Shrek Forever After (PG) (2010)

Just in time for Father’s Day comes this fairytale of fatherhood with a lesson or two to deliver. The first two are, “be careful what you wish for” and “be very careful with whom you deal.”

Papa Shrek (Mike Meyers) breaks both rules when, in a moment of weakness, he pines for his old life as a feared ogre and signs a shady contract with the evil Rumplestiltskin (Walt Dorn) whereby he gets to live one day back in his old persona, sans wife and kids. In trade he must relinquish a day of his childhood that he doesn’t even remember.

The dual-humor is back in the Shrek series and the adventure that follows the dirty deal with Rumplestiltskin is fresh and thoroughly entertaining for all ages. Fortunately, the writers have created a feature that is both heartwarming and humorous.

In the alternate life scenario that is created for Shrek, some obvious changes occur. Far Far Away is now ruled by the very nasty Rumplestilkskin and his band of ugly witches; Shrek’s buddies, Puss-in-Boots (Antonio Banderas) and Donkey (Eddie Murphy) have no idea who he is; and his beloved Fiona was never rescued from the tower. Sadly, when a kiss of true love is sorely needed, there is none to be found.

Shrek’s wish certainly went awry, but the fine film that ensues is a wonderful treat for family movie goers in 3-D.  Rating: 4 cups