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Shrek the Third (2007)
Director: Chris Miller, Raman Hui
Synopsis
When Shrek’s new father-in-law falls ill, the green ogre is looked at as the new heir to the throne, a role he he not too keen on.
Movie review
From Time Out London
As with many film franchises, you could string together all three of these money-spinners and not notice the joins. The trouble with this third instalment, though, is that a) its Arthurian premise is dispiritingly conventional and b) the pop culture references are starting to wear thin.‘Shrek the Third’ centres on hammy wannabe actor Prince Charming (voice of Rupert Everett) who, it turns out, isn’t that charming after all. In fact he’s a spoiled egomaniac who loves himself more than his heckling audiences do. When Charmless finds out that the dying King Harold (John Cleese) has asked his ogre of a son-in-law, Shrek to seek out his natural successor (a distant nephew called Arthur Pendragon), he seizes the opportunity to organise an ego-boosting coup against the meek civilians of Far Far Away. With Shrek (Mike Myers) and his wise-cracking sidekick Donkey (Eddie Murphy) away in search of the new king, it’s left to the loveable ogre’s beloved wife Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) and her bevy of fairytale femme fatales to kick a few butts into touch. But that’s not all, there’s a sub-plot boiling away in Shrek’s mind and it involves babies…
Despite a number of protracted moments, a few scenes are truly inspired: the dying-frog sequence for one, and Shrek’s ‘Exorcist’-inspired nightmare about parenthood for another. Some jokes sail close to innuendo, but in the main they’re balanced enough to appeal to all ages. The CG animation, too, is as refined as we’ve come to expect. Just a shame it lacks the smart sassiness of its predecessors. Time to call time, we think.
Author: Derek Adams
Time Out London Issue 1923: June 27-July July 3 2007
User reviews of this film
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- Amzii said...
- Posted on Jul 07 2007 12:00 Im going Too c it 2 daii, lurkz rly gurd, all meh m8z r saying tis crap, so me n ma m8 will afe too find out 4 our selvez =]] xx
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- jessica said...
- Posted on Jul 07 2007 10:28 its is rubbish comered to the 1st and 2nd should be more funy
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- Tina said...
- Posted on Jul 06 2007 13:11 I didn't think this film was anywhere near as good as the first two. The plot wasn't very inspired, and the jokes weren't that funny. Was watchable and not boring, but not much to rave about in my opinion.
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- SHNARFLE said...
- Posted on Jul 05 2007 22:17 I havent seen the film and i am going to see it on saturday, but i read one of these reviews and it totally ruined the ending for me. thanks.
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- Cherry Elektra said...
- Posted on Jul 05 2007 19:26 I'm Spike Sixx's fiance and we are 22 year old rockers from Cardiff! We are freaks and we loved it! The little ones are bound to!!!
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- Spike Sixx said...
- Posted on Jul 05 2007 19:23 I'm 22 and I think this movie is so rad! It's like meant to be for kids and little dudes, but i found it pretty awesome! A cool movie and an awesome cast including Eddie Murphy (legend), Mike Myers ( Waynes World) and Cameron Diaz (sexy) Overall extremely rad dudes!
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- lizzy said...
- Posted on Jul 05 2007 15:23 Not as good as the 1 & 2 but till enjoyed it. Loved Snow White.
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- lil1 said...
- Posted on Jul 05 2007 14:00 not as good as first 2...far far fetched more like!!enjoyed it bt wuldnt watch it twice
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- Dannii said...
- Posted on Jul 05 2007 10:31 the first 2 shreks are fab!! cnt wait till i c it 2nyt!! it looks really good hope there is a shrek 4 !!!!!!!! :) .x.
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- Dannii said...
- Posted on Jul 05 2007 10:29 it looks fab cnt wait to c it 2nyt!! and love the first 2 aswell ! ..x..
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- BenG said...
- Posted on Jul 04 2007 21:16 Poor story line but graphics make up for it, will be a great film for kids but not for others
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- jenny said...
- Posted on Jul 04 2007 18:18 best film ever cant wait to get it on dvd i am a big shrek nerd i think
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- Alice gall said...
- Posted on Jul 04 2007 17:55 ITS GONNA BE GREAT!!!!!!
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- Alice gall said...
- Posted on Jul 04 2007 17:51 Im seein it sn gonna lov it, its gonna be better than the last two i have seen gonna love it. ITS GONNA BE THE BST!!!!
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- Alice gall said...
- Posted on Jul 04 2007 17:47 going to see it soon i defeatly know i will like it, its gonna be great than the last two i have watched seeing it tomorrow!!!! GREAT.
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Cast & crew
Director: Chris Miller, Raman Hui
Producer: Aron Warner
Genre(s): Children's, Comedy
Rated: U
Duration: 93 mins
UK Release: Jun 29 2007
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