Sometimes even the most unlikely heroes have to grow up. In Shrek the Third, the beloved green ogre voiced by Mike Myers is faced with new responsibilities that he never saw coming. Released in 2007, the third film in the Shrek franchise brings back familiar faces like Eddie Murphy’s Donkey and Cameron Diaz’s Fiona, while introducing new characters like Justin Timberlake’s Artie. The movie is set in the vibrant, fairy-tale land of Far Far Away, where Shrek, once again, is pulled out of his comfort zone and thrust into the role of potential king. It’s an animated comedy, but with a strong theme of self-discovery and the pressure of expectations.
This time around, the story centers on Shrek’s unexpected journey to find a new heir for the throne of Far Far Away. With King Harold on his deathbed, Shrek is next in line, but the ogre wants nothing to do with royal life. Shrek, Donkey, and Puss in Boots set off to find Artie, a distant relative of Fiona, who is the only hope to avoid Shrek being crowned king. Meanwhile, Prince Charming, the villain from the previous film, gathers a band of fairy tale misfits to take over the kingdom. The plot weaves together Shrek’s reluctant quest to find Artie, his impending fatherhood, and a rebellion led by Charming—all while keeping the humor intact without revealing too much of the ending.
One of the film’s notable strengths is its voice acting. Mike once again delivers a performance that captures the gruff yet lovable nature of Shrek, but this time, with added layers of anxiety and self-doubt. The prospect of fatherhood weighs heavily on him, and his attempts to mentor Artie offer both humor and heart. Eddie and Antonio Banderas (as Puss in Boots) maintain their impeccable comedic timing, providing lighthearted banter throughout the movie. However, it’s Justin’s portrayal of Artie that stands out as a fresh addition. Artie, a high school kid unsure of his place in the world, mirrors Shrek’s own struggles, and Justin’s voice performance brings a likable vulnerability to the character. While the acting overall remains strong, the chemistry between the ensemble cast continues to be one of the film’s highlights.
From a directorial standpoint, Chris Miller does a commendable job of maintaining the lively pace that fans expect from the franchise. The action sequences, particularly those involving Prince Charming’s coup, are fun and visually engaging. The movie takes full advantage of its fairy tale setting to deliver a mix of slapstick comedy and witty one-liners. However, where Shrek the Third slightly falters is in its character development. Shrek’s arc, though central to the story, feels somewhat rushed compared to previous films, and the exploration of Artie’s growth from insecure teenager to future king could have been more fleshed out. Despite these shortcomings, the movie’s direction keeps the energy high, ensuring that even when the narrative feels thin, the film remains entertaining.
The film’s animation continues to be a visual treat. DreamWorks excels in creating a rich, detailed world filled with vibrant colors and imaginative settings. The kingdom of Far Far Away is rendered beautifully, and the character designs maintain their charm. Special effects are used effectively, especially during the magical elements of the story—like Merlin’s spells and the fairy-tale creatures’ antics. The action scenes, particularly those involving Charming’s siege of the castle, are animated with fluidity and a sense of scale that keeps viewers engaged. The mix of traditional animation with CGI elements gives the film a polished, cinematic feel, while still embracing the whimsical nature of the fairy tale genre.
Musically, Shrek the Third continues the franchise’s tradition of incorporating a blend of pop hits and original score. The soundtrack features songs that perfectly match the film’s comedic and emotional beats, including tracks from classic artists like Led Zeppelin and Paul McCartney. Rupert Gregson-Williams’ score complements the film’s whimsical and adventurous tone, though it doesn’t quite stand out as memorably as the music in the first two films. The use of music in key moments, such as Shrek’s reflections on fatherhood, helps to underline the emotional themes without being too heavy-handed.
Another aspect worth mentioning is the film’s humor. While Shrek the Third retains the sharp wit and satirical humor of its predecessors, it leans more heavily on physical comedy and pop culture references. Some jokes land perfectly—particularly those involving Donkey and Puss in Boots—but others feel slightly forced. The film’s message about self-acceptance and embracing responsibility is heartfelt, though the execution lacks the depth that made the first two films so emotionally resonant. Despite this, there are still plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, and younger audiences will likely enjoy the lighter tone.
Overall, Shrek the Third is an enjoyable, though not groundbreaking, addition to the franchise. While it doesn’t quite reach the emotional or comedic heights of the first two films, it offers enough humor, heart, and adventure to satisfy fans. The strong voice performances and impressive animation make it a visually and audibly delightful experience, even if the story feels a bit undercooked at times. For those who have followed Shrek’s journey from the start, this film provides a satisfying continuation, though it may not leave a lasting impact. If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly movie with familiar characters and lighthearted humor, this one is worth the watch.
