Franchise Okay... Awesome... Okay.
The first Shrek film was the sort of movie where I can't complain about much, but unfortunately, can't complement much either. It's the sort of movie that just comes and goes. When I watch it, I consistently find myself thinking: "Huh? Over already?" (But unfortunately, not because it's so fun to watch). Okay, I'll give one compliment: It's certainly an original concept. And one complaint: Shrek is too much of a jerk to symphantise with.
Now, Shrek 2 is a Surprisingly Improved Sequel if I ever saw one. Not only is it much funnier as well as much more exciting than its predecessor, but (given that they didn't originally plan to make sequels) it quite surprisingly manages to avoid feeling like merely a tacked on adventure. Rather, it feels like a natural continuation of the first film's plot, going into more detail on why Fiona was put in the dragon's keep and showing us just what she was princess of anyway. I also think just the way they use Prince Charming as a vane, egotistical Mommas Boy and Fairy Godmother as a big name potion distributer who uses supposed Happily Ever After endings for her own ends makes it a more clever spin on fairy tales than the first film. Oh, and Donkey becomes much funnier when you add his rivalry with Puss.
Unfortunately, Shrek the Third doesn't keep with the awesomeness of Shrek 2 and instead largely falls into the same category as the first film. Like the first film, it just comes and goes without leaving much of an impact, but it also suffers from a very, very uninspired and predictable plot. Really, you can tell EXACTLY how the film unfolds by just watching the trailer. Still, I don't think this film is much worse than the first one; if anything, it may be slightly better (but it feels worse because it's a huge step down from Shrek 2).
I have neutral feelings torwards the planned fourth film. The only Shrek film to really impress me so far was Shrek 2, so I guess from here, the only way to go is up.
Franchise Good, Great, Meh, Good
Shrek could have easily gone into Seinfeld Is Unfunny territory after all these years. what wirth the countless rip offs, and sequels. but The first film manages to be clever and funny. why? beyond the fairy tale stuff, it has a very good story with likable, funny characters. Especially shrek, who you feel bad for the whole time. donkey also shows how to do an Annoying" side.
Add a really good moral to that, and you have a solid film. Shrek 2, is one of my favorite animated films of all time. the jokes come a mile a minute, and are all funny. the characters are better, and the story is very clever and has a lot of heart. shrek/fiona is great and it has one hell of a climax. an Even Better Sequel if i ever saw one
Shrek 3...is So Okay Its Average. it's not as bad as everyone says it is, but it's weak. it has some really good, and clever ideas, and shrek goes through the right emotional journey. however, a lot the story is a cluttered mess, with some cliche parts and the jokes are very few and far between. also, the king gets a really bad death scene that felt like a kick in the nuts to a great character. not a bad movie, jsut not a great one.
Shrek 4, is much better. the story is interesting, it's funny, the characters go through the right changes, and it's paced very well with a good villain and some great action. it's also tear-jerking at times and gives us a good tribute to the first two films. not as good as 2, but on par with 1
Watch shrek 1, 2, and 4, and skip 3. It's a series that is still solid, despite it being a cash cow.
Franchise Fairy Tales just got better
This series of animated films is probably one of the best ever. Bedtime fairytale stories like Cinderella, Snow White, Peter Pan, and Sleeping Beauty can kiss Shrek's ass.
The first movie was great. I loved Mike, Eddie, Cameron... oh, EVERYBODY! The second movie OWNED the first movie. Everything got funnier and just... better. The third movie was better than the first and second combined! King Arthur is one of the greatest stories ever, and adding a high school setting made it better! The fourth one I've only seen one time, so I don't remember much. But from what I do remember, it was awesome!!
As you can tell, I loved this series and I'd totally watch it a million times over!
Franchise Overstaying a Welcome
2001: Shrek comes out, revolutionizing the whole fairy-tale genre forever. , specifically giving rise to the Fractured Fairy Tale genre. Its use of pop culture references, twists on classic formula, and yes, however unfortunately, over-the-top gross-out humor, combined with a catchy soundtrack, made way for a big influx of cash to Dream Works and proof they could stand on equal footing with their rival Disney.
2004: Shrek 2: A good sequel. It's not the original, and is less charming than the original, but still has quite a lot going for it. The Fairy Godmother being Prince Charming's mother (I think?), and of course, the blatant Inigo Montoya Expy, Puss-in-boots.
2007: Shrek 3: A disaster. It could have been a good film, but nothing felt like it had a point. The franchise had clearly overstayed its welcome by this point.
2010: Shrek 4: Haven't seen it, but everyone says it's better than 3 so I'll agree with them.
TBA: Shrek 5: I don't know what more they could do with Shrek at this point. If they ever did decide to make it, since it keeps getting pushed back, cancelled, announced, in a never-ending cycle.