Shrek (2001) Andrew Adamson   Based on the children's book by William Steig, this latest computer-animated comedy tells the story of Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers), a crude, misanthropic ogre who lives peaceably alone in his stagnant swamp. One day Shrek discovers his solitude overrun by various fairy-tale creatures who are hiding out from the villainous Lord Farquar (John Lithgow). Farquar, pretender to the throne, wants to be rid of these creatures (for reasons never satisfactorily explained), so is rounding them up and banishing them. Farquar also intends to rescue a princess (Cameron Diaz) held captive by a dragon, in order that he might gain the throne by marriage to her (again, for reasons not satisfactorily explained). Happenstance leads Shrek (and the annoying donkey played by Eddie Murphy) into the service of Farquar, who recruits the ogre to rescue the princess. The story unfolds in unexpected ways, and Shrek is an appealing protagonist. At first a gruff, amusing grouch, he is ultimately revealed to be a lonely soul, misunderstood and shunned by all. A number of funny sequences are featured throughout the film, most notably the scene where various characters from nursery rhymes and folklore (including Pinnoccio, the three blind mice, and various fairy godmothers) are arrested by Farquar's henchmen. Shrek and company are also at one point attacked by none other than Robin Hood (who inexplicably has a French accent!). The animation is superb-every shot looks like illustrations from childhood storybooks come to life. The character renderings are equally impressive, most particularly Shrek himself, whose likeness is true to Steig's original illustrations, and offers a fabulous range of exaggerated facial expressions. (It still amazes me how these animators are somehow able to cause even the most bizarre-looking creatures to resemble the actors who supply their voices.) However, excessive and pointless use of noisy rock songs spoils things at times, and the film is not without its share of awkward moments, such as the donkey falling in love with a lady dragon, and the embarrassingly bad song-and-dance number which closes the film. And while ostensibly a "children's film," its appropriateness for the young is questionable, owing to an excess of scatological humor and occasional sexual references. Still, Shrek has a good storyline and engaging characters, and while it presents itself as a biting satire of fairy-tale traditions, it is ultimately an affectionate celebration of them. It also offers a genuinely touching ending which promises that anyone, even a portly, green ogre   —Paul Andrew MacLean

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