Shrek Forever After: The Final Chapter (2010) - Movie Marathon Drive-Thru Review: Film #1

On the Menu: SHREK FOREVER AFTER: THE FINAL CHAPTER (2010)

Ingredients: Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, Antonio Banderas, Julie Andrews, John Cleese, Jon Hamm, Craig Robinson, Jane Lynch, Mary Kay Place, Kathy Griffin, Meredith Vieira and Walt Dohrn. Directed by Mike Mitchell. Run time: 93 minutes. Rated: PG.

At First Bite: I saw the first two SHREK installments in the theater. They are the best of the bunch (4.5 stars each), but even the third film didn't disappoint (3.5 stars). Figured I wouldn't be wasting my time by watching this one either.

Tough to Swallow: Although he had a different appearance, Rumpelstiltskin showed up in SHREK THE THIRD (Prince Charming calls him Frumpy Pigskin).

That kind of continuity error in a film series is slightly annoying.

I've said it since the original came out in 2001: These aren't really kids' movies. And, this entry is much darker than the others.

Something to Chew On: Again, as with the other Shrek films, the fairy tale/movie references are what make me laugh the most. This one spoofs IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE and makes references to THE WIZARD OF OZ, DELIVERANCE and THE UNTOUCHABLES among others.

Aftertaste: Not on par with the first two, but better than the third. It just won't be the same when there's not another SHREK movie in theaters every three years. At least this final chapter brought the story full circle. Unfortunately, this might be the last successful film of Eddie Murphy's career.

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