Shrek Forever After

Overview

The creators of Shrek seem to have a thing against short dudes. The first film was dominated by the very small Lord Farquaad, the second saw the vertically challenged King as the devious deceptor, the third focused on Shrek's fears about the pitter patter of little ogre feet arriving and with this, the fourth (and final?) Shrek, that tiny trickster Rumpelstiltskin is the, ahem, big baddie of the day. They really subscribe to the theory of short man syndrome.

So, life is good in the land of Far Far Away. The kids are happy, the wife is happy and there are enough play dates with the local half donkey/half dragon kids to keep everyone amused. But Shrek is starting to feel that his old bachelor days of roaming around scaring villagers are too far behind him, and he makes a misguided wish to return to the good ogre days. Enter prankster Rumpelstiltskin.

There's not a lot here that most viewers wouldn't have predicted from the get-go, but in a way that's very similar to the nursery rhymes and fairy tales that the film parodies. The added boon with this film is, of course, that you will get some neat glasses when you go in. Yes, this is Shrek in all of his three-dimensional glory. While so many blockbusters are making the switch to 3D with very little added benefit to the experience, for the kids and some of the adults, too, Shrek in 3D is a sight to behold. Horses race out over the audience and Shrek's wide girth pokes its way out of the screen, which just goes to make everything that little bit more exciting.

It is just as well, really, because if one more thing comes and threatens Shrek and Fiona's love then I will personally recommend a trial separation for everybody's sakes. Really, come on; way to whip a horse. There are a few giggles, and undeniably the soundtrack to a Shrek film is always a boot-scooting hoot. And to be perfectly honest, I wouldn't recommend anyone not see this film. But to the makers I will say this: you're done. No more, thank you. You've mined the Grimm Brothers and Mother Goose collections well; there ain't no more oil down that well. Time to close the book and say they all lived happily ever after. As will I.