EN 5 Second Review:

There is none of the joy of the first movie.
Peter Veugelaers: EntertainmentNutz.com
Although Narnia director Andrew Adamson developed the story on Shrek the Third, and directed the first two Shrek movies, he’s busy directing Prince Caspian, leaving the reigns for Chris Miller, his debut feature.

There is a marked difference between Shrek and Shrek 2 and this one, as if this product has been specifically designed for the children’s market, its simplistic and undemanding plotting making other blockbusters look literate in comparison.

Although containing the comically intended magician named Merlin (Eric Idle) and some magic, and a dream scene involving an outrageously regurgitating infant (which my get a knowing smile from parents), there is a no-holds-barred family-friendly message.

It tries to recapture the cutting humour of its predecessor beginning with how the secondary characters in famous fairy tales bandy together with Prince Charming (Rupert Everett) after he convinces them (with characteristic charm) they haven’t had a good time of it as sidekicks to the heroes or heroines in those stories.

Of course, the heroes in this film are, unconventionally, an ogre called Shrek (Mike Myers), and his hearty band of followers, who take on the mantle of the “good guys” in face of Charming and Co seeking to overthrow the newly crowned kingship of Shrek in Far, Far Away Land. Inadvertently, Shrek wants a way out of his kingly responsibilities so goes in search of another heir, the high school student Artie (Justin Timberlake).

Although it tries to, the edgy humour of Shrek 2 does not translate here, and falls flat. There is none of the joy of the first movie. The story is a non-event as if nothing much happened to get to the ending. The loveable charm of Shrek strains against familiarity with his character, dosing us with mediocre one-line jokes which worked refreshingly the first time around

While still mirthful and eccentric enough to amuse his hordes of admirers, the irascible green ogre begins to show signs of encroaching middle age in "Shrek the Third."
Todd McCarthy: Variety
After a buoyantly funny first half-hour, stylish animated comedy takes a breather before ramping it up again for a rambunctious, girrrl-power finale that provides a convenient springboard for further adventures to come. As the $920 million in worldwide B.O. for "Shrek 2" three years ago nearly doubled the take of the 2001 original, there can be little doubt about similarly monstrous results this time around...more

Much of the bite and a good deal of the wit of the first two films are missing here
Kirk Honeycutt: Hollywood Reporter
Much of the bite and a good deal of the wit of the first two films are missing here. The rude send-up of beloved fairy tale conventions remains -- somewhat -- but these playful jabs no longer come as pleasing surprises. You expect them. And you expect better...more