In 2001, DreamWorks released a film that catapulted its fame to become a rival to Pixar. A film about an ogre and a donkey teaming up to rescue a princess in a tower. Standard fairytale stuff, except that the whole idea of fairytales was upended. Shrek would prove so successful it would get sequels, spin-offs, and even ingrained itself in pop culture to the point where certain fans deified Shrek as life itself.

And, of course, redefining Smash Mouth’s All-Star as the song of Shrek. It might have been the first song of the film, but it isn’t what I would consider the song of Shrek. That would be I’m A Believer. At the start, Shrek is reading a fairytale of love, mocking the idea of it with both words and actions. And what are the first words of the song? I thought love was only true in fairytales. Meant for someone else but not for me.

Which absolutely fits the theme of the film. Shrek has never known love, until Donkey runs into him and instead of showing fear, accepts him for who he is. The same again with Fiona – even if that if more from an obligation to her rescuer. At first. Since across the journey back to Duloc, she does come to gain true feelings for Shrek. With Shrek even starting to love her. Which, naturally, makes the apparent truth he overhears hurt all the more.

Staple characters of the franchise such as Pinocchio and Gingy get their first appearance here, even if not utilised much in the plot. The only other character who gets much focus is Lord of Duloc – Farquaad. Someone who is very much power hungry, wanting everything for himself. But in terms of being an antagonist… He really isn’t much of one. He sends Shrek on the quest, has no bearing on that quest, and only tries to stop him when Shrek blocks him getting what he wants.

But that really makes sense. Farquuad is like an anchor to Shrek’s repressed attachments. Away from the swamp and where he wants to be left alone, Shrek finds himself opening up to those around him. Once close to home again, and after the apparent betrayal, he reverts back to his old self. Then, when coming to terms with his feelings and opening himself bare at the wedding, the fight breaks out until he can truly feel love for the first time.

So, while I do enjoy the first film, it is Shrek 2 I will always love more. Shrek 2 does everything a sequel should. It expanded the world and the themes the first film provided. Along with introducing audiences to the fairytale version of Hollywood. Far, Far Away is a great location for a sequel focused on familial connections and acceptance of choice. Introducing many new characters and giving those of the last film something fun to do.

The Fairy Godmother is a much better antagonist for the story. Being very prominently involved in coercing Fiona’s father and even Shrek in breaking up the attachment that has formed. Without that influence, the initial antagonistic feelings between Shrek and Harold could have been patched up sooner. And it is clear that Harold is at least trying with Fiona. Trying to understand her choice. Which in turn allows him to make the choices he does in the finale.

Then there’s Puss In Boots, the best bounty hunter there is. Completely defenceless at the first hairball to show itself. Who seems to have an honour system to those who show him mercy when it happens. Though maybe Puss was sympathetic to Shrek’s predicament, too. Whatever the case, Puss made his choice in this family feud, choosing to help it heal.

What I find makes Shrek 2 the best of the films is the finale. How it makes a grand spectacle of things while landing everything it has been building towards. Making it seem like Shrek’s relationship with Fiona is over. That Prince Charming and Fairy Godmother have won right until those impactful choices of Harold. Plus the song choices of Holding Out For A Hero and Livin’ La Vida Loca enhancing that fun. The DVD extra of Far, Far Away Idol was always a fun watch, too.

Continuing with the family connections as a central theme is Shrek the Third. With Harold ill, it is on Shrek and Fiona to carry on his duties. Duties which Shrek is finding tiresome. Leaving Harold, on his deathbed, to reveal an heir to the throne besides Shrek exists. Doing right by his newfound family, Shrek travels with Donkey and Puss to bring Arthur back to Far, Far Away. Helping Arthur to discover within himself the leader he has been unable to find in medieval college.

The antagonist this time is Prince Charming, wanting to exact revenge for what Shrek and his family did to his mother, the Fairy Godmother. Not wanting to be seen as a failure, he convinces the other villains to band together to take over Far, Far Away, placing himself as its king. And finally giving those villains their happily ever after. It’s a plan that goes very well, and could have easily worked. But for him wanting to humiliate and kill Shrek in front of the entire kingdom.

Arthur’s very quick growth from college loser into great leader makes sense. Away from those who made him feel a loser, and with a little help from others, he is able to reflect on himself and the selfless thought hurtful action of Shrek when captured upon their return to Far, Far Away that enables him to make such an impassioned speech to win over the kingdom and become king himself.

There’s some great fun to be had with Shrek the Third, though I do find it to be the weakest of all the films. It might have expanded the world, along with bring some silly body switching antics with Donkey and Puss, there was nothing truly standout with it. The theatre performance finale was enjoyable, and it still landed everything it was setting up, particularly in terms of the choices both sides make, but there is no winning out against the other finales.

Or even the entirety of Shrek Forever After. This forth film works as great as it does because of seeing Shrek’s life with the other films. His growth and the challenges he faced. There’s a resentment in him, feeling that every day looking after his kids is the same. So, celebrating their first birthday, he’s very much on edge and looking for a way to get away from everything. Which leads him to Rumpelstiltskin. And why Shrek Forever After is loved by me.

Rumpel has the ability to grant wishes with his contracts. Give up something to get something in return. And so, with the day Shrek was born gone taken from the world, he now has a day to relive his past. But in a world that Rumpel now rules, thanks to the King and Queen of Far, Far Away having been on the verge of signing a contract to free Fiona before news reached them of her rescue. And with the day he was born gone, Shrek only has a day to fix things before he disappears.

This alternate version of the world means Shrek is navigating a world full of surprises. Having to reconnect with those most important in his life. It’s interesting to see alternate versions of the characters, seeing what they become without Shrek in their life. Fiona, fearless leader of an ogre resistance. Puss, her pampered feline. Donkey, in servitude to the witches who are part of Rumpel’s army. And the kingdom of Far, Far Away in ruins aside from the palace Rumpel lives.

Shrek’s influence on the lives of characters in this alternate world lets the finale be a great one. Gets them an advantage they previously never had. The battle forges the connection with this version of Fiona and Shrek, finally providing the true love’s kiss to void the contract and return Shrek to his reality, where he is able to let go of that resentment to see once again how his life has changed for the better. With Weezer’s cover of I’m A Believer ending this saga of Shrek.

The future is already known, with Shrek 5 looking to put the focus on his kids. Or at least one of them, based on the teaser only showing one. I’m sure it will be another great entry in the universe when it arrives next year. It will also be fun to see what that Donkey spin-off provides. Speaking of spin-offs, I have thoughts of the two Puss In Boots ones, but I’ll be saving those for another time.

Images Taken From:
Shrek (2001) – Photos | IMDb
Shrek 2 (2004) – Photos | IMDb
Shrek the Third (2007) – Photos | IMDb
Shrek Forever After (2010) – Photos | IMDb