by Muhammad Ali Hameed

The Internet Movie Database, more commonly known as IMDb, gives the following plot summary for the latest production in the Shrek franchise: "A bored and domesticated Shrek pacts with deal-maker Rumpelstiltskin to get back to feeling like a real ogre again, but when he's duped and sent to a twisted version of Far Far Away -- where Rumpelstiltskin is king, ogres are hunted, and he and Fiona have never met -- he sets out to restore his world and reclaim his true love." This is as much as can be said about the plot without giving it away completely. Really! That's how simple it is.

Those who are familiar with Shrek movies, know them to cater to kids and adults alike. Shrek Forever After also has its elementary humor - burps and falls for the kids - and its witty pop culture references for the adults, although there seem to be more of the latter in this movie than the previous Shrek's. There are some moments in this movie that are absolutely hilarious, like the spoiled chubby boy with the adult voice or some of the dialogue exchanged between the Donkey and Puss in Boots. Other than that I found the humour to be somewhat predictable and therefore not as funny as the first couple of movies.

Mike Myers' Scottish Shrek voice, although still brilliant, seems old and Eddie Murphy's high-pitched Donkey voice gets a bit annoying at times. There are however a few new characters and some old, but improved ones that keep the cast interesting. There are a whole bunch of ogres, the funniest of which is an effeminate cook. There's also a new villain in Rumpelstiltskin, who oddly reminds me of one of his predecessors, Lord Farquaad, only creepier and with a large following of witches. Then there's the new fat, lazy version of Puss in Boots (who, FYI, doesn't wear boots). Even Princess Fiona has received a complete makeover with a new Warrior Princess outfit.

The 3D adds a bit of excitement to the whole experience and the graphics are very crisp but what will happen when it's released on DVD? Apart from a few scenes, there are not many that benefit too much from the 3D option. Still, I'm glad the producers went 3D rather than 2D since I feel this new dimension makes a more acceptable justification for coming up with yet another Shrek film. Otherwise, I might be forced to think that this is a desperate attempt to cash in on the Shrek goodwill. Indeed, the slim crowds in the first week of the movie opening were a testament to the fact that this final Shrek venture is pushing it a bit.

So should you watch this movie? Definitely. It's not every day that you find good clean humour in Hollywood that the whole family can enjoy. Shrek is just that. It will make you laugh (though not as much as the previous films) and there's hardly any embarrassing scenes -- with the exception of some ogre-romance. All in all, it's a good wholesome comedy that is a bit predictable, but still fun to watch.

P.S: Let's hope they stick to their word and make this the last Shekh movie Forever After.

Muhammad Ali Hameed writes for MY Voice magazine, and is based in Hamilton, ON.