Shrek

I've got a dragon here, and I'm not afraid to use it!

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Now this is the way to do an animated film. Sure, the graphics are impressive, but most of the time we're not concentrating on them, because the movie is full of real characters telling a real story.

Shrek is an Ogre who is not nearly as evil and grumpy as he pretends to be. He likes his solitude and quiet, though, and is upset when the king rounds up all the storybook characters and sends them to live in Shrek's swamp. Shrek makes a deal with the king - he'll rescue a princess for the king to marry in exchange for the king removing the unwanted guests from the swamp.

Eddie Murphy provides the voice and attitude the mouthy Donkey, literally the smart ass of the film. He refuses to leave Shrek alone and follows him on his mission. They hook up with the princess, but she has a nasty secret she wants to keep hidden from everyone.

The characters are funny and the plot has plenty of unexpected twists and turns, although you'll probably guess the surprise ending well before the movie reveals it. There are fart jokes for the kids, some innuendo for the adults, and enough action for everyone. The spectacular animation is almost a side benefit. Instead of great animation propping up a weak move, this is a great movie that happens to be well animated.