Movie Reviews by Evelyn Gough.
Shrek (PG)

Dreamworks have struck gold with this - their second computer-generated, animated film (the first was Antz back in 1998).

Shrek, a funny name for a seriously funny movie, is pulling in the crowds with its state-of-the-art animation, big-name stars and most importantly, its hilarious script from screenwriters Ted Elliot and Terry Rossio.

And while many of the jokes may go straight over the kids heads (some rather racy material has earned it a PG rating) this slightly twisted, ever so feel-good fairytale will appeal to all ages.

Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers, sounding suspiciously like his fat bastard character from Austin Powers) is a big, green and mighty mean ogre. At least that's what he wants people to think so that they'll leave him alone to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of his swamp.

Imagine his horror then to find his privacy and his home invaded by every conceivable fairytale creature - refugees from Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow) who has banished them from his kingdom.

Tired of sharing his bed with the Big Bad Wolf and his dinner with the Three Blind Mice, Shrek and his new friend, the annoyingly tenacious talking Donkey (Eddie Murphy at his best) head into town to confront Farquaad.

A deal is struck between the diminutive aristocrat and the oversized ogre. In exchange for Farquaad removing all the unwanted visitors, Shrek and the Donkey will rescue the beautiful and feisty Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) from the castle where she's imprisoned, guarded by a fire-breathing dragon.

And the all lived happily ever after... Or do they?

You'll never know unless you go!

Based on a children's book by William Steig, Shrek is a must-see for the animation alone. Then there's the memorable characters, the snappy dialogue and the fact that there are no treacle-laden songs.

The soundtrack is fast, furious and funky, with the finale, Donkey singing "I'm a Believer" and the fairytale creatures doing the Macarena - a definite high point.