Everyone's a critic: 'Shrek the Third'

Three stars (out of four)

Second-tier fairy-tale characters unite! So goes the theme of "Shrek the Third."

DreamWorks has delivered another animated show that caters to every age group. The characters were funny and well-matched with their human voices, which made them believable. Mike Meyers and Cameron Diaz headlined as Shrek and Fiona respectively. Other star power mentionables were Antonio Banderas and Eddie Murphy as Puss in Boots and Donkey, respectively.

The soundtrack is comprised of rock tunes from Led Zeppelin, Heart, Sly and the Family Stone and the Beatles that I personally appreciate. There are quite a few funny references to modern pop culture icons inserted into the backdrop of the film. Children might not catch them, but I was entertained.

The only downside to the movie is the almost subliminal references that warrant the PG rating. Specifically, sexual innuendo and teenage drug use, a la Jeff Spicoli in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High." These quick references wouldn't affect the movie if they were left out. My 10-year-old son Kieran thought the movie was hilarious. I did, too.

-- Mike Griffin

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Two stars (out of four)

The third chapter of the DreamWorks fairy tale pits our happily married couple against the responsibilities of adulthood. Shrek's plans of returning to the swamp and living happily ever after with Fiona are thwarted when her frog king father dies, leaving a decree that will name Shrek his predecessor.

Unhappy with that decision, Shrek, Donkey and Puss in Boots head out to find a replacement.

As Shrek embarks on his journey, Fiona informs him that she is pregnant. Now faced with the fear of fatherhood, Shrek's dismay becomes more apparent. Meanwhile, Prince Charming assembles an army of misfit villains in order to take over the kingdom and claim himself king.

Children will find this version of the lovable classic just as charming as the first, but honestly the comedy is mundane, predictable and dangerously mature.

While the animation and sound in "Shrek the Third" is impeccable, the story line fails to produce an equivalent punch.

-- Jerry Swan

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Three stars (out of four)

"Shrek the Third" begins with Fiona's father, the King, who is in the body of a frog, gasping for his last breath and dying in a dramatic, somewhat humorous fashion. With the King dead, Shrek must assume the role, or the long lost heir, cousin Arthur (Artie), must be found to take Shrek's place. As the journey begins, Shrek learns he is to be a father. In addition to Shrek's personal struggles, Prince Charming has gathered the "losers" of Far Far Away to overthrow the kingdom and assume their rightful place in history.

The animation was amazing, the characters perfect and the music divine. The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Heart, and Sly and The Family Stone made all of us over 35 sing out loud. As usual, the comedy was somewhat adult at times. There are references to where babies come from and drug use by high school children. Again, while aimed at adults, drugs really aren't funny, and I expect my 6-year-old Chloe will start asking questions any day.

Perhaps this is the reason for the PG rating. A Birkenstock-wearing Merlin the Magician is great, and as Chloe stated, "That movie was funny, Mom." Shrek is definitely a thumbs up.

-- Michele Griffin