"Shriek!"



But who doesn't love `Shrek'? I mean I guess it has it's detractors but come on people, if ever there was an animated feature perfectly designed to entertain EVERYONE `Shrek' is that movie. It's funny, fresh, entertaining and exciting. In fact just about every scene is memorable and every character brilliantly crafted. Kids love `Shrek', there is no denying that, but adults have plenty to adore as well.



The story behind `Shrek' is that of Shrek, a grumpy, lonely Ogre. When Lord Farquaad banishes all the fairytale creatures to the forest Shrek finds that his secluded swamp is now more crowded than ever. In a selfish attempt to gain sole custody of his land he agrees to rescue a certain Princess from her captivity for Lord Farquaad. Accompanying Shrek on this journey is Donkey, a talking donkey who forms an unhealthy attachment to the miserable Ogre. Princess Fiona is being held captive by a dragon in a tower far, far away awaiting her true love to come rescue her, breaking her dreaded curse with love's first kiss. Shrek was not what she had in mind, but upon her rescue and journey back home is becomes apparent that Shrek and Fiona may be kindred spirits after all.



The plot behind `Shrek' is not the most original, I'll give you that, but its execution is as original as it comes. `Shrek' plays out more like a spoof on every Disney cartoon out there (kind of like this year's masterful `Enchanted'); in fact a lot of former Disney characters appear in this film (and its two sequels). `Shrek' has a lot of fun poking fun at the very characters and stories that inspired it and this leads to plenty of laughs.



Helping to create some extremely memorable characters is the cast of vocal talents. Mike Myers and Cameron Diaz tackle the lead roles of Shrek and Fiona and do so splendidly. Mike Myers has proven time and time again that voice work is his forte; I mean what would any of his `Austin Powers' characters be without their signature accents. John Lithgow is hilarious as the devious Lord Farquaad. He adds spunk and humor to every line. Of course everyone talks of Eddie Murphy's brilliant voice work as Donkey (why is Eddie not in every cartoon?) and rightfully so. With quick wit and Murphy's signature attitude he creates the perfect companion, the perfect sidekick equipped with an amalgam of memorable and quotable catchphrases ("We can stay up late, swapping manly stories, and in the morning, I'm making waffles!"). One can't go without mentioning the expansive cast of supporting players though, because it's within the supporting players that we find many of our laughs. Voice work done by Bobby Block, Chris Miller, Cody Cameron, Christopher Knights, Simon J. Smith & Conrad Vernon just to name a few deliver such memorable characters as Pinocchio, The Three Pigs, The Blind Mice and of course The Gingerbread Man (who's whole `Muffin Man' routine is my FAVORITE scene in the film).



Beautifully animated and magically brought to life `Shrek' is the animated film of this generation, a cartoon that paved the way for bigger and better animated spectacles. It started here and so rightfully so it deserves our praise and admiration. There is rarely a treat this sweet so dig in and enjoy every last minute of it.