Shrek (DVD, 2001, 2-Disc Set, Special Edition)

It was a nice start to the series that began as....Set in a strange, colorful land populated by fairy tale characters, SHREK is a hilarious comedy that will win over audiences of children and adults alike. Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers) is a fearsome green ogre living in isolation in his own cozy little swamp. He is not receptive to visitors, and fends off the occasional party of torch-wielding villagers with ease. But when the power-hungry Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow) turns Shrek's swamp into a relocation camp for dozens of banished fairy-tale characters (including some pesky dwarves, wolves, and fairies) Shrek's quiet, introverted life is ruined. Joined by the talkative Donkey (Eddie Murphy), Shrek makes his way to Farquaad's realm of Duloc, where the Lord promises makes Shrek and offer: He will rid Shrek's land of the unwanted visitors if Shrek will go on a simple quest to free Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) from her remote, dragon-guarded castle and convince her to marry Farquaad. On their quest, Shrek and Donkey run into a number of bizarre situations, and Shrek finds himself realizing that he isn't quite the fearsome monster he has always made himself out to be. Reinventing the traditional fairy tale adventure, SHREK features gorgeous computer animation, a unique sense of humor, and compelling characters--especially Eddie Murphy's lovable Donkey.

Shrek is completely new. Never has a fully CGI movie taken on the twists, turns, and surprises as Shrek has. It's a full parody of numerous fairytales, and its humor is, well, humor at its best. Grown men will laugh at the jokes of Farquaad's Stature and the hidden meaning behind every little comment. Of course Shrek, like all other movies, has its emotional moments (so what if I lied about it being completely new?). And these moments aren't cheesy or anything. They are kind of funny, but at the time of viewing you won't really feel like laughing. You'll feel like the characters.

Like its CGI, Shrek has taken a new dimension. It stretches out. You're in the movie. No, wait, you're watching a movie. It's so hard to tell. The characters are so real, so lifelike, it makes you feel you're there. The environments are realistic, yet still animated. The wind whispers through the grasslands and the characters' hair; the lightning and clouds are really there... aren't they?

I was stunned and absorbed in this movie. And unlike other movies, it has more than just CGI. It's actually got a plot. And what a plot it's got! This one is totally new. Shrek is ordered to rescue a princess from the fiery keep guarded by a dragon in order to clear out his swamp of the menacing fairytale creatures.

But it doesn't stop there. The movie is full of surprises and stretches on further into what actually happens after. The dialogue demands your attention throughout the movie, and then the dragon comes in. Whenever you see the dragon, you'll know good things are bound to happen (but not necessarily for the characters in the movie). The dragon is a comic relief, but still provides most of the action in the movie. She chases Donkey and Shrek through the keep, she flies to help rescue Fiona from a despicable marriage, and she even has the satisfaction of swallowing a midget.

Now some disputes have arisen about certain things. But I must say what I always say: this is only a movie, and it has no deeper meaning (despite the parodies). Take it as it is. There can be nothing offensive from Shrek unless you have something against overthrowing tyrants and good-natured humor.

I must take a moment to speak about Donkey. He is, and always will be, one of my most favorite characters in the world of movies. Eddie Murphy was, no doubt, the perfect actor for him. He is so funny, so unique, and so... fluffy. What a perfect donkey! His design is flawless and his dialogue perfect. I can find nothing bad about this character.

Shrek is perfect for everybody to see. The little ones will love the vivid colors and lush landscapes. The adults will enjoy this as well as the intelligent humor and deep plot. And no one could dislike the arrangement of songs. They fit really nice into the movie. Harry Gregson-Williams and John Powell's composed music is impressive (especially the theme for Escape from the Dragon).

Shrek is brilliant moviemaking. With a groundbreaking DVD, an all-star cast, great music, excellent graphics, and a great parodized yet original plot and storyline, Shrek is no doubt one of the best movies I've ever seen.

The whole family loves Shrek because it's funny and entertaining. But I love Shrek because of Eddie Murphy's character "Donkey". Donkey is hilarious, caring and has the outmost respect for his friend Shrek. And Shrek is one-of-a-kind, indeed. Princess Fiona, The Ginger Bread Man, Robin Hood, Pinocchio, and Lord Farquaad keeps the laughs coming. The characters are funny, the story line is clever, which makes Shrek a must have for any DVD collection. And children and adults will love this animated film. It's so entertaining, the whole family will watch it over and over, again. It's that good. No wonder it's the first animated film to win an academy award for best animated feature.

I bought this film mainly cause it was on a list of dvds I always wanted to get, don't let that sway you if you have it in your mind to get this one, this is a great romp staring everyone's favorite big green guy with a scottish accent (fun fact: when the movie was half way done mike myers talked to the director about doing shrek with said accent which delayed producting and costing them a million bucks more, but you know how that planned out, can't picture shrek without sounding like that)
Anyway anyone who is anyone should know of what this movie is about, if you don't well...tell me, what's it like eating bugs you found under a rock?
Our Hero shrek comes home from orgering to find his land has squatters all over the place as king farquaad kicked them out of their merry little homes. Being shrek he don't take kindly to no squatters on this here part o' town so he goes off to see this king and DEMAND these jovial folk take a hike, since farguaad hates doing any work he makes shrek rescue a beautiful princess so that he may claim her and la dee da. On the way to rescue said princess him and his annoying donkey buddy find themselves in all sorts of wonky hijinx. There is also some sweet musical numbers and morals in some reaspects (like looking on what's inside) and other such ballyhoo, if you're a fan of all out fun and like to laugh when something from the real world is put INTO a movie in a certain wink wink nudge nudge to certain people this is your kinda movie, for example one scene has shrek do a WWE throwdown complete with clotheslines and ankle locks! I was busting when I saw that. Over all one of the best of those crazy new all cgi movies, this one is the best of the 3, the second is not as good as the first and the 3rd? well less said about that the better.

J

We bought Shrek on DVD, because I have a two year old that has really gotten into watching movies. A lot of kids movies are really hard to watch over and over again. This isn't one of those kids movies. I will actually watch it a couple of times a day with my child. Mike Myers does the voice of Shrek, Eddie Murray does the voice of Donkey, and Cameron Diaz does the voice of Fionna. They're a great cast and make the movie that much more FUN. My child's favorite part is when the Donkey and Shrek are at the castle being chased by the dragon. The movie is exciting, funny, and enjoyable. We love it here at my house. Plus, it's a great movie for boys and girls.