Since his first appearance in 2001, Shrek has become one of the most recognisable and funny characters in the animation genre. The first two instalments in the franchise were utterly hilarious yet when Shrek the Third hit the screens in 2007 it looked like Shrek had died a utterly painful death. Upon hearing about this latest and last release I was more than willing to avoid seeing it at all costs. I was wrong. The classic Shrek we all know and love is back!

Following on from the third movie, we are quickly reminded abut Shrek’s now peaceful life. Looking after his three kids and caring for his wife, whilst maintaining the family swamp, Shrek begins to enter a bit of a mid life crisis. Deeply missing his “terrifying ogre” days he finally snaps and shows his true background by ruining his triplets first birthday party. After meeting one Rumpelstiltskin, he is sucked into a deal which will give him a chance to have another day as a savage ogre but inevitably is tricked. Shrek is transported to a kind of alternative world where Stiltskin has become king of Far Far Away and through a strange twist in his deal, Shrek has to convince Fiona to fall in love with him within 24 hrs.

Without going way into detail, the plot is a little complex for a kids movie but it really does help twist the franchise back into a funny, fresh interesting story. Shrek is reunited with all his old friends who, in this alternate universe, have no knowledge of him and are all slightly different in their own quirky ways. As with all fairy tales they all live happily ever after and our hero gets through his midlife crisis and back to his awaiting family in the real world. A cheesy yet classic ending.

With a plot that is more in tune with the first film, this release provides a fitting tribute to the series and although not as good as the first two movies was an enjoyable watch. Not quite epic but go see it anyway and give a good farewell to the best character Dreamworks has ever produced.

Overall Verdict: Win

Director: Mike Mitchell

Release Date: 2nd July (UK)

Starring: Mike Myers, Eddy Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas

Genre: Comedy/Animation/Adventure

For more information on Shrek Forever After visit: www.shrek.com

*Shrek Forever After is known as Shrek: The Final Chapter in the USA