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Our take
Shrek the Third is a bright, fast-paced fairy-tale comedy with a warm family heart. Villains, a dragon, and a mob trying to seize the kingdom bring cartoon scares that may unsettle smaller children. There are gentle rude jokes, kissing, ogre-baby gags, and very mild language. Around 6 and up feels comfortable, with a parent nearby for younger viewers.
Uplifting themes
A steady 'you decide who you are' thread runs through it as a nervous young heir learns to believe in himself and Shrek faces up to becoming a dad. Teamwork and loyalty carry the day Shrek grows into real responsibility, the princesses stop waiting to be rescued and take charge, and Artie finds his courage. Plenty of mixed-up characters land in a good place by the end
Story (may spoil tone)
After the King of Far Far Away dies, Shrek and Fiona are to succede. However, Shrek wants to return to his cozy swamp and live in peace and quiet, so when he finds out there is another heir to the throne, he and Donkey set off to bring him back to rule the kingdom.
What we flagged
Details
Violence An army of fairy-tale villains storms the castle amid sword waving and…
An army of fairy-tale villains storms the castle amid sword waving and shouts about killing the ogre. It is slapstick and bloodless, though the villains can feel threatening to small children
Language The language is limited to mild insults and comic name-calling. It is c…
The language is limited to mild insults and comic name-calling. It is closer to playground teasing than strong swearing
Sex / nudity There is kissing, a royal wedding, and jokes about Fiona expecting ogre…
There is kissing, a royal wedding, and jokes about Fiona expecting ogre babies. A little innuendo is aimed over children's heads; nothing explicit is shown
Drugs / alcohol Fairy-tale villains scheme over drinks in a shabby tavern. The drinking…
Fairy-tale villains scheme over drinks in a shabby tavern. The drinking is background detail, with no focus on drunkenness
Frightening A dark forest, a dragon, a wizard who turns on the heroes, and a crowd…
A dark forest, a dragon, a wizard who turns on the heroes, and a crowd of villains add cartoon menace. Children under seven who take monsters seriously may find parts unsettling
Grief / bereavement Fiona's father dies early in a long, comic send-off. His death starts t…
Fiona's father dies early in a long, comic send-off. His death starts the plot, but the film plays the moment more for laughs than grief
Flashing lights We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
Family watch notes
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Talk after watching
- The baddies try to grab a kingdom by force. How do you talk to kids about standing up to bullies without copying them?
- A nervous young heir doubts he is good enough to lead. What helps your family build that kind of confidence?
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Shrek the Third
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