Home » Reading & Literature » Science Fiction & Fantasy » Movie Review: "Shrek"

Movie Review: "Shrek"

© Debbie Ledesma

The movie "Shrek" has been out for several months. I did not get the chance to see it until recently. Too bad I waited so long. "Shrek" is a wonderful Fantasy movie with a good plot, fun characters and excellent animation.

"Shrek" is a fariy tale with a sense of humor and a different, but good plot. It does not follow the usual fairy tale plot. An ogre wants to be left alone, but finds his swamp fills with refugees from fairy. He makes a deal to rescue the princess for the prince in exchange to get his home back to himself. Along the way, he fights dragons, rescues a princess and meets friends. The plot is simple, but maks the movie very entertaining with plenty of humor.

Another element that helps this film are the fun characters. Shrek is an ogre who prefers his solitude. He doesn't have any friends and does not want any. He doesn't know what he is missing. Things change when he meets talking Donkey. The character is very funny and well done by actor Eddie Murphy. He proves to be a loyal friend. Princess Fiona is an unusual princess with an attitude looking for freedom from her curse. She is not the screaming, damsel in distress. The baron want-to-be is an excellent satirical character. All of them add to the entertainment of the movie.

Lastly, the excellent animation gives the movie a realisitc look that appeals to adults as well as children. Computer animation has become a large part of special effects in recent years. Advancements in the technology allow the images to seem more realistic. "Shrek" is done entirely in computer animation. The characters move and react like real people. This makes the movie's fantasy elements seem like reality. This is appealing to adults for easier enjoyment of the film.

"Shrek" is an entertaining Fantasy movie. It is a fariy tale about an ogre, princess and talking donkey. The good plot, fun characters and excellent animation combine to provide viewers with a film full of a sense of wonder. It has some funny satire too when it pokes fun at Disney movies and other genre films. If you have not seen this movie yet, be sure to see it. Don't wait like I did. You will be missing a jewel of a Fantasy movie.

Note: "Shrek" will be available on video and DVD in November.