Citizen critique - Shrek

by Eva Hall


From an 8-year-old's perspective, Shrek has everything: bug, ear wax and mud jokes -- and a lot of attitude. Shrek (Mike Myers), the sour ogre, lives alone in his swamp, when he's suddenly invaded by all sorts of fairy tale characters. They've been deported from the mean Lord Farquaad's (John Lithgow) orderly, no-fun kingdom. But Shrek wants his swamp for himself, so he strikes a deal with his Lordship: he'll get the stunning princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) who lives far away, guarded by a fire-breathing dragon, so Farquaad can marry her. In return, Farquaad will kick the fairy tale creatures out.


Following Shrek on his mission of rescue and return is the constantly talking and wise-cracking Donkey (Eddie Murphy). But Fiona has a BIG secret; Donkey finds love together with the most un-donkey like creature, and Shrek, well, let's just say he changes along the way.


I'll admit it, I had never read William Steig's book the cartoon is based on, so maybe that's one reason why I was so captivated by the story. But the movie also has great, clever dialogue and cool animation. And yes, it's funny -- even for adults.