Shrek The Third (2007)

 

So yes, this one happened unfortunately. And third time definitely isn't the charm. But let's not act surprised as if we didn't see it coming that the series would become stale and forgettable, as the signs were already on the wall with the second one. 

All about the Benjamins, right?

Shrek and his consorts are still in Far, Far Away as Fiona's father is ill and so someone is needed to oversee some royal stuff. Something for which the ogre of course isn't cut out, as you would expect. When the frog King eventually croaks, Shrek is second in line for the throne. He doesn't want that, so he's off to find Fiona's nephew Arthur overseas.

Meanwhile, Prince Charming is gathering all the fairytale villains in order to take control over Far Far Away and finally get his day in the spotlight. He also hopes to kill Shrek once he returns. 

There's some stuff with the princesses, a new age version of Merlin and some shenanigans and then this film mercifully ends.

If somehow you get the idea that this isn't a very good film, you would be most emphatically right. It's not horrendous, but it is - well - bland. Some of the jokes are decent, but a lot fall flat on their arse and the overabundance of 'clever' references and pop- or rock tunes make this already dated. The worst part of all is that you will most likely remember stuff from the first one and probably the second one as well, but this one is forgotten as soon as the end credits roll. 

Not a good sign in the best of times. 

There's really not that much to say. This is simply a film in a series that overstayed its welcome and doesn't manage to elicit as much fun as the first one or as many jokes as the second one. It's a severe miss and you would be better off doing something different. 

Like sort through toenail clippings, for example.