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A Slice of Life
by Francine Brokaw
Shrek the Third
When Fiona’s father dies, Shrek is scheduled to take over the throne. That sounds like a great thing, but not for Shrek. This guy doesn’t want to be king. He doesn’t want to live in the castle. He just wants his quiet life in the swamp – with Fiona. So he sets out with Donkey and Puss In Boots to find Fiona’s long-lost cousin Artie, a high school student who is the next in line for the throne. The thing is, Artie is really not king material. But Shrek persuades him to return to Far Far Away to take over the leadership of the country.
At the same time he is set to take over the throne Shrek learns that Fiona is pregnant, something that causes him even more concern. How good a father will he be? After all, he’s an ogre.
In the meantime, Prince Charming plots to take over Far Far Away. He gathers all the villains – Captain Hook, the evil step-sister, etc. – who band together to help Charming overthrow Shrek and Fiona from the throne. They capture Fiona, her mother and her friends – Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Rapunzel - who prove that the days of the old fairy tales with the damsels in distress are history. These women kick some butt as they turn into the heroes of this story. Forget about being rescued by their handsome princes. These women do their own rescuing. They turn other fairy tales green with envy!
All of the old characters we have come to love from the Shrek movies return. Puss-In-Boots is still the suave feline who can use his eyes to melt your heart. Donkey is a loving father to his adorable fire-breathing babies. The gingerbread cookie, three little pigs, and everyone return for this delightful story that audiences will enjoy, whether they are old or young. There’s plenty in here for everyone.
Just watching the film, it is evident the cast enjoyed making it as much as the audience will enjoy viewing it. “It was so much fun before, so when they asked, I was delighted,” says legendary performer Julie Andrews who voices the queen. “Now I feel like I’m part of the group,” comments Antonio Banderas who voices Puss-In-Boots, who made his debut in the second movie. And Cameron Diaz, the voice of Princess Fiona, comments, “It’s really a privilege to be a part of the ‘Shrek’ legacy.” “It’s the best job an actor could have, because they are really carefully thought-out films,” adds Rupert Everett, the voice of Charming. “I find it more exhilarating in some ways than being in ordinary films.”
Throughout the film there are things that will catch your attention - the names of the stores, the situations of the characters, the comments that fly by. All in all, it’s a fun film. Need I say more?
Keep an eye out for the adorable babies. They are the talk of the town!
And once you leave the theater, don’t forget about all the merchandising that goes along with this film. The Shrek Swamp Party DVD Game is a fun interactive game for the whole family. This game plays on your TV through your DVD player (or you can play it on your computer if you want.) Two difficulties make this an entertaining game for different ages. You can play alone or against others. There are several games from which to choose and each game has 15 separate challenges to master. Can you throw a pie in Charming's face? Can you repeat a certain phrase several times in the allotted time period? How about a ring toss? Whatever challenge you undertake, when you successfully complete several challenges you win a figurine. But be careful, other players can steal them from you.
© 2007 Francine Brokaw
Photos © Dreamworks Animation. All Rights Reserved.
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