Shrek Review
by Shannon Patrick Sullivan (shannon AT morgan DOT ucs DOT mun DOT ca)August 29th, 2001
SHREK (2001) / *** 1/2
Directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson. Screenplay by Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio, Joe Stillman and Roger SH Schulman, with additional dialogue by Cody Cameron, Chris Miller and Conrad Vernon, based on the novel by William Steig. Starring Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz. Running time: 89 minutes. Rated PG by the MFCB. Reviewed on August 27th, 2001.
By SHANNON PATRICK SULLIVAN
Synopsis: Shrek (Myers) is an ogre living in contented solitude deep in the heart of a forest, until his home is invaded by fairy tale creatures fleeing the rule of the evil Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow). Farquaad agrees to relocate the pests, on the condition that Shrek rescues Princess Fiona (Diaz) -- whom Farquaad desires to wed -- from a far-off castle. Grudgingly, Shrek sets out, joined in his quest by an unwanted companion, Donkey (Murphy).
Review: One memorable aspect of Disney's "Aladdin" was that it finally gave Robin Williams a character -- the Genie -- to best take advantage of his comic talents. "Shrek" does the same for Eddie Murphy; ironically, though, Murphy's ideal vessel turns out to be an ass. All the same, "Shrek" does represent Murphy's best comic outing in years, and as Donkey he steals all the best lines. For instance, after getting belted with pixie dust while trying to conceal his nature as a magical creature, Donkey soars into the air and scoffs, "Now I'm a flying talking donkey!" And despite its many contributors, the script for "Shrek" is full of such comic gems. Myers is delightful in more of a straight man role, and Lithgow also gets some great moments (watch for a hilarious repartee with the Gingerbread Man). "Shrek" takes great pleasure in lampooning fairy tales and nursery rhymes of all sorts, and reserves a few delightful knocks at Disney in the bargain. Things do go somewhat astray during the film's middle segment, which concentrates too much on the main characters at the expense of some of the terrific fairy tale satire which is the movie's greatest strength. But even then, one can always sit back and enjoy the beautiful computer animation, whose remarkable use here represents yet another dazzling leap forward for the technology.
Copyright © 2001 Shannon Patrick Sullivan.
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