fairy tales that have been around for generations. To sell it to mainstream audiences these fairy tales where given a bit of a spin in a very tongue and cheek fashion. The story begins with our reluctant hero Shrek (Mike Myers) who really treasures his privacy and really wants to live a simple life, undisturbed by the goings on of the world outside his swamp. Until one day his tranquility is disturbed when the evil Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow) decides to put an end to all fairy tale creatures and attempts to round them all up and banish them from his kingdom. In doing so many fairy tale creatures end up living in Shrek’s swamp.,Shrek makes the acquaintance of a rather annoying and loquacious Donkey (Eddie Murphy) when he saves him from a group of Farquaad’s soldiers. In appreciation for saving his life Donkey sticks with Shrek wherever he goes.

Annoyed at both Donkey and the many creatures now inhabiting his swamp Shrek decides to have a few words with Lord Farquaad, who agrees to rid his beloved swamp of the fairy tale creatures if he completes one task for him, to rescue and bring him the beautiful Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) as he plans to marry her. Shrek must travel to the dangerous dragon's lair. At the highest tower of the lair lays Fiona, awaiting her saviour. Shrek agrees to the task and goes off to save the Princess, but in doing so he falls in love with her, and what follows would ruin the story for those that haven’t seen the film so I won’t go into any more detail.

I will say that this film is filled with some extremely funny and often side splitting moments that will entertain the kids. It’s a great adventure film that gets better and better as the story unfolds. For an animated film Shrek demonstrates some very clever and quick-witted writing that isn’t afraid to poke fun at fairy tales and above all their competitors, Disney.

State-of-the-art visuals are rendered magnificently, with breathtakingly intricate backgrounds as well as some brilliant animated characterisations that bring life to this interesting cast. It’s very rare to come across a film that delivers on almost all levels and Shrek is one of those films that will make you laugh, cry, cheer, and will certainly get you excited. I would recommend this charming film to everyone.

Finger_Of_DOOM's reviews also appear on DVD Compare, where they include details of the DVD release. For this review click here.

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