June 5: Shrek Forever After

I'm a huge fan of the Shrek series of movies. To me, those movies do an incredible job of appealing to both the adult and child fan base via their unique combination of silliness, clever references and heartfelt themes. Whenever I watch any of the Shrek movies, I always feel like a kid listening to a bedtime story; with a twist of humor thrown in, of course. Besides, you have to love a series of films for which all of the big name stars continue to return - that's a rarity these days. This afternoon, the family took in the latest and final Shrek offering "Shrek Forever After". I've both heard and read mixed reviews; some love it, others seem to feel like this final chapter trade the humor, we know and love from the Shrek series, in exchange for more of an emotional connection with its audience. I fully disagree...I thought "Shrek Forever After" was just as bit as funny as movies 1-3. First, they could not have picked a better "bad guy" than the impish, devious Rumplestiltskin, who's more clumsily funny than he is villainous. You've got a stressed-out Shrek, who's going through a major mid-life crisis making him constantly grumpy and on edge, and you've got Puss in Boots about 30 pounds heavier after letting himself go. I won't reveal too much for those of you who have not seen the film yet, but the storyline is adventurous, hilarious and even touching at times; the same combination that won our hearts with the first 3 Shrek movies. So, don't let any of the "bad"reviews sway you. If you loved "Shrek", "Shrek 2" and "Shrek the Third", you'll feel the same way about "Shrek Forever After". The only "bad" thing I can say I took away from the experience is walking out of the theater realizing it was the last time I would see a Shrek film on the big screen. All good things must come to an end I guess...