Review: Shrek Forever After

I'll just come right out and say it...BORING!

The first Shrek movie was wonderful. It was original, laugh-til-your-face-hurt funny, and had a number of fun takes on pop culture. I was excited for the second, but wound up disappointed as it replayed the same jokes, offered nothing new, and resembled little plot-wise to the first. When the third movie came out I went to see it and hated it. At least I got to see it for free!

So, we finally come to the [supposed] end of this franchise. I've read a number of articles which all stated that this Shrek was fresher, more like the original. So, I had high hopes going into the theater. The first few jokes were fun; but they soon wandered into too-familiar comedy territory. The "It's a Wonderful Life" twist was just OK; but the storyline grew so cliched that I was getting bored just fifteen minutes into the film. The rest of the movie never relieved me of my boredom. A few chuckles ensued, but certainly no laughter. However, the audience around me was laughing regularly throughout. (???)

Most of the regular cast was as good as ever--too bad the material they had was so bland. I grew really tired of Eddie Murphy. All of his jokes either sounded vaguely familiar, or were delivered in the same irritating way--line after line. Whatever it was, any time Donkey was onscreen I just wished his lines would end.

I will say that this movie is great for kids! Much like the kids in my showing, they'll love it. They won't realize what a yawn-fest this turned out to be. Oh well, at least this tired run is finished...or is it?

And by the way, in case you think I haven't made myself clear already...There is no way I'd see this one again!