jacksondwj.com – Shrek the Third (2007) is the third installment in the immensely popular Shrek franchise, continuing the story of the lovable, grumpy green ogre who found fame for defying fairy tale tropes, delivering heartwarming messages, and blending humor for both children and adults. Directed by Chris Miller and Raman Hui, Shrek the Third is a continuation of the unlikely hero’s journey, exploring themes of responsibility, legacy, and the power of family.
After the massive success of Shrek (2001) and Shrek 2 (2004), the expectations for the third film were high. The first two films had pushed the boundaries of animated cinema, combining sharp wit, fairy tale subversion, and unique character development to create a lasting cultural phenomenon. Shrek the Third, however, faced a somewhat tricky challenge—it needed to balance the evolving storyline while still providing the humor, heart, and satirical edge that made its predecessors such a success. While it may not have reached the same level of acclaim as its predecessors, Shrek the Third remains an essential part of the franchise, building on the emotional stakes and providing closure to certain narrative threads.
Plot Overview: A Royal Responsibility
The Unexpected King
At the beginning of Shrek the Third, Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers) and his beloved wife, Princess Fiona (voiced by Cameron Diaz), have recently become the rulers of Farquaad’s kingdom, The Kingdom of Duloc, after the events of Shrek 2. However, Shrek finds himself deeply uncomfortable with the responsibility of ruling. His self-image as an ogre has been at odds with the demands of royalty, and he dreads the idea of being a king. When his father-in-law, King Harold (voiced by John Cleese), passes away unexpectedly, Shrek learns that he is the heir to the throne. But, naturally, Shrek isn’t prepared to step into the role of king—he’s an ogre, after all, not a ruler.
In his reluctance to take on this responsibility, Shrek sets off on a quest to find Arthur Pendragon (voiced by Justin Timberlake), the only other living relative who could take the throne. Arthur, or “Artie” as he is known, is a teenage misfit living in a school for wayward boys and is initially unaware of his royal heritage. Shrek is tasked with convincing Artie to come back to the kingdom and become the new king of Farquaad, thus sparing Shrek from his unwanted destiny.
A Tale of Two Heroes
While Shrek embarks on his royal mission, the film also introduces a secondary storyline involving Prince Charming (voiced by Rupert Everett), the villain from Shrek 2, who is trying to seize the throne for himself. Prince Charming, bitter and vengeful over his previous defeat at the hands of Shrek, forms an alliance with a group of familiar fairy-tale characters (including the Three Blind Mice, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty) to overthrow Shrek and take control of Farquaad.
As Shrek and Donkey (voiced by Eddie Murphy) attempt to track down Artie and convince him to take the throne, Fiona and her best friends, The Princesses (including Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and others), join forces to defend the kingdom from Prince Charming’s attack. While Shrek is off with Donkey in search of Artie, Fiona and the princesses band together, challenging gender roles and stereotypes to fight for the kingdom’s safety.
Meanwhile, Donkey has his own subplot, too—he’s been magically transformed into a white stallion by Fiona’s fairy godmother, which leads to some of the film’s funniest moments as Donkey navigates his new appearance, creating humorous and chaotic situations with Shrek.
The Climax: Choosing the Right Path
The third act of Shrek the Third involves Shrek and Artie returning to Farquaad, where they face off against Prince Charming in a dramatic and action-filled battle for the throne. Artie initially doubts his ability to lead, but as the story progresses, he finds the courage to step into his royal role. The lesson of the film comes into focus: leadership is not about being born into royalty or living up to a legacy but about making the right choices, trusting your abilities, and learning to grow through responsibility.
After a chaotic, yet humorous showdown with Prince Charming and his forces, Artie embraces his new role as king, while Shrek finally realizes that the true nature of family isn’t about being an ogre or a king—it’s about the love and bonds shared between individuals. In the end, Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, and the entire gang return home, satisfied that they have done their part in securing peace and a new future for Farquaad.
Themes: Legacy, Leadership, and Family
The Weight of Responsibility
One of the key themes in Shrek the Third is the weight of responsibility and how one deals with it. Shrek, as the reluctant hero, is thrust into a position of power when he becomes the heir to the throne. Unlike the heroic figures he has previously encountered, Shrek has no desire to rule and does not see himself as fit for the job. His reluctance is at the heart of the film’s comedic and emotional beats. Throughout the film, Shrek learns that being a leader is not about having a crown or living in a palace, but about caring for others and accepting the responsibilities that come with it.
In contrast, Artie’s journey mirrors Shrek’s. Artie starts out as an insecure teenager who feels entirely out of place as the heir to the throne. Over the course of the film, Artie learns that leadership comes from within and that anyone can be a leader, no matter their background or experience. This message about the potential for leadership in even the most unlikely individuals is a major takeaway from the film.
Family and Finding Your Own Path
Another key theme of Shrek the Third is family, both by blood and by choice. Throughout the Shrek series, the idea of what constitutes a “family” is explored. In this third film, Shrek learns that family is not necessarily about royal bloodlines or titles; it is about the people who support you and love you unconditionally. While the film is primarily about Shrek and his journey to find a successor to the throne, it’s also about his deeper understanding of the value of his chosen family—his wife Fiona, their friends Donkey and Puss in Boots, and their new roles in each other’s lives.
The film also touches upon the idea of coming-of-age and finding one’s place in the world. For Artie, stepping into his role as king symbolizes a rite of passage, much like when Shrek came into his own as a hero. The idea that both Shrek and Artie must evolve and grow into their responsibilities suggests that family, leadership, and legacy are built through personal development, not by external forces.
Gender Roles and Stereotypes
In Shrek the Third, the princesses play an important role in challenging traditional gender roles and stereotypes. Instead of waiting around for a prince to rescue them, they take matters into their own hands and fight back against Prince Charming’s attack. This act of female empowerment adds a unique layer of depth to the film, showcasing that these princesses, often relegated to passive roles in their fairy tale origins, are far more capable and independent than they are traditionally depicted. Fiona, in particular, has been a strong character throughout the series, and here she leads the princesses in a fight to protect their kingdom.
Characters: Growth and New Dynamics
Shrek: The Reluctant King
Shrek’s character arc in Shrek the Third revolves around his acceptance of responsibility. At the beginning of the film, he is resistant to the idea of ruling a kingdom, and his emotional journey is one of self-acceptance. He grows from a self-centered ogre who simply wants to live in peace into a compassionate figure who recognizes the importance of taking care of others.
Fiona: A Queen in Her Own Right
Fiona’s role in Shrek the Third continues to evolve. No longer just the princess who was rescued by Shrek in the first film, she now fully embraces her role as both a wife and a leader. Fiona plays a central role in protecting the kingdom alongside the princesses and works hard to ensure the safety of her family. As a character, Fiona challenges traditional gender roles by demonstrating that strength and leadership are not determined by one’s gender.
Donkey and Puss in Boots: The Comedic Duo
Donkey and Puss in Boots continue to be the comedic relief of the film, with Donkey’s humorous transformation into a white stallion providing much of the film’s slapstick comedy. Donkey’s journey of self-discovery, as he tries to reconcile his new appearance with his self-image, serves as one of the film’s lighter moments. Puss in Boots (voiced by Antonio Banderas) also adds to the fun, particularly with his over-the-top, suave personality.
Arthur Pendragon: The Young, Reluctant Hero
Arthur Pendragon, voiced by Justin Timberlake, is a central new addition to the Shrek universe. Initially, Artie is a teenager full of self-doubt and insecurity. However, as the film progresses, Artie undergoes a transformation as he learns to embrace his royal lineage and accept his new role as the king of Farquaad.
Prince Charming: The Bitter Villain
Prince Charming is more of a comedic villain in Shrek the Third than a truly menacing figure. Voiced by Rupert Everett, Prince Charming is bitter, self-absorbed, and determined to take over the throne. His motivations, although exaggerated, serve as the perfect foil to Shrek’s reluctant leadership and Artie’s coming-of-age story.
Animation and Visuals
The animation in Shrek the Third continues to build on the innovations of its predecessors, maintaining the high standard that audiences had come to expect from DreamWorks. The film’s visuals are lush and detailed, with the animation style capturing both the whimsy of the fairy-tale world and the more grounded, earthy qualities of the characters. From the royal palace to the vibrant landscapes of Farquaad and the school Artie attends, Shrek the Third presents a world that is both fantastical and immersive.
The character design continues to evolve, with Shrek and Fiona looking even more detailed and expressive than in previous films. The use of humor through animation, such as Donkey’s hilarious transformations and Prince Charming’s extravagant costumes, is also a highlight. The action sequences, especially the battles between the princesses and Prince Charming’s army, are dynamic and entertaining, providing a sense of excitement and adventure throughout the film.
Reception and Legacy
Critical Reception
Shrek the Third received a mixed-to-positive response from critics. While many praised the film’s humor, animation, and voice performances, others felt that the story lacked the freshness and impact of the first two films. Some critics felt that the narrative was weaker, with certain elements of the plot feeling formulaic. Nevertheless, Shrek the Third was still seen as an entertaining continuation of the franchise, with moments of emotional depth and character development that resonated with fans.
Box Office Performance
Shrek the Third was a commercial success, grossing over $800 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of 2007. Although it did not surpass the box office totals of its predecessors, it still proved to be a major financial success.
Legacy
While Shrek the Third may not have been as groundbreaking or beloved as the first two films, it still holds an important place in the Shrek franchise. It offered a satisfying conclusion to Shrek’s character arc and provided valuable lessons about leadership, family, and the importance of stepping up when needed. The film also paved the way for future Shrek spin-offs, such as the highly popular Puss in Boots movie and continued the legacy of this iconic animated series.
Conclusion: A Royal Ending or Just Another Chapter?
Shrek the Third may not have reached the same level of critical acclaim as its predecessors, but it still delivers a fun, heartwarming, and humorous experience for audiences. With its continued exploration of self-discovery, leadership, and family, the film provides a fitting, if imperfect, continuation of the Shrek saga. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the series or someone discovering it for the first time, Shrek the Third offers enough laughs, adventure, and heart to keep audiences entertained.