Film Reviews

Shrek

• Rating:
• Director:
• Starring: Cameron Diaz
• Details: US / 91 mins / (G).

Myers voices a self-loathing ogre called Shrek who inadvertently saves a donkey (Murphy) from a beating. Later, with the donkey still in tow, Shrek finds his home overrun by fairytale characters who have been ousted from their natural habitats by the dictator, Lord Farquaad (Lithgow). Rather peeved at this development, Shrek meets Farquaad and is given an ultimatum - if he rescues a fair princess, then Shrek's home will be his again. Only problem is, a nasty dragon guards the princess.
One of those rare movies that even the most cynical won't be able to resist, Shrek is a delightful means of spending 90 minutes. Although it's breathtaking to look at (the animation surpasses even that of Toy Story 2),
Shrek is, for the most part, beautiful written, offering moments of genuine hilarity for both kids and adults. The last twenty minutes feel a little rushed, but that discrepancy aside, Shrek is must-see stuff.

Review by Garreth Murphy