Shrek Forever After (3D)**

So, do you know the Muffin Man?

At long last, the Shrek journey has come to a complete end, and what an adventure it has been. From needing tic tacs for stinky breath, to falling 'Accidentally in Love' and taking on the throne, Shrek has never ceased to entertain, well, the younger generation at least.

I think one of the elements from the Shrek films that will stay with us forever is the soundtrack. Smash Mouth got us singing All Star in 2001, to Funkytown by Lipps Inc. in 2004. This last chapter of the story did not falter on it's soundtrack either, it was perfectly suited to grip every emotion, and even I shed a tear towards the end of this film. Which is more than I can say for Shrek the Third, when I was crying tears of pain. I think the point I'll be climaxing to here is the fact Shrek the Third shouldn't have existed. It was pointless, boring and a lot of people I've spoken to never bothered seeing it, yet have seen Shrek Forever After.

The narrative gained some strength back in this last film, it made sense that this terror could have happened to Far Far Away, and that Puss had become obese and Donkey a little worse for wear. The film focuses on Shrek's need to be who he used to be, a menacing ogre with a quiet life, and it just so turns out Rumpelstiltskin can give him that life back. What Shrek doesn't know is what he's risking for just this one day of what he wants, as he returns to a ruined Far Far Away where no one remembers who he is.

What I like most about these films is the fact the actors have stuck through and through to provide us with our lovestruck, frustrated, fearsome friends. However, I think what ruined this continuity of good quality with the Shrek films is the change in director. I think we can all agree Andrew Adamson did a brilliant job with Shrek and Shrek 2, but there is a obvious change when Chris Miller directed Shrek the Third despite him being quite involved in the Madagascar films.

The Shrek films have been animation at it's best; it's vibrant, with a variety of animals and well known fairytale faces, and everyone loves fairy tales. You can really connect with the characters, you want to be Donkey's sidekick, you want to kick Prince Charming out of the way, maybe some of you want to be the princess. For me the one character that made this last film worth the watch was Donkey. I think Eddie Murphy has managed to be comical from start to finish, and what adds humour to this film is Shrek and Donkey basically meeting for the first time all over again, despite it being a little heartbreaking. There are a few new characters which makes the film refreshing and not too repetitive, but don't worry, all the old ones are in there too. The only trouble with these films is that you know it will be a happy ending, making it a little less exciting for us adults, but a whirlwind adventure for the kids.

It wasn't a slow, agonising experience to watch this, but it's one of those films where you either push yourself to see it or you won't bother at all. The 3D experience wasn't really worth it, as only some of the scenes were in 3D, but I am genuinely sad to see the back of one of my favourite animated love stories. It had some good laughs, and showed me the true meaning of happiness. Shrek Forever After was worth the watch, but if you intend on doing a Shrek marathon next time your friends are round, maybe just skip the third one...