Shrek (2001)

My Review

“Shrek” is an animated comedy movie about a moody green ogre who finds his swamp overrun by creatures banished by Lord Farquaad. He makes an agreement with Farquaad to rescue Princess Fiona in exchange for regaining control of his swamp. Directors Adam Adamson and Vicky Jenson did an excellent job of making a colorfully animated film with an engrossing story and good writing. The film was adapted from the 1990 children’s book “Shrek!” by William Steig.

The voice cast includes Mike Myers as Shrek, Eddie Murphy as Donkey, Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona, John Lithgow as Lord Farquaad, Vincent Cassel as Robin Hood, Conrad Vernon as the Gingerbread Man, Kathleen Freeman as Old Woman, Jim Cummings as Captain of the Guard, Chris Miller as the Magic Mirror, Cody Cameron as Pinocchio & the Three Little Pigs, and Simon J. Smith as the Blind Mouse.

The watchable “Shrek” was a big hit at the box office for producer Jeffrey Katzenberg, DreamWorks Animation, PDI/Dreamworks, and DreamWorks Pictures. It was produced at the DreamWorks Studios in Glendale, California. The 90 minute film won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, and another Academy Award nod for Best Adapted Screenplay. Sequels to “Shrek” were released in 2004, 2007, 2010, 2011, and 2022.

“Shrek” is widely considered to be a satirical spoof of The Walt Disney Company, and Jeffrey Katzenberg’s revenge against Disney President & CEO Michael Eisner after a conspicuous departure from the company in 1994. Katzenberg won a huge lawsuit against TWDC in 1999. (It is interesting to note the facial resemblance between Shrek and Eisner.)