Shrek Forever After ***
When the first Shrek made its theatrical debut in 2001, it came accompanied by expectations normally reserved for sequels with impressive pedigrees. Unlike any previous animated endeavor, it was a magically irreverent experience whose appeal crossed age and gender barriers. Unfortunately, as is often the case with family-friendly blockbusters, it became the flagship of a merchandising fleet. Sequels followed. Shrek 2 was enjoyable but unspectacular and Shrek 3 seemed to be going through the motions. The fourth Shrek, called Shrek Forever After, is being touted as “the final chapter,” and that’s unsurprising. The goose’s eggs have gone from gold to silver to clad. There’s so little buzz about this movie that even those with bee-sting allergies need not be concerned. Still, even though Shrek Forever After is obligatory and unnecessary, it’s better than Shrek 3 and it’s likely that most who attend as a way of saying goodbye to the Jolly Green Ogre will not find themselves wishing they had sought out a more profitable way of spending 90-odd minutes.
