Three's A Crowd - The Shrek Trilogy

Shrek (2001)
Director: Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson
Writers: Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio, Joe Stillman and Roger S.H. Schulman
Hot Rating: 💥💥💥💥

'Shrek' is a captivating odyssey of a dysfunctional duo of an Ogre, Shrek (Mike Myers), and a Donkey (Eddie Murphy). Where the previous success of other animated films boast a relatable yet conventional narrative, 'Shrek' strikes the perfect balance between these traits and its own brand of original humour. As such, Myers' ability to embody wacky characters shines through in every grumpy or sharp witty comment that the loveable 'monster' comes out with. Furthermore, the boisterous performance from Eddie Murphy ensures that audiences never fall tired of the pair's adventure. In accompaniment with the action in the narrative, the ingenious blend of pop and rock music make for a brilliant soundtrack; all these elements tie in together to create a well-rounded film. As these protagonists remain motivated by love in all its shape-shifting forms, they are just as guaranteed for success as the journey that they so happily embark upon.

Shrek 2 (2004)
Director: Andrew Adamson, Kelly Ashbury and Conrad Vernon
Writers: Andrew Adamson, Joe Stillman, J. David Stern and David N. Weiss
Release Date: 2nd July 2004
Hot Rating: 💥💥💥💥

If perhaps only rivalled by its contemporary Pixar franchise, 'Toy Story', the enjoyment of 'Shrek 2' comes from its versatility. Equipped with some new additions to the writing team and an expansive all-star cast, Andrew Adamson provides a satisfying sequel by opening his tale to the glitz and glamour of Far Far Away, which further acts as an apt microcosm of the media-saturated Hollywood. In this diverse setting, the film opens itself up to some pleasant new characters such as 'Puss in Boots' (Antonio Banderas) and the 'Fairy Godmother' (Julie Saunders) as well as some fun-loving plot twists. This being said, the previous success of its shrewd and witty humour teeters on the edge of annoyance, with some jokes sometimes missing the mark. Nonetheless, one can forgive these mishits by the fact they are voiced by the same spirited and enthusiastic cast that won over audiences hearts three years prior.

Shrek the Third (2007)
Director: Chris Miller and Raman Hui
Writers: Jeffrey Price, Peter Seaman, Chris Miller, Aaron Warner and Andrew Adamson
Release Date: 29th June 2007
Hot Rating:💥💥

If the previous success of its sequel gave any warnings, it was that the 'Shrek' franchise had the potential to overextend its playful banter. While the downfall of this humour is, in part, responsible for the failure of the film, a lot of its errors can be accounted for by its rigid structure. Unlike the success of the 'Toy Story' trilogy, 'Shrek' does not raise the entertainment bar that it so willfully elevated in its previous two features. Thus, a narrative regarding Shrek's kingship is an ironic sell-out to the film's humility. In accordance with this plot, the opening sequence exposes the laborious humour that follows; the characters are overly thought out to the extent that they feel like caricatures of their once relatable selves. While there remain traces of fun, 'Shrek the Third' is a fall from grace, if nothing short of a dethroning from its once royal status.
Eddie Murphy as 'Donkey', Mike Myers as 'Shrek' and Cameron Diaz as 'Princess Fiona' in 'Shrek the Third'. Source: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0413267/mediaviewer/rm147164160

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