Shrek MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +3 Content: -1/2

From the same team that produced ANTS, comes the computer animated fairy tale based on a popular childrens book by William Steig. Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers) is an ogre who just wants the privacy of his swamp. But Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow) of the neighboring realm evicts all fairy tale creatures for resettlement in Shreks swamp. Soon hes overrun with three blind mice, seven dwarves, and a host of other characters. Befriended by a talking Donkey (Eddie Murphy) who cant seem to be quiet, Shrek takes on Farquaads quest to rescue the Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) from a dragon, so he can restore solitude to the swamp. Getting passed the dragon is the easy part. Fiona hides a secret curse that can only be broken by true loves first kiss. But who could love an ogre? With lots of humorous references to film fairy tales and other movies, SHREK aims at both young animation fans and those who can remember older productions, especially from a certain mousy studio.

Adolescent boys may enjoy some of the gross humor of Shrek's less than hygienic hygiene as he showers with mud, brushes his teeth with slime and uses earwax for a candle, but older viewers may register mild disgust. And flatulence jokes seem to be required for the young teens. Although typical fairy tale characters such as witches, talking animals, fairies, pixies and magic mirrors are featured, no occultic images are used. Young audiences may initially be scared by the flame-breathing dragon, but later laugh as she's attracted to Donkey. Although no f- or s-words are used, one mild obscenity mars the dialogue along with several crude puns using another name for donkey. Some of Shrek's battles spoof pro-wrestling moves, which to young viewers could seem like endorsement of those acts. But the film shows a good heart with its message about not judging a person by looks and true love based on more than outward image. However, crude humor and questionable dialogue slightly tarnish the tale of SHREK.

Preview Reviewer: Paul Bicking
Distributor: Dreamworks Pictures, 100 Universal Plaza, Bldg 477, Universal City, CA 91608