Shrek Forever After

• Title:  Shrek Forever After
• Director:  Mike Mitchell
• Date:  2010
• Studio:  Dreamworks
• Genre:  Animation, Romance, Comedy, Musical
• Cast:  Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderes, Julie Andrews, John Cleese
• Format:  Color, Widescreen Animation
• DVD Format:  R1, NTSC

"You have three beautiful children, a wife who loves you, friends who adore you, you have everything.  Why is it that the only person who can't see that - is you?"  -- Fiona

I bought the Shrek films in a complete set, and it turns out the only one I hadn't seen was this one, the fourth and final Shrek film.  This time around, Shrek goes through a mid-life crisis, fearing he has lost his "roar".  He makes a deal with Rumplestilskin to have one day as an fierce ogre again in return for giving up one day of his own life.  However, Rumplestilskin takes the day Shrek was born, creating a weird alternate universe where Fiona's parents no longer exist, Rumplestilskin rules Far Far Away with an Iron Fist and the help of a troop of  evil witches, and Fiona Warrior Princess leads a band of  less than successful ogre rebels.  Donkey pulls a wagon for a pair of  evil witches, meanwhile Puss-in-Boots no longer wears his boots and hat, no longer fights, and has gotten very over weight.  Moreover, since Shrek was never born, after 24 hours he will cease to exist, making all the changes permanent.  It's sort of Shrek does "It's a Wonderful Life".


However, I still enjoyed this film.  Overall, the first film is the best, but all four, including this one, manage to keep the characters in character and true to themselves.  Even the alternate universe Fiona, Donkey, and Puss, all ring true to themselves.

Shrek discovers that if  Fiona experiences "True Love's Kiss" her curse will be broken, and Shrek also will be freed from his contract with Rumplestilskin.  However, when Shrek finally kisses her -- she hasn't fallen in love with him.  However, never fear, the film has a happy ending, and Fiona kisses Shrek a second time, having fallen for him, she and everyone else is returned to the birthday party that Shrek had stormed out of.  The ending credit music is, "I'm a Believer", as in the first film.  This is found by a montage of  "best of" scenes from all four films.

Again, I enjoyed the film.  This time the theme is more about being grateful for what you have, rather than themes of self-acceptance,  but it's still a well-thought out movie.

Recommendation:  See it!  May as well complete the set.
Rating:  3.8 out of  5 Stars
Next Film:  Singin' in the Rain