Shrek the Third

Shrek the Third, also known as Shrek 3, is a 2007 animated fantasy comedy film. It is loosely based on the children's picture book Shrek! by William Steig. Directed by Chris Miller, this film features the voices of renowned actors including Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, and Justin Timberlake. The story continues the adventures of Shrek and his friends, tackling themes of responsibility and family.

In this installment, Shrek inherits the throne of Far Far Away after the death of King Harold. Disinterested in ruling, Shrek sets out to find Fiona's cousin, Arthur "Artie" Pendragon, hoping he can take over the role instead. Meanwhile, Prince Charming seeks revenge against Shrek and Fiona, rallying fairy tale villains to assist him in claiming the throne.

Release Information

Shrek the Third premiered at the Mann Village Theatre in Los Angeles on 06 May 2007 and was released in the United States on 18 May 2007. Despite mixed reviews from critics, the film was a box office success, grossing over $813 million worldwide against a budget of $160 million, making it the fourth-highest-grossing film of 2007. It also received a nomination for Best Animated Film at the 61st British Academy Film Awards.

Plot Summary

The story begins with Shrek and Fiona preparing to take the throne after King Harold’s passing. However, Shrek's attempts to rule go awry when he learns about another heir, his nephew Artie. As Charming plots to seize power, Shrek teams up with Donkey and Puss in Boots to rescue Artie from a magical academy. Along the way, Shrek faces his own fears about fatherhood and leadership.

While Fiona and Queen Lillian are hosting a baby shower, Prince Charming launches an attack, capturing the princesses. Shrek, Artie, and their friends must work together to save the kingdom. The climax features a musical showdown where Artie's speech persuades the villains to abandon their evil ways. In the end, Artie is crowned king, and Shrek embraces his role as a father to triplets with Fiona.

Voice Cast

• Mike Myers as Shrek
• Eddie Murphy as Donkey
• Cameron Diaz as Princess Fiona
• Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots
• Justin Timberlake as Arthur Pendragon
• Eric Idle as Merlin

Production Notes

Following the success of Shrek 2, a third film was planned, with a focus on Shrek's life as a king and a father. The film was directed by Chris Miller and co-directed by Raman Hui, who previously worked on the first two installments. The title changed from Shrek 3 to Shrek the Third to better reflect its narrative depth.

Box Office Performance

Shrek the Third broke records upon its release, achieving the biggest opening day for an animated film at that time. It went on to become the highest-grossing animated film of 2007, selling approximately 46 million tickets in North America. It topped the box office in the UK for several weekends before being overtaken by another major release.

Critical Reception

The film received a mix of reviews, holding a 42% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating that while it featured humorous moments, it lacked the charm of its predecessors. Critics noted its appeal to parents more than children, sparking discussions about its intended audience.

Sequel Plans

Shrek the Third was followed by a sequel, Shrek Forever After, released on 21 May 2010. Additionally, a fifth installment is currently in development, set to release on 23 December 2026.

Soundtrack and Home Media

The film's soundtrack was released alongside the DVD and HD DVD on 13 November 2007. The movie has since been made available on various formats, including Blu-ray and Ultra HD Blu-ray, providing fans with multiple ways to enjoy Shrek's ongoing adventures.

In summary, Shrek the Third expands on the beloved story of Shrek while exploring new themes of family and leadership. Although it faced mixed reviews, its commercial success and fan base ensure its place in animated film history.