Ogre Matches Wits with Rumpelstiltskin in Uninspired Franchise Finale

As first adapted to the screen in 2001 from William Steig’s popular children’s book, Shrek was an enchanting fairy tale with a marvelous moral about appreciating each other’s inner beauty. While delivering that heartwarming message, the picture kept you in stitches via the hilarious antics of the title character (Mike Myers) and his trash-talking companion, Donkey (Eddie Murphy). Although that animated adventure spawned a couple of engaging-enough sequels, judging by Shrek Forever After it is clear that the scriptwriters have run out of ideas for the expiring franchise.

This uninspired finale is set soon after the conclusion of the original film, thereby inexplicably ignoring the developments of Shreks 2 and 3. At the point of departure, we find the once-feared, ugly green ogre presently living in the swamp with Fiona (Cameron Diaz) and their three kids. However, he’s already grown discontent with married life and with the fact that he’s beloved rather than feared by the local villagers.

So he enters a pact with Rumpelstiltskin (Walt Dohrn), a diminutive con man who promises to transform him back into his former scary self for a day. But Shrek signs without read the contract’s fine print first, which says that after the 24-hour period expires he will disappear as if he had never even existed. Consequently, Shrek is suddenly transported back in time to but before he ever met Donkey and his other pals, or even his wife. Saddled with overwhelming regret, Shrek learns that his only hope to reverse the curse rests in the agreement’s escape clause is triggered only if he kisses Princess Fiona.

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