Release: 2010-05-16
Runtime: 1h 33m (93 minutes)
A bored and domesticated Shrek pacts with deal-maker Rumpelstiltskin to get back to feeling like a real ogre again, but when he's duped and sent to a twisted version of Far Far Away—where Rumpelstiltskin is king, ogres are hunted, and he and Fiona have never met—he sets out to restore his world and reclaim his true love.
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Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Animation, Comedy, Family
Cast: Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, Antonio Banderas, more
Cameron Diaz
as Princess Fiona (voice)
Eddie Murphy
as Donkey (voice)
Antonio Banderas
as Puss in Boots (voice)
Kristen Schaal
as Pumpkin Witch / Palace Witch (voice)
Julie Andrews
as Queen Lillian (voice)
Frank Welker
as Dragon / Animals (voice) (uncredited)
Jon Hamm
as Brogan (voice)
Lake Bell
as Patrol Witch / Wagon Witch #2 (voice)
Mike Myers
as Shrek (voice)
John Cleese
as King Harold (voice)
Jane Lynch
as Gretched (voice)
Ryan Seacrest
as Father of Butter Pants (voice)
Terry Rossio
Characters
Andrew Adamson
Executive Producer
Andrew Adamson
Characters
Walt Dohrn
Head of Story
Aron Warner
Executive Producer
Ted Elliott
Characters
Erik Aadahl
Supervising Sound Editor
Mike Mitchell
Director
Harry Gregson-Williams
Original Music Composer
David Soren
Post Production Supervisor
Joe Stillman
Characters
Darren Lemke
Writer
A bored and domesticated Shrek pacts with deal-maker Rumpelstiltskin to get back to feeling like a real ogre again, but when he's duped and sent to a twisted version of Far Far Away—where Rumpelstiltskin is king, ogres are hunted, and he and Fiona have never met—he sets out to restore his world and reclaim his true love.
It ain't ogre...til it's ogre.
Shrek Forever After is a 2010 animated film that continues the beloved Shrek franchise. Directed by Mike Mitchell, this installment serves as a sequel to Shrek the Third (2007) and is based loosely on the children's book Shrek! by William Steig. The film features the voices of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas, Julie Andrews, and John Cleese, along with new characters voiced by Walt Dohrn.
The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival on 21 April 2010 and was released in the United States on 21 May 2010. Despite receiving mixed reviews, Shrek Forever After earned a whopping $756 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of 2010. It became the top film at the box office for three consecutive weeks in the United States and Canada.
Shrek Forever After begins with Shrek feeling overwhelmed by his responsibilities as a family man and longing for his days of being a feared ogre. His frustration leads him to make a deal with the mischievous Rumpelstiltskin, resulting in him being transported to an alternate reality where he never existed. In this new world, Fiona is a fugitive, and his swamp is desolate.
As Shrek navigates this alternate reality, he learns that he can return to his original life by receiving "true love's kiss" from Fiona. This journey leads him to confront his own feelings and appreciate his family differently. The film culminates in a thrilling battle against Rumpelstiltskin, who has taken over Far Far Away.
The voice acting is notable, with the cast reprising their beloved roles and delivering performances that resonate with both children and adults. The film retains the humor and heart that defined the earlier installments, while also exploring deeper themes of love, identity, and family.
Despite its popularity, the film has been critiqued for feeling reminiscent of previous entries in the franchise. Review aggregator sites show a mixed reception, with it holding an approval rating of 57% on Rotten Tomatoes. Nevertheless, audiences responded positively, giving it an "A" grade on CinemaScore.
As for future installments, a fifth Shrek film is scheduled to be released on 23 December 2026, with the original cast expected to return. Additionally, a spin-off centered around Donkey is currently in development.
In conclusion, Shrek Forever After stands as a heartfelt conclusion to the beloved franchise, blending humor with significant life lessons. It reminds viewers of the importance of family and the joy that comes from embracing one's true self.