Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Cute but not as fun as past movies; some cartoon violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Shrek the Third
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 15 parent reviews
Based on 69 kid reviews
Kids say the film features Shrek navigating his new role as King of Far Far Away while dealing with the challenges of friendship, family, and personal insecurities. Although some viewers found it entertaining and humorous, many others criticized it for lacking the charm and cleverness of the earlier installments, citing inappropriate content and a weaker plot.
- inappropriate content
- humor inconsistencies
- weaker plot
- enjoyable for kids
- family themes
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Mike Myers and Cameron Diaz return as happily married ogres Shrek and Fiona in SHREK THE THIRD. This time, the couple inherits the kingdom of Far Far Away from ailing King Harold (John Cleese). Shrek doesn't think he's fit to wear a crown, so he and dependably side-splitting sidekicks Donkey (Eddie Murphy) and Puss In Boots (Antonio Banderas) set out to find the only other living heir to the throne, Arthur Pendragon (Justin Timberlake) -- but not before Fiona announces she's royally pregnant. While Shrek faces his fear of fatherhood and tries to get insecure teenager Artie to take the throne, wicked Prince Charming (Rupert Everett) and his motley crew of fairy tale villains instigate a coup and imprison Fiona, Queen Lillian (Julie Andrews), and beloved princesses Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel, and Snow White (voiced by comedians Amy Sedaris, Cheri Oteri, Maya Rudolph, and Amy Poehler). In a particularly hilarious scene, Fiona and the queen spur the princesses -- who are hoping a valiant prince will save them -- into action. When the baby ogres finally arrive, it's clear that the producers are clearing the way for the fourth film.
Is It Any Good?
It's not an animated masterpiece like the enchanting first two classics, but it's still one of those rare films that everyone from preschoolers to grandparents will find irresistibly amusing.
The princess-in-peril subplot proves to be the most entertaining, and one of the movie's most memorable moments is Snow White summoning her woodland animal friends with a sweet high-pitched song, only to start belting out Fergie's cover of "Barracuda" as she storms the castle. Parents also will get a kick out of the other hits on the soundtrack. Wings' "Live and Let Die" accompanies a key scene, and Donkey sings Harry Chapin's "Cat's in the Cradle" after hearing Shrek's daddy issues. But the slightly watered-down third installment really isn't an improvement on its predecessors.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what made kids want to see Shrek the Third: the story or all the product tie-ins. Do kids want a product because Shrek is pictured on it?
Why do the princesses respond to their situation by "assuming the position to be rescued"? How do Fiona and the Queen challenge the ladies to take matters into their own hands?
Why do you think the Shrek franchise is so popular?
How do the characters in Shrek the Third demonstrate integrity? Why is this an important character strength?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 17, 2007
- On DVD or streaming : November 13, 2007
- Cast : Cameron Diaz , Eddie Murphy , Mike Myers
- Director : Chris Miller
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : DreamWorks
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Book Characters , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Integrity
- Run time : 93 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some crude humor, suggestive content and swashbuckling action.
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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