What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that, like the previous two "Shrek" films, this movie includes jokes aimed at adults that will go over the head of most kids. While parents chuckle about Fuzzy Navels and Mojitos (is drinking necessary in a PG film, by the way??), the "Versarchery" logo, and Shrek's hesitance to face fatherhood, their kids will just laugh at the antics of their fairytale friends. There's some cartoon violence (sword fights, punches), which is often played for laughs. Expect even your youngest kid to want to see this one -- if they watch TV, go with you to the supermarket, or eat at McDonald's, chances are they've seen Shrek in ads for everything from junk food to anti-obesity PSAs (talk about mixed messages!).
Families can talk about what made kids want to see this movie -- the story or all the product tie-ins. Do kids want a product because Shrek is pictured on it? Parents can also discuss the movie's girl-power issues. Why do the princesses respond to their situation by "assuming the position to be rescued?" How do Fiona and the Queen challenge the ladies to take matters into their own hands? In terms of the film franchise, should the "Shrek" movies continue, or this is a good one to finish it off? Which of the three movies is the best, and why?
Common Sense Media Review
It's not an animated masterpiece like the enchanting first two classics, but "Shrek the Third" is still one of those rare films that everyone from preschoolers to grandparents will find irresistibly amusing.
Mike Myers and Cameron Diaz return as happily married ogres Shrek and Fiona, who inherit the kingdom of Far Far Away from ailing King Harold (John Cleese). Shrek doesn't think he's fit to wear a crown, so he and dependably side-splitting sidekicks Donkey (Eddie Murphy) and Puss In Boots (Antonio Banderas) set out to find the only other living heir to the throne, Arthur Pendragon (Justin Timberlake) -- but not before Fiona announces she's royally pregnant.
While Shrek faces his fear of fatherhood and attempts to convince young Artie -- a hesitant, insecure teenager -- to succeed King Harold, things go awry in Far Far Away. Prince Charming (Rupert Everett) rounds up a motley crew of fairytale villains, including Captain Hook (Ian McShane, once again mastering a scary character) and one of the Ugly Stepsisters (Regis Philbin), to instigate a coup and imprison Fiona, Queen Lillian (Julie Andrews), and beloved princesses Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel, and Snow White (voiced by comedy actresses Amy Sedaris, Cheri Oteri, Maya Rudolph, and Amy Poehler, respectively).
The princess-in-peril subplot proves to be the most entertaining. The ladies prepare to simply assume the position they want to be rescued in (Beauty plops down on a bunk and snoozes, Cinderella scrubs the floor, etc.) until Fiona and the queen challenge them to unleash their inner warriors. Inspired, they immediately rip their sleeves and pouffy hems and get ready to rumble instead of passively waiting for a valiant prince to arrive.
One of the movie's most memorable moments is Snow White summoning her woodland animal friends with a sweet, high-pitched song, only to start belting out Fergie's cover of "Barracuda" as she storms the castle. Parents will also get a kick out of the other hits on the soundtrack. Wings' "Live and Let Die" accompanies a key scene, and Donkey sings Harry Chapin's "Cat's in the Cradle" after hearing Shrek's daddy issues.
When the baby ogres finally arrive, it's clear that the producers are clearing the way for a possible fourth film. But the slightly watered-down "Shrek the Third" isn't an improvement on its predecessors, so perhaps it's time to let Fiona and Shrek enjoy their happily ever after once and for all.
Families who want more fairy-tale fun should check out "Shrek", Shrek 2", and the tween-friendly "Ella Enchanted" and "The Princess Bride."
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
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