Both the donkey and the kitty have largely been neutered, and the film’s makers didn’t bother to introduce any compelling new characters to pick up the slack.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Oct 4, 2023

Technically and visually, the Shrek features continue to advance.

| Original Score: 7/10 | Nov 27, 2020

A satisfying sequel that has its charm but isn't quite up to par with its predecessors.

| Original Score: B | Nov 21, 2019

For Shrek The Third, the third time's a charm.

| Nov 16, 2019

An agreeable time-passer, nothing more.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Jun 6, 2019

[An] incredibly boring movie with unpleasant characters and a tired, played out story.

| Original Score: D | Mar 11, 2019

The first two movies had heart, charm, wit, originality, parfait and, most unusually for an animation, characters you could properly care about. This, though, has very little of any of the above, and it breaks my heart.

| Aug 22, 2018

The comic actresses deftly turn the Disney animated standard of helpless and lovely damsels in distress on its head.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Aug 15, 2018

| Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 18, 2011

With a plot lacking no urgency, Shrek 3 is a well-animated film containing a few standout, but ultimately throwaway sequences that don't do enough to sustain our interest.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Jul 6, 2010

Computer-animated ugliness

| Aug 27, 2009

From its humble, elegant origins as a slim children's book by William Steig, Shrek has metastasized into a symptom of and metaphor for the entertainment industry and modern culture in general.

Full Review | Original Score: 1/4 | Apr 23, 2009

Apart from some modestly amusing princess shtick and a pleasantly slapsticky opening, there's no real reason for anyone over the age of 11 to see this one.

| Oct 18, 2008

The best thing it has going for it is its look, which is stunning.

| Original Score: 5/10 | Sep 20, 2008

Though the devious wit of the original remains, it is obscured by too many classic-rock interludes (courtesy of Led Zeppelin, Heart and Paul McCartney) and nudging pop-culture references that seem by now just part of the formula.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Apr 10, 2008

This is a very skillfully made corporate product, but I wonder who, exactly, will be fully satisfied.

| Apr 7, 2008

The problem with this film is that after a quick, fun beginning they repeat a similar journey from the first film. Except this time, Shrek and Artie argue instead of Shrek and Fiona.

| Original Score: 5/10 | Mar 3, 2008

Your kids may enjoy it, but you would do better to wait for the video.

| Feb 1, 2008

Feels refreshed and might be -- especially for relieved parents -- the most entertaining film of the franchise.

| Original Score: B | Jan 2, 2008

While there are times of moderate amusement, Shrek the Third offers few surprises. It seems as though perhaps the creators have found their stride and are calling it in more than going out on a limb.

| Nov 18, 2007