May 25, 2001

By Veronica Mixon

SHREK is wonderful! This cheeky fairy tale is a delightful comic romp with a heartfelt message. DreamWorks has assembled a wonderful crop of actors who lend their voices to a zany group of character and they've created a funny movie fit for the entire family.

Deep in the forest, a solitary troll named Shrek (Mike Myers) happily lives out his days. Whenever anyone trespasses on his quiet grove, Shrek dutifully scares him or her away but basically, he's a harmless soul who simply wishes to live in peace. Meanwhile, in town, Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow) has banished all of the fairy tale creatures out of his sight - to the country! The angry, four-foot-tall, power hungry ruler of Duloc gets pleasure out of torturing his weaker subjects. Suddenly, Shrek's land is invaded and his peace of mind is destroyed.

The first visitor he receives is a precocious Donkey (Eddie Murphy), who is prepared to be a loyal friend. The Donkey begs and begs Shrek to let him stay and when the annoyed troll agrees - for one night - the Donkey is so happy that he promises to make waffles for breakfast. You're instantly in love with both of these characters -- the cranky Shrek who makes candles out of his ear wax and the pesky Donkey, who aims to please.

But, before Shrek knows it, all kinds of magical creatures are floating through his tree house and in his grove. When he complains, the lazy Lord gives him a task to perform before he will clear the forest. Shrek must capture Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) whose Keep is guarded by a dragon. The Lord wants to marry her but can't bother to rescue her -- thus proving his bravery -- himself. So, together, Shrek and the Donkey, who refuses to be left behind, are off on an adventure. What is waiting for them? Two lonely ladies - a Dragon and a Princess - who will change everyone's life forever!

SHREK is simply marvelous! The computer-generated animated film is so realistic at times that you can't believe you're watching a cartoon. When the breeze moves across a meadow, you can see the grass sway. You can also see the gray fur on the Donkey's face rustle when Shrek's yelling disturbs the atmosphere. There are incredible scenes like the gliding of the fire-breathing Dragon as she gives chase among the castle ruins after Shrek and the Donkey appear.

Furthermore, DreamWorks pokes fun at the Disney - in a good way - as Shrek chides the seven dwarves to get the dead girl off the table! They've also created a spunky gingerbread man who spits in Lord Farquaad's eye as the runt tortures him. The lovely Dragon turns out to be a lonely, lovelorn gal who is smitten with the Donkey. Great stuff! You'll be laughing out loud.

Mike Myers (Austin Powers) is charming as the adorable Shrek. I smell sequel! Also, Eddie Murphy is superb as the Donkey. This is the second time - remember Mulan - Murphy has created such a lovable, irreverent animated character that proves to be as popular as the star. In the last few years, Murphy has proved his star power and talent ten times over. His live action characters in The Klump series and Dr. Doolittle are marvelous and well acted but with his variety of animated roles, Murphy exhibits the depth of his comedy. Cameron Diaz (Charlie's Angels), also shows a nice comic range, with her gutsy Princess fiona and John Lithgow is excellent as well.

SHREK is one of the best films to open this year!