Hats Off to Hollywood: Shrek
Duke: Well, here we go again. Another movie, another couple of hours I’ll never get back. This time, it’s Shrek, number eight on the AFI’s top 10 animated movies list. A big, green ogre and a talking donkey. Just what I needed in my life.
Rex: "Appearances often are deceiving." Shrek is a delightful tale that flips the traditional fairy tale on its head. Released in 2001, it was a groundbreaking film for DreamWorks Animation, showcasing a unique blend of humor, heart, and impressive animation. The story follows Shrek, an ogre who just wants to live in peace but finds himself on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona, accompanied by the hilarious Donkey.
Duke: Yeah, a fairy tale where the hero’s an ogre and the princess has her own set of surprises. Back in my day, heroes were strong, silent types, and princesses were all about grace and beauty. This movie’s got a lot of nonsense if you ask me. Talking animals, magical creatures, and a whole lot of foolishness.
Rex: "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." Shrek redefined what it means to be a hero and showed that true beauty comes from within. The film’s clever writing and engaging characters made it a huge hit, and it’s still beloved by audiences today. The voice performances, particularly by Mike Myers as Shrek, Eddie Murphy as Donkey, and Cameron Diaz as Fiona, were top-notch and brought the characters to life in a memorable way.
Duke: I’ll give you this, Rex. Eddie Murphy’s Donkey was a real hoot. The guy never stopped talking, and some of his lines were pretty funny. But the rest of it? All those pop culture references and modern jokes in a medieval setting? It was downright confusing. I prefer my stories straight and simple.
Rex: "Laughter is the best medicine." The humor in Shrek is one of its strongest points. It’s a film that appeals to both kids and adults, with its sharp wit and playful jabs at traditional fairy tale tropes. The animation, for its time, was cutting-edge and still holds up today. Plus, the soundtrack was a hit, featuring songs like "All Star" by Smash Mouth, which became iconic in its own right.
Duke: Alright, alright. I can’t deny the animation was impressive. Those scenes in the swamp and the dragon’s keep were pretty well done. And the message about accepting yourself and others? I suppose that’s something worth hearing, even if it’s wrapped up in all that ogre nonsense.
Rex: "Actions speak louder than words." Shrek is more than just a comedy; it’s a story about acceptance, friendship, and love. It challenged the norms of animated films and opened the door for more unconventional stories to be told. It even won the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, setting a high bar for future animated movies.
Duke: Well, folks, if you’re into fairy tales with a twist and don’t mind a talking donkey or two, you might find Shrek worth your time. As for me, I’ll be out searching for my hat and maybe some peace and quiet.
Rex: "Different strokes for different folks," Duke. Until next time, folks, keep your hats on and your remotes ready! See you at the movies!
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About the Authors
Rex, who speaks in maxims, loves every movie and TV show, making him the perfect counterbalance to Duke. Rex is also known for rescuing an armadillo and celebrating both Christmas and Chanukah.
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