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Movie Review: Shrek
 Like most kids of my age, I grew up
on Disney. Can’t seem to remember when or how I first learned of any
of its stories, or when I first watched my first Disney movie;
nevertheless, long before consciousness dawned upon me, I had already
been sleeping with one its kind, a big-eared mouse named Mickey.
Having grown up in the magic kingdom, it was very difficult accepting
new animation outfits (like DreamWorks SKG and WB) into the realm of
hit makers. I watched their releases, liked them to a certain extent,
but never really accepted their existence. I was pre-supposedly hooked
on Disney…
Unfortunately, over the last few years, Disney’s full length animated
features (and computer animated flicks) have lacked that certain flair
that once made it famous. Fortunately, whatever gaps they have seemed
to miss out on, DreamWorks has filled up over flowingly, thanks to its
latest release, “Shrek”.
So good was this movie that I begun writing this review even before I
had walked out the theater; but I will not go into story details, no
spoilers here. In a nutshell however, Shrek is modern day fairytale,
with a modern day story line; a mixture of modern day romance, modern
day music, and loads of laughter (not to mention lampooning of several
other similar tales).
HEROES CAN SING
Let me start with music, it has been quite a while since I last saw a
cartoon sing. Being the music lover that I am, I have missed out on
soundtracks like those in Aladdin, The Lion King and Hercules. There
wasn’t anything as special as that here, but at least it had that
certain flair and the characters did sing. I don’t care if it’s
unrealistic that all heroes are great singers, but hey that’s what
makes it magical.
This movie is a combination of pop ballads and rock with remakes like
I’m a Believer. This mix did well with BUT you must be careful if you
watch with the kids because not all of the song lyrics are PG.
RATED PG
Some dialogue is PG as well; I guess that’s one reason why they call
it a modern day fairytale, among others there are several mentions of
the word ASS. There are also hints of phallic symbols and reference to
“size”.
RECYCLED
 A lot of humor is invoked through the lampooning of several other
fairy tails (and other great movie moments). Playing cameo yet
important parts in the movie are the ginger bread man and the magic
mirror on the wall. Disney was also very much present in all shapes
and sizes; from Pinocchio, to Snow White, to Disneyland!
These were harmless exploits that worked very with the rest of the
story; none of the cartoons were harmed in the making (oh there was
one but her survived), none of their characters defamed. Their roles
were minute but relevant; in fact Shrek would have never gone on his
quest without them and so the story goes.
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SHREK on DVD/VHS
Coming Nov.2 |
