Posted by Helen on: 05.22.2007 /
We went to see this on Saturday. I quite enjoyed it.
I like noticing what movies imply about relationships. In this one Shrek first tries to lecture Artie into doing what he wants and all that produces is arguments. After a while Donkey points out Shrek’s not getting through to Artie, so Shrek goes into some weird ’street talk’ which he evidently thinks is language Artie will relate to. But that makes no difference - it’s not the words Shrek is using which are failing to connect with Artie, it’s his attitude. Finally Shrek sits down and is kind to Artie. He doesn’t lecture him or use contrived language. He just empathizes and shares a story from his own life that connects with Artie. That’s when their acquaintance turns into a friendship.
Comment by: ScreenwriterJ
1I completely disagree. I though it was trite, long-winded and anti-Disney. And I didn’t even like Disney until I saw someone hating them this much.
Comment by: Helen
2Screenwriter, thanks for your comment. I clicked on your name link to your blog and read your own analysis of the movie.
It’s very thoughtful - you raise good points. I know my reactions to movies are idiosyncratic - I am more critical some days than others. I also suspect different things push my buttons and yours.
What really pushed mine that day was seeing not one but two previews of Surf’s Up. Even though it’s Sony not Disney, to me it emulates all the worst of contemporary Disney movies. I felt like I’d seen all the characters before in other things and already disliked the cutesy superficiality of all of them.
After that I daresay anything in Shrek which seemed to oppose superficiality and affirm authenticity pleased me.
I don’t necessarily disagree with the points you made on your blog, though.
Comment by: Erin (a.k.a. Lily)
3Helen - I haven’t seen it yet, but the way you relate it, it sounds a little like the problem with evangelism. ;-)
Comment by: Helen
4Erin, yeah, I think you’re right!
Funny how that’s probably the last thing the scriptwriters were intentionally parodying :-)
Comment by: andrew
5with 5 kids i dont need to be in a hurry to watch it . . . but nice to know it will be worth it.
Comment by: Helen
6Andrew, I can understand that - my brother (in England) has four kids and it’s cheaper to wait until they can see it by renting (or buying) one DVD.
I understand the criticisms I’ve read of it but speaking for myself, I enjoyed it.
Comment by: Doreen
7We saw it last night and found it hilarious. Of course, we liked the first 2 at all. Like the others, I’ll have to get the DVD so I can catch all the things I missed at the theater.
I’m not a screen writer and can appreciate someone not liking it who can evaluate it at that level. My only evaluation factor was “did it make me laugh,” and it sure did.
Comment by: Helen
8I’m glad it made you laugh. Me too!