Shrek the Halls
By Emily Ashby,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Christmas in the swamp is great family fun.
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Based on 8 parent reviews
Im in love with this short film
What's the Story?
In SHREK THE HALLS, a half-hour holiday special starring everyone's favorite ogre, his new family, and a colorful ensemble of other fairy tale creatures, the story picks up just before Christmas. While everyone else is filled with cheer for the upcoming holiday, ornery Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers) has no desire to celebrate -- but for the sake of Fiona (Cameron Diaz) and their babies, he attempts to do his part to make the family's first holiday together a memorable one. Unfortunately, the fairy tale creatures take Shrek's lack of yuletide joy as cause for intervention and show up unannounced on his doorstep to "help."
Is It Any Good?
Shrek the Halls will certainly entertain young fans of the movies, and if your kids are already immune to the series' potty humor, there's no cause for concern here. And grown-ups who enjoy Shrek's arch humor will appreciate that the show fits seamlessly into the movies' storyline, from plot and character continuity to the recognizable voice cast. But you might want to brace yourself for a refreshed interest in ubiquitous Shrek merchandise like toys, games, DVDs, and clothing -- just in time for your kids' holiday wish lists, of course.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why specials like this are produced. Is it just to entertain kids, or does the studio have other goals? What might those be? Did watching this show make you want more Shrek stuff? Do you think that was the plan? Aside from ads, how else does the media market to kids? Families can also discuss how this special compares to the movies. Did you like this show as much as the movies? Why or why not? Which one is your favorite so far?
Movie Details
- In theaters: November 29, 2007
- On DVD or streaming: November 4, 2008
- Cast: Cameron Diaz , Eddie Murphy , Mike Myers
- Director: Gary Trousdale
- Inclusion Information: Female actors, Latino actors, Black actors
- Studio: DreamWorks Animation
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Run time: 22 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 24, 2022
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