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Shrek
Review by Mike Furches (Mike's bio)
Directed by Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson
Book by William Steig
Writing credits: Ted Elliott, Terry Rossio and Joe Stillman with Chris Miller
Mike Myers .... Shrek
Eddie Murphy .... The Donkey
Cameron Diaz .... Princess Fiona
John Lithgow .... Lord Farquaad
Tommy Karlsen .... Pinocchio, Guard, one of the "Three blind mice"
Rated PG for mild language and some crude humor.
I am often amazed at adults who ignore animated movies. Some wonderful movies have been made that are as much for adults as children. There are two animated films that would have to be on my top 100 list. Last Summer's Titan A.E. is a great movie with incredible animation techniques, you forget you're watching animation. It is now available on video and the film wonderfully deals with creation, love, redemption and forgiveness. Disney's Beauty and the Beast is another classic that deals with acceptance and change. While Shrek will fall somewhat short of my top 100 list, it is still wonderful.
Shrek (Mike Myers) is an ogre who lives in the swamps of Duloc. He is large, green, and of course mean. He loves the isolation and has no reservations about chasing off any of the townspeople who attempt to dispose of him. Lord Farquaad, (John Lithgow) decides to clean up his kingdom by disposing of all fairy book and fantasy characters by casting them into the swamp surrounding Shrek's home. The two come together to strike up a deal that will solve both of their problems. Shrek will slay the dragon guarding the castle holding Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) and bring her back to Duloc so she can marry Lord Farquaad. He can become king of his land and she can obtain her true beauty and character by marrying and kissing her one true love. A mischievous and talkative Donkey (Eddie Murphy) comes along the way and teams up with Shrek. Both learn aspects of truth as they proceed on the journey and get on each others nerves.
Shrek believes that he is an ugly creature and that it is best for him to be alone. Many see him on the outside without ever getting to know what he is like on the inside. Getting to know people prior to making judgments about them is a wonderful lesson for children and adults alike. Each of Shrek's characters must not only examine the way he or she perceives others, but must also evaluate their self-images as well.
Shrek and Donkey return with the Princess and learn secrets about each other that bring them closer together. As they develop friendships and love, their perceptions of themselves begin to change. The climatic ending takes place in the castle of Duloc. During the wedding we see the transforming power of God. The castle takes on the form of a church with priest and stained glass to boot. The dragon returns to devour the one, who even from the beginning, has had deceptive and selfish intent. Before being transformed to her true beautiful self, the Princess is taken over by the magic of truth, and takes the form of a crucified savior. Her true self is one that will set Shrek's spirit and heart free and show him love.
While Shrek is not suitable for young children, a PG-13 rating would have been more appropriate due to crude humor and language, there are still lessons learned. The movie is in many ways as much for adults as children, but the truth of children is our truth. "Unless we become as little children we can not see the Kingdom of Heaven." The animation and use of light is spectacular throughout the film. The life changing components of the film are dealt with in a nice way and obvious comparisons for God's desire to use us as we are is prevalent in the theme. Yes, there is life change necessary, but it becomes obvious that Christ can use us as we are if we only let Him and accept the things He has given us. True love is not always what we are looking for, but God knew what he was doing when He made us.
Shrek was a good and enjoyable view with my son, 11. While there is some warning for younger viewers my nose won't be growing when I tell you that on a scale of 1 - 10 Shrek is a very attractive 7.5
Copyright 2001, Mike Furches. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
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About Mike Furches: Mike is the senior pastor of United at the Cross Community Church in Wichita, Kansas. The church, located in the inner city of Wichita has a unique ministry to former gang members, drug addicts, prostitutes and others often neglected by the church. Mike also is involved in freelance writing and speaks nationally. Check out his web page for more information: http://www.furches.org/ E-mail Mike |
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