Shrek (2001)

Plot: Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers), an ogre desperate to regain his swamp, travels along with an annoying donkey named Donkey (voiced by Eddie Murphy), to rescue Princess Fiona (voiced by Cameron Diaz) and bring her to Lord Farquaad (voiced by John Lithgow), a lord wishing himself King.

Review: I love this movie. I simply love it.

Firstly, what I love about the film's plot is that it applies to both children and adults. The film has jokes and themes that relate to adults, yet the plot is simple enough to appeal to kids and there's also humor that will appeal to kids. Some films do this but it looks like they're trying too hard. Shrek doesn't try too hard. It's simply organic and natural. It's funny without even trying.

Now in addition to being absolutely funny, the film is also very heartfelt. We have the scene with Donkey and Fiona after Donkey learns the truth about Fiona, where Donkey and Shrek talk near the fire about how Donkey didn't find Shrek ugly when they met. These are just two examples that this is a movie that has heart.

I like the several references to fairy tales and Disney films. We have the references to Three Little Pigs, the Big Bad Wolf (who's basically a drag queen which I find hilarious), Pinocchio, the Gingerbread Man known as Gingie (one of my favorite characters in all of the films) etc. What I like about these references is that even though we know these stories and characters, it's somehow fresh and unique. It even starts in the the opening- where the narrator is reading from the book and Shrek tears out of the pages and says that's a pile of crap. And we have the scene where Donkey flies, where they refer to Peter Pan and Dumbo. I like that it's not an entire homage to Disney and fairy tales, but they know that they exist and properly go back to them without going over the top.

I think one of the film's very few problems is that the animal and fantasy characters are more interesting than the human characters, like Fiona and Lord Farquaad. But that's typically the norm in stories like these.

The film is a visual feast. Everyone involved in the design of the characters, sets and everything should be praised because it's a fantastic visual treat. There are a lot of different sets in this from the swamp, to the castle, to fields etc. And the attention to certain details like Donkey's fur, the colors of the dragon's scales and her eyelashes etc. It's all these details that show that these filmmakers care about quality and not being afraid to maybe obsess over certain things that others wouldn't necessarily think to look over. So more power to them.

The voice acting in this is brilliant. Mike Myers is fantastic and hilarious as Shrek. Even with just his voice, he manages to give Shrek a heart. Myers is able to bring a sense of vulnerability with just his voice. Eddie Murphy is hysterical as Donkey. For me, Donkey is my favorite character. Just because he is so funny yet so humble, caring and kind. Cameron Diaz I thought was a good choice for the role of Fiona. For me, I felt that bravery and determination from Cameron Diaz's performance. John Lithgow I think played an awesome villain. His voice performance as Lord Farquaad prepares to scheme is very diabolical and villainy. The entire cast is genius and well put together. It blends perfectly.

Shrek is an amazing animated accomplishment that will be loved by the entire family.

Rating: 5/5