But is that what the movie-going public wants from "Shrek"? No, we want a nonstop supply of funny-isms. The creators continue to milk the fairy-tale genre in a medieval setting for comic fodder. And it works pretty often, but methinks they've gone to the wishing well one time too many. The jokes are getting a little thin.
Still, it's great to see the old familiar faces. Everyone has their favorites. I like the Gingerbread Man and Puss in Boots the best. In one memorable scene, the cookie character has his short gingerbread life pass before his eyes. And Antonio Banderas is so great as Puss. Kudos must be given as well to whoever animated the cat, because his languid, sexy poses are just spot on.
Eddie Murphy is as funny as ever as Donkey, though I wish he'd had a few more lines. Seems most of the dialogue was given to the new character Arthur (unfortunate choice) and to the returning Prince Charming (wise choice).
Arthur Pendragon, Fiona's cousin, is a teenage outcast and second in line to the throne of Far, Far Away. Shrek and Fiona are the first in line but they just want to move back to their grimy hollow in the woods.
After the sad but funny death scene of the Frog King (John Cleese), Shrek leaves to fetch the reluctant Arthur (played by the nice, but bland, Justin Timberlake). In the meantime, Prince Charming and his band of fairy-tale villains come to seize the kingdom for themselves.
Rupert Everett as Prince Charming practically carries this movie. He's absolutely delectable as this smarmy, arrogant con man with just a touch of sympathy.
I think it's a stroke of scripting brilliance how he enlists the help of all the fairy- tale villains to be a part of the winning team for once.
