Common Sense Media Review
Gross-out laughs meet a marvelous fairy tale mix.
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Shrek
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 102 parent reviews
Parents say that while the movie is beloved for its humor and unique take on fairy tales, it contains a considerable amount of adult content, strong language, and dark themes that make it unsuitable for younger children. Many reviews suggest that it's more appropriate for older kids or teens who can better understand the nuances of the humor, and parents should be cautious due to its potentially disturbing scenes and messages.
- not suitable for young children
- adult humor prevalent
- strong language included
- dark themes present
- suitable for older kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 290 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is humorously layered with adult jokes and themes, making it more suitable for older children rather than younger viewers. While some praise its comedic elements and unique take on fairy tales, there are mixed opinions regarding its appropriateness for young audiences due to the crude language and suggestive content.
- - Mixed audience suitability
- - Humor for adults
- - Unique fairy tale
- - Crude language
- - Older children recommended
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
When Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow) needs a queen to make him a proper king, he sends ogre SHREK (Mike Myers) to rescue an enchanted princess, Fiona (Cameron Diaz), who's guarded by a fire-breathing dragon. Joined by an uninvited sidekick, Donkey (Eddie Murphy)—who not only talks but sings the old Monkees' song "I'm a Believer" at the top of his lungs—Shrek sets out to rescue the princess. Little do they know that Princess Fiona has a secret of her own. And when unexpected love arrives, Shrek and Fiona must figure out how to make room for what they really want.
Is It Any Good?
The movie is a marvelous fairy tale, with a thrilling quest and a happily-ever-after ending. Shrek has the great themes of enduring myths, about believing in yourself, being loved for the person you really are, and good triumphing over evil. It's also a delicious satire, tweaking assumptions about ogres, princesses, rescues, and even fire-breathing dragons. The voice talents of Myers (as the Scottish-burred Shrek), Murphy, Diaz, and Lithgow are all perfect.
The film's impressive animation was groundbreaking for its time, like nothing seen before it. The textures are stunning. The glass, fire, clouds, and water seem three-dimensional, and you will feel that Donkey's fur almost brushes your hand. Along with wonderful warmth and depth, the animation also has a great deal of personality and wit. The characters' facial expressions and body language are such a treat that viewers might not be able to help thinking that if ogres and donkeys don't really look like that, they should.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Donkey's statement that Shrek has "that kind of 'I don't care what nobody thinks of me' thing." Is it true that Shrek didn't care what people thought of him? How can you tell?
Princess Fiona expected Prince Charming to save her, and Shrek came instead. How did she change her mind about him? How did it help her to accept herself? Why is self-acceptance so important?
How do the characters in Shrek demonstrate perseverance and teamwork? What about curiosity and integrity? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 18, 2001
- On DVD or streaming : November 2, 2001
- Cast : Cameron Diaz , Eddie Murphy , Mike Myers , John Lithgow
- Directors : Andrew Adamson , Vicky Jenson
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : DreamWorks
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Animals , Book Characters , Fantasy ( Dragons , Fairy Tales , Magic , Monsters ) , Friendship , Royalty ( Princesses )
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 93 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language and some crude humor
- Awards : Academy Award - Animated Feature Winner , Academy Award - Animated Feature Nominee , Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , BAFTA - BAFTA Winner , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee , Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated : April 28, 2026
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