Shrek the ThirdThis mild, mostly uninspired sequel shamelessly cashed in on the success of the previous films by name alone. Unlike Shrek 1 and 2, the jokes here lack the sly self-awareness that made these films so enjoyable for adults as well as children. The tame comedy that is present is almost completely recycled from the previous films. The computer graphics are beautiful, however, and they're even more subtle and picturesque than the previous Shrek films. Arthur, voiced by Justin Timberlake, wasn't completely uninteresting, but the young, awkward king was infinitely more likable as portrayed by Wart in Disney's "The Sword in the Stone". Eric Idle, voicing Merlin..plays him as an insane, babbling geezer. He manages to make Merlin a source of tempered amusement, although he comes off as relatively creepy. I definitely wouldn't feel comfortable leaving young Arthur alone with him, if you know what I mean, and I think you do.
Many of the scenes in this film feel needlessly prolonged. For instance, the Frog King's death scene is drawn out longer than Yoda's in Return of the Jedi, and it's almost as annoying. It feels like the writers were deliberately stretching the thin story to the breaking point in order to lengthen the otherwise short narrative. In fact, the plot is so non-existent that Shrek the Third probably should have been released as a straight to DVD feature. And it almost certainly would have been, had money not been the driving motive for its theatrical release.
There's simply not enough substance to validate it's existence. Prince Charming takes over Far Far Away with all of the villains from every fairy tale ever written, while Shrek leaves his pregnant wife Fiona to embark on a journey to find an heir to the throne. Obstacles in their way? Charming's own sense of inadequacy, and Shrek's innate fear of growing up and assuming responsibility. How very DRAMATIC! There was never a sense of danger or threat, and it all came off as relatively boring. The final showdown between Shrek, Arthur, and Prince Charming took place in a PLAY, of all things.
There were some clever moments interspersed within the mediocrity. They simply weren't numerous, and they surely weren't memorable. My biggest problem with the movie is that it adds nothing to the mythology that was celebrated with so much heart in the first two films. But in the end, Shrek the Third manages to occasionally entertain, even if it often does so despite itself.
Rating: C+