SHREK FOREVER AFTER (B)

Starring the voices of: Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy and Antonio Banderas

Story: Shrek is feeling over-domesticated in the fourth installment. He has lost his roar. It used to send villagers running away in terror. Now they run to him and ask him to sign their pitchforks and torches. To regain his ogre mojo, he strikes a deal with Rumpelstiltskin. The pact goes awry and Shrek must confront what life would be like in Far Far Away if he had never existed. That translates into Donkey being forced into cart-pulling duty, fat and lazy Puss in Boots trading his sword for a pink bow and the underhanded Rumpelstiltskin ruling the kingdom. (Dreamworks Animation)

Rated: PG for mild action, some rude humor and brief language

Bottom Line: Too many pop-cultural, then-current-day, inside-Hollywood references… That’s what dates SHREK, tarnishes SHREK 2 and ruined SHREK THE TURD…excuse me, THE THIRD. I was fully prepared to dislike this one but they left all that fluff behind and decided to let the comedy unfold by simply telling a story with solid characters, dialogue and situations. It never hits the emotional depths of movies like UP, TOY STORY or FINDING NEMO (to name a few) – but it’s funny, adventurous, charming and succeeds at entertaining both kids and adults alike. Hey now, you’re an all-star…finally!