Shrek is naturally upset and goes to Farquaad with a talking donkey (Murphy) who makes him a deal.  Farquaad wants to be a king and the only way he can become one is by marrying a princess.  Guided by the magic mirror, he chooses Princess Fiona (Diaz) as his bride to be but unfortunately she’s stuck atop a tower guarded by a nasty dragon.  Farquaad has agreed that if Shrek can rescue the Princess, he will be given sole title to the forest to continue is life of solitude.

A sparkling idea, Shrek takes all our memorable fairy tale stars and creates riotous comedy.  Taking a ribbing are Snow White and The Seven Dwarves, Little Red Riding Hood, Three Blind Mice, The Three Little Pigs, and even The Gingerbread Man.  Don’t look past a really great soundtrack too.  Instead of creating a whole new series of songs sung by dancing animals (ala Disney), modern pop songs are effectively woven into the dialogue.

Whilst the jokes are very funny, the plot is a little thin and could have used more substance.  I know it’s only a kids’ flick but Toy Story 2 and Chicken Run proved that depth in the story can appeal to adults as well as children.  Regardless, it’s hard not to lie back, relax and have a good time (it’s even better with popcorn).

Proving a major threat to Pearl Harbor’s number one box-office status in America, Shrek is the family film to see this holiday.  There may not be big bombs and explosions but as they say, laughter is always the best medicine.