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Shrek the Third

Shrek the Third (2007)

The King of Far Far Away has died and Shrek and Fiona are to become King & Queen. However, Shrek wants to return to his cozy swamp and live in peace and quiet, so when he finds out there is another heir to the throne, they set off to bring him back to rule the kingdom.

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Directed by Chris Miller

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Chris Miller
Producer
  • Denise Nolan Cascino
  • Aron Warner

Reviews

CinemaSerf
6/10

The King decided that he didn't much fancy this third outing, so conveniently died and left the kingdom to his daughter "Fiona" and her husband "Shrek". Thing is, he'd much rather just stay at home and leave the governing to someone else. "I know", thinks he - let's go and find the legendary "Prince Artie" and see if we can't get him to take the job instead. Off he, "Donkey" and "Puss in Boots" set on their quest, but they don't bargain on the scheming "Prince Charming" who has designs on the throne for himself. It's this latter gent who has cleverly assembled an army straight from the Brothers Grimm to do his fighting, charming and seducing for him. Can our intrepid trio manage to thwart his cunning plan, find the missing prince and get back before "Fiona" has her baby? I actually quite enjoyed this rather derivative adventure, possibly because the annoying donkey takes much lesser a role as their search plays to many other fantasies, a bit of Arthurian myth and has plenty of action to keep it moving along for ninety minutes. It was always going to be more difficult to keep the character fresh after six years, and the writing here isn't quite as witty as we've seen before, but the underlying characters are still quite engaging and the hero/anti-hero storyline did rise a smile from time to time. Maybe Dreamworks ought to take the hint, though, and call it quits now?

Jan 13, 2025

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Thematic Analysis

Shrek the Third represents a fascinating example of Fantasy/Adventure/Animation/Comedy/Family cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Chris Miller brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2007, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Shrek the Third took approximately 3 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $160.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 93 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 122 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The film contains approximately 1622 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 2007, when this film is released:
  • Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
  • Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
  • Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.

How This Film Stands Out

While Shrek the Third shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Shrek the Third offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire explore similar territory, Shrek the Third stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: May 17, 2007
  • Runtime: 1h 33m
  • Budget: $160,000,000
  • Revenue: $813,367,380

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