As a child of the early 2000s, the Shrek universe has always held a special place in my heart. I remember the excitement when the first film was released, and I still can’t get enough of those green, swamp-dwelling ogres. But let me tell you about my journey through these films, and where each one ranks for me.
SOMEBODY ONCE TOLD ME-
Sure thing!
Over a span of two decades, the Shrek movie franchise has undeniably made its mark on the realm of animation. Excitement is running high as Shrek 5 has been confirmed, with many of us who were raised on these comedies sharing that enthusiasm. However, it’s worth noting that there are already six films in the Shrek universe—including both the main movies and the Puss in Boots spinoffs. Today, we will be ranking each one of them.
6) Shrek The Third (2007)
You probably saw this coming.
Among all the Shrek films, I recall Shrek the Third least distinctly, as it seems quite ordinary and unremarkable. The narrative itself lacks significant impact. Essentially, the movie revolves around Shrek’s prolonged struggle with impending fatherhood for two hours, while simultaneously learning to mentor a distant relative of Fiona’s in ruling.
Initially, upon another look, the storyline appears to be a common trope: a man who’s initially unwilling takes on the responsibility of caring for someone less experienced or weaker than him. This journey often reveals that he’s capable of empathy and emotions. We’ve encountered this narrative before, and when it’s executed well – as in shows like HBO’s The Last of Us or even The Mandalorian – it can be compelling. However, applying such melodrama to a character like Shrek seems unnecessary. After all, he’s known for his humor, not undergoing a midlife crisis.
In this movie, there are several scenes that truly shine. One instance that has always resonated with me is when Snow White begins to sing the opening of “Immigrant Song” by Led Zeppelin. Admittedly, the Shrek babies are adorable, at least in comparison to other things, but let’s be candid – we could have easily skipped this film altogether.
5) Puss In Boots (2011)
As a devoted animation enthusiast, let me be candid: For a while there, I found myself struggling to recall the existence of “Puss in Boots”. Truly, it wasn’t until recently that I realized just how forgettable this film had become for me.
Is Puss a charming feline indeed, yes, he definitely is! Yet, I must confess, his standalone movie could’ve been more captivating. Now, do you recall the plot? Allow me to briefly summarize – it revolves around Puss joining forces with friends Humpty Dumpty and Kitty Softpaws in an adventure against Jack and Jill. Their objective is to discover magical beans that are said to promise immense wealth.
As a gamer putting my thoughts out there, I’ve got to say that the storyline isn’t exactly mind-blowing, it just sort of exists. Out of all these games I’ve played so far, Puss in Boots stands out for me with its top-notch animation. Given that it was the last game from the Shrek universe to be launched before The Last Wish (which we’ll delve deeper into later).
In addition to being entertaining, the action sequences are worth noting, and while it ranks fifth, it boasts superior animation compared to “Shrek the Third.” Plus, it has the advantage of having its own TV series following its release.
4) Shrek Forever After (2010)
To be honest, I’ve got to say that after revisiting “Shrek Forever After” a few times, I find myself preferring it over some of the other movies, even the original one. Growing up, I remember being captivated by the first Shrek film, but upon reflection, I believe that the fourth installment offers a more mature and thought-provoking narrative that resonates with my current life experiences. The way they explored themes like identity, friendship, and the passage of time really struck a chord with me. Plus, the action sequences were just as thrilling and well-executed as ever!
As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of animated films, I must say that “Forever After” truly captivated me with its unique narrative and engaging storytelling. The character development, particularly that of Shrek, is exceptionally well done – his transformation from a grumpy green ogre to a desperate father trying to reclaim what he lost, is both believable and moving. The film’s darker tone sets it apart from many other animated movies, making it stand out as a refreshing change. Despite its ranking at number four, I wholeheartedly believe that “Forever After” deserves recognition for its originality and emotional depth.
“What I enjoy most is that it reveals there are other ogres beyond Shrek and Fiona in this world, adding a sense of companionship. Additionally, the magic element is more prominent here compared to previous movies, which really appeals to me since I’m a fan of fantasy films.”
While there’s no disputing its flaws, several beloved side characters are underutilized, and the new ones fail to make a lasting impact. Although the story offers a fresh perspective on Fiona and Shrek’s relationship, it doesn’t resonate as strongly as the original did. Therefore, I give it a score of four.
3) Shrek (2001)
Okay, okay, hear me out. Please.
Indeed, Shrek serves as the very foundation for compiling this list, and it undeniably holds an iconic status. The animation, particularly for its time, was nothing short of remarkable, and the movie is renowned for its humor that appeals to both young and old audiences. There are numerous jokes in this film that I only understood upon maturity.
Absolutely, what sets it apart is the heartwarming tale of Fiona and Shrek, where they discover an exceptional, almost flawless kind of beauty and love within each other. When you stumble upon such beauty, it’s truly a sight to behold.
In summary, while the story and character development in this particular franchise installment are lovely, they don’t quite match the intensity or depth of subsequent entries. One notable strength is the portrayal of Lord Farquaad as a memorable DreamWorks antagonist, but future additions to the series surpass it.
2) Puss In Boots: The Last Wish (2022)
If you haven’t seen Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, you’re missing out. Like, it’s so good, Shrek should be a supporting character in Shrek 5.
I didn’t anticipate great things from this year’s Puss in Boots film, but surprisingly, it became a global phenomenon. Upon watching it, I realized why it gained such popularity.
As someone who grew up watching Shrek and Puss in Boots, I was captivated by this film that seems tailor-made for my generation of young adults. The mature themes resonated deeply with me, making me feel understood after watching it. What truly sets this animated film apart is its portrayal of a panic attack, something I have personally struggled with. It’s rare to see such a sensitive and accurate depiction in any medium, let alone animation.
In a nutshell, the voice cast for “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” is impressive overall, but what truly sets this film apart is its captivating villain. This DreamWorks antagonist stands out as one of the finest. Now, I wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise if you haven’t seen it yet, but let me just say that Wagner Moura delivers a phenomenal voice-acting performance – and I’m an avid anime fan, so you know I’ve heard some exceptional acting. To put it simply, it’s incredibly impressive and deserves the number two spot on any list.
1) Shrek 2 (2004)
Is anyone surprised?
Shrek 2 stands as the most expansive Shrek movie ever produced. The profound cultural influence it exerts, encompassing memes, musical numbers within the film, and unforgettable characters – just scratching the surface of its impact. Yet, there are additional factors that elevate it above the original, not limited to its cultural footprint alone.
The tale significantly improves by delving deeper into the psyches of Shrek and Fiona, introducing us to fresh, memorable characters such as Prince Charming and Fairy Godmother who exhibit wit and charisma. Additionally, we encounter more of our beloved side characters. Notably, we’re introduced for the first time to Puss in Boots, a character who has since grown to be a significant part of this series, showcasing his sharp and sassy personality.
Another term for that could be “The Magical Benefactor,” referring to the character who steps in to help in times of need, as depicted by the artist behind “I Need A Hero.” Oh, what a throwback!
In my opinion, “Shrek 2” truly excels as a sequel. Not many follow-ups surpass the original, but this one certainly does. The excitement and tension have been amplified, making it a standout for me. I thoroughly enjoy it, which is why it takes the top spot on my list.
As a lifelong fan of the Shrek franchise, I must admit that I am both excited and apprehensive about the upcoming film. Having grown up with the adventures of everyone’s favorite ogre, I have fond memories of each installment and their unique charm. The internet buzz surrounding Shrek 5 has certainly piqued my curiosity, but I can’t help but wonder if it will live up to its predecessors.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-08-10 18:07