A noisy, uneven sequel that keeps the franchise’s fairytale parody energy but with less inspiration than the first two films. It has a few sharp comic bits, a likable ensemble, and enough momentum for families or completists, but the story feels thinner and the jokes land less consistently.
Shrek the Third
Where to watch: Buy
Movie · Fantasy · Adventure
Thu · 1h 33m
Director: Chris Miller
Starring: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz
Overview
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.
Director
Chris Miller
Cast
Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz
Curator Review
Verdict
A noisy, uneven sequel that keeps the franchise’s fairytale parody energy but with less inspiration than the first two films. It has a few sharp comic bits, a likable ensemble, and enough momentum for families or completists, but the story feels thinner and the jokes land less consistently.
Best for
Shrek franchise completists
families looking for broad animated comedy
viewers who enjoy pop-culture fairytale spoofing
fans of ensemble buddy-comedy banter
Skip if
you want the strongest or most inventive Shrek film
you dislike sequels that feel more routine than fresh
you prefer tightly written animation over scattershot comedy
you are mainly interested in the series’ emotional depth
Overview
Shrek the Third is the kind of sequel that survives on goodwill, timing, and a few inspired gags. It still has the franchise’s basic appeal: fairytale characters treated like exhausted sitcom regulars, a fast pace, and a willingness to undercut royal fantasy with modern attitude. When it clicks, it’s funny in a very broad, very accessible way.
Worth noting
But the movie also feels like it’s stretching a premise that was already fully mined. The plot is serviceable rather than memorable, and the comedy is more hit-or-miss than in the earlier entries. Some supporting bits are genuinely amusing, yet the film often settles for repetition instead of escalation.
Bottom line
For kids or fans who just want more time in Far Far Away, it goes down easy enough. For everyone else, it’s a middle-tier franchise chapter: watchable, occasionally clever, but not essential.
Top Letterboxd reviews
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Snow White singing the immigrant song invented feminism
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I didn't actually rewatch it. I just wanted to hop on and remind everyone that this movie doesn't exist. Viva la Shrek 4
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More like Shrek the turd
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prince charming: you! you can't lie! so tell me puppet... where... is... shrek? pinocchio: uh. hmm, well, uh, I don't know where he's not charming: you're telling me you don't know where shrek is? pinocchio: it wouldn't be inaccurate to assume that I couldn't exactly not say that it is or isn't almost partially incorrect. charming: so you do know where he is! pinocchio: on the contrary. I'm possibly more or less not definitely rejecting the idea that in no
Themes
fairy-tale parody, succession and inheritance, reluctant responsibility, found family, identity and self-acceptance, buddy comedy, royal politics, parenthood and legacy
Topics
animated comedy, family adventure, fairy-tale spoof, road trip, buddy comedy, 2000s animation, satirical humor, coming-of-age, ensemble cast, light fantasy