Retro Review: Shrek

More than 20 years after the initial film was released, Shrek 5 is well underway, with the original gang plus Zendaya set to return to screens sometime next year. But with fans decidedly offput by the animation style of a recent teaser trailer, maybe it’s time to revisit the Ogre who started it all in our RetroReview. Sarah Rose turns back the clock.

The Movie:

An animated fantasy-comedy that can be enjoyed by the whole family, Shrek spins your classic happily ever after princess tale on its head, all while asking if beauty is more than skin deep. 

WHO’S IN IT?

Our three core characters of the film are Shrek, Donkey and Princess Fiona, voiced by Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz respectively.

DO I KNOW THEM?

Canadian comedian, actor and filmmaker Michael (Mike) Myers plays the titular Scottish sounding, lurid green ogre Shrek. A master of mimicry, catchphrases and hilarious antics, Myers is most well-known for his breakout role as Wayne Campbell in Wayne’s World (Spheeris, 1992) and the shagadelic, Bond-esque spy Austin Powers (Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, Roach, 1997). Groovy baby!

Eddie Murphy made his name in stand-up comedy before entering into film and has steadily built a repertoire that recognises him as one of the greatest comics of all time. A big hit as the Beverly Hills Cop (1984), Murphy is also a veritable shapeshifter with iconic films like Coming to America (1988) and Norbit (2007), and as the voice of Mushu is renaissance Disney film, Mulan (1998), before becoming the lovable Donkey in Shrek.

Arguably, Shrek catapulted Cameron Diaz further into fame, bringing her ability to deftly straddle comedy and drama to a new generation. Before becoming badass Princess Fiona, she starred in Charlies Angels (2000) and would go on to make classic rom-coms (The Holiday, 2006) and gut-wrenching dramas (My Sister’s Keeper, 2009).

WHAT’S IT ABOUT

In a quasi-medieval world, humans and fairytale creatures coexist. However, said fairytale creatures are effectively being segregated by an insidious (and tiny) ruler, Lord Farquaad. Despite being the only creature the humans are genuinely scared of, Lord Farquaad relocates all fairytale matter to the swamp of local ogre, Shrek – who is very unhappy about this and promptly sets out to get his land back. 

Along with an unlikely, talking equine sidekick, Donkey, Shrek strikes up a deal with a smarmy Farquaad: if Shrek can go and rescue the damsel in distress that has caught his eye (amongst other things), Farquaad will restore the sanctity of his swamp. So, off the duo go, to a derelict and dragon guarded castle to rescue one Princess Fiona from her tower. But unbeknownst to Shrek, Donkey and Farquaad, Fiona has a big, green secret.

WHY DID IT WORK THEN?

In 2000, DreamWorks had collaborated with Aardman to release Chicken Run, significantly boosting their visibility and putting them in a good position to release Shrek in 2001. As a producer of animated films, DreamWorks had long had to compete with the likes of Disney and Pixar for a chance in the spotlight, so seizing the moment with the right blend of new technology and a slightly unorthodox main character was risky. But it undoubtedly paid off, spawning one of the most successful and enduring film franchises the company has ever produced.

Far from the stereotypical male protagonist – buff and charming and decidedly not green – Shrek broke the mould. Though he could’ve looked and sounded completely different (with Mike Myers switching to a Scottish inflection after the entire film had been animated to fit with a Canadian sounding Shrek), the final Ogre audiences came to know and love was an earnest, hardworking guy; rough around the edges, yes, but as Shrek himself so poetically (if awkwardly) says “Ogres are like onions… they have layers.”

DOES IT WORK NOW?

Hell yes! Dare I say it’s timeless?

There are very few details that have not aged as well, or that upon watching through a keener, adult lens seem… well a lot more adult than when we watched as kids. Yes, I am talking about that scene with Lord Farquaad.

However, Shrek is arguably more popular than ever. It has had a firm and consistent presence within the cultural zeitgeist to this day, with numerous spin-offs and a wildly successful stage musical adaptation, not to mention a 5th movie in the franchise is slated for release next year. As with many things, Gen Z has also latched on to the film as an unironic cult favourite; Shrek themed raves are frequent and popular events, he’s perfect meme material, and was the original BRAT (way before Charli XCX, who would’ve been 9 when the film came out).

You can get Shrek’s face plastered on just about anything – Shrek sandwich press anyone?

DO I NEED TO SEE IT?

If you’re in need of some light-hearted fun or a good dose of nostalgia, Shrek is a perfect movie to chuck on and lose yourself in. Ageless laughs that even your Nan will giggle at, this is an animated classic.

Honestly at this point, if you haven’t seen Shrek, you must have been living under a rock. So, if you’ve not watched it, what’re you doing? Stop reading my review and go get watching!

RATING: 7/10