Shrek

Now. A word or two about the plot: Lord Farquaad desires to wed Princess Fiona. But he is reluctant to slay the dragon that stands between her and would-be suitors. So that prevents him from marriage.

Or does it?

Not really. He does as garden-variety cowards tend to do: He hires someone--Shrek, specifically--to attempt the slaying. Shrek is happy to do so. But only if certain conditions are met: The sugar-sweet creatures must be banished from his swamp so he can return to his original dimsal, sad solitude.

Because "Shrek" is fairy-tale fodder it follows a certain formula: Shrek, on his journey, is joined by a sidekick of sorts: A donkey named Donkey (Eddie Murphy).

Donkey provides not only companionship he also provides a running commentary, which leads to some of the best laughs of the movie.

Once this partnership has been forged the journey to the castle follows. Of course it isn't a simple matter, this journey. There is the matter of a suspension bridge above a flaming, bottomless gorge and the castle's interior, filled with bones of those who challenged the dragon and failed. A dark journey, yes. But one quickly lighten with banter between Donkey and Shrek, asides, puns, jokes, in-jokes, references a'plenty to other films and movies, and references to that which is contemporary.

Which returns one to the original question: Is "Shrek" a family movie? Yes. And no. It is a film that has something for everyone. Everyone, that is, who wants to laugh.

In today's world laughter is best for what ails.

A quick prediction: I won't be surprised when a sequel to "Shrek" is announced.

I will be first in line.

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