Shrek

“Shrek” Film Review

            In most film that are animated the main plot appears to revolve around a dysfunctional duo that seems to compensate for the others flaws and together they are able accomplish any task. This kind of storytelling has been present for a while but it seems to have been made popular in animated films through Pixar animation with film titles such as Toy Story and Up. Another film company that seems to have picked up on Pixar’s style of storytelling is Dream Works, and this is most noticeable in one of their early animated films known as Shrek. The film Shrek is a fantasy film that takes a spin on all the classic fairytales by merging them all into one gigantic universe ranging from the Ginger Bread Man to Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs creating its own fantasy. However, at the same time it takes aspects of modern life and mixes it into the fantasy creating a very unique filmic space such as including a Starbucks or references to WWE. The film is also an exploitation film for it may have many aspects that are suitable for children but it provides enough jokes and vulgar references that it is also enjoyable by an adult audience. The main plot of Shrek is about a lone Ogre that lives in swamp and all he wants to do is remain alone so he can just relax in comfort and do as he pleases, but his is all changed around when all the fairytale creatures of the region are exiled and forced to take refuge in his swamp due to man suffering from napoleon complex known as Lord Farquaad. Due to these unfortunate events the duo of Shrek and Donkey is formed and the two of them set out on an adventure that will bond the two together and make an unstoppable duo filled with loads of excess humor that is enjoyed by the whole family. To some film critics and their film criticism this expanded cinema film only gained excess from the fandoms the main voice actors have created throughout their acting careers. However, some such as Jami Bernard of the New York Daily News who has stated in her review of the film, “The brilliance of the voice work, script, direction and animation all serve to make Shrek an adorable, infectious work of true sophistication” and she couldn’t of had summed it up any better for it seems to be hilarious for all age groups while keeping an engaging tale so that it doesn’t lose the audience. Thus, if you haven’t seen this featured film yet it would recommend viewing it either online or on television and if you enjoy it possibly pick it up for your film library.