Movie Detailed Information Page
Shrek
"Shrek" is an animated film franchise that began with the release of the original "Shrek" movie in 2001. The franchise follows the adventures of an ogre named Shrek, his loyal companion Donkey, and a cast of fairy tale creatures. Here's a bio of the franchise:
Title: Shrek
Release Year: 2001
Genre: Animated, Adventure, Comedy
Directors: Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jenson
Production Company: DreamWorks Animation
Plot:
The first "Shrek" movie introduces us to the story of a grumpy ogre named Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers) who lives a solitary life in a swamp. However, Shrek's peaceful existence is disrupted when the evil Lord Farquaad (voiced by John Lithgow) banishes all fairy tale creatures to Shrek's swamp. Determined to reclaim his solitude, Shrek embarks on a journey to confront Lord Farquaad.
During his journey, Shrek encounters a talkative and ever-optimistic donkey named Donkey (voiced by Eddie Murphy). Together, they navigate through various challenges and meet iconic fairy tale characters like Princess Fiona (voiced by Cameron Diaz), who is trapped in a tower guarded by a fearsome dragon.
As the story unfolds, Shrek and Donkey form an unlikely friendship, and Shrek finds himself falling in love with Princess Fiona. However, Shrek must confront his own insecurities and face the realization that true love may not come in the form he expects.
The "Shrek" franchise consists of four feature films, with each installment expanding upon Shrek's world and introducing new characters and adventures. The subsequent movies include "Shrek 2" (2004), "Shrek the Third" (2007), and "Shrek Forever After" (2010).
Main Characters:
- Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers): The grumpy but lovable ogre who becomes the unexpected hero of the story.
- Donkey (voiced by Eddie Murphy): Shrek's talkative and comedic sidekick who provides constant companionship and humor.
- Princess Fiona (voiced by Cameron Diaz): A feisty and independent princess with a secret that adds depth to her character.
- Lord Farquaad (voiced by John Lithgow): The main antagonist, a power-hungry ruler who seeks to marry Princess Fiona to become a king.
Significance and Impact:
The "Shrek" franchise has had a significant impact on animated films and popular culture:
1. Popularity and Box Office Success: The "Shrek" films have been hugely successful at the box office, collectively grossing over $3 billion worldwide.
2. Subverting Fairy Tale Tropes: "Shrek" is known for its clever subversion of traditional fairy tale tropes, providing a fresh and humorous take on beloved characters and stories.
3. Memorable Characters: The characters of Shrek, Donkey, Fiona, and other fairy tale creatures have become iconic and beloved by audiences of all ages.
4. Humor and Cultural References: The films are filled with witty humor, clever references to pop culture, and parodies of fairy tales, appealing to both children and adults.
5. Memorable Soundtrack: The "Shrek" franchise is known for its catchy soundtrack, featuring popular songs like "All Star" by Smash Mouth and "I'm a Believer" by The Monkees.
6. Academy Award Success: The original "Shrek" film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, marking the first-ever win in the category since its introduction.
7. Spin-Offs and Merchandise: The success of the "Shrek" franchise has led to spin-off films, TV specials, video games
, and a wide range of merchandise featuring the beloved characters.
The "Shrek" franchise has left a lasting impact on animated storytelling, offering a humorous and heartwarming exploration of friendship, self-acceptance, and the true meaning of love.
Movie Details
1. Development History: "Shrek" was inspired by a children's book of the same name written by William Steig. DreamWorks Animation acquired the rights to the book and developed it into a feature-length animated film.
2. Iconic Voice Casting: Initially, Chris Farley was cast as the voice of Shrek and had recorded almost all of his dialogue before his untimely death. Eventually, Mike Myers was chosen as the replacement and re-recorded the lines, bringing his own comedic style to the character.
3. Parody and References: "Shrek" is known for its clever parody of fairy tales and pop culture references. It playfully satirizes well-known characters and storylines, creating a unique and humorous experience for the audience.
4. Eddie Murphy's Improvisation: Eddie Murphy, the voice of Donkey, often improvised his lines, adding his comedic flair to the character. Many of Donkey's memorable lines and jokes were ad-libbed by Murphy during recording sessions.
5. Cultural Impact: The phrase "Get out of my swamp!" became a popular catchphrase associated with Shrek, gaining significant recognition and spawning numerous memes and remixes.
6. All-Star Soundtrack: The soundtrack of the original "Shrek" film prominently features the hit song "All Star" by Smash Mouth. The song's association with the film has made it synonymous with the "Shrek" franchise.
7. "Shrek is Love, Shrek is Life": A bizarre and surreal fan-made video called "Shrek is Love, Shrek is Life" gained notoriety on the internet, depicting an unconventional and disturbing interpretation of the character.
8. Spin-Offs and Sequels: The success of the original film led to multiple sequels, including "Shrek 2," "Shrek the Third," and "Shrek Forever After." Additionally, the franchise has spawned spin-off films focusing on other characters, such as "Puss in Boots" and "Shrek the Halls" (a holiday-themed TV special).
9. Theme Park Attractions: Universal Studios theme parks around the world feature "Shrek" themed attractions, including Shrek 4-D, where audiences can experience a 3D adventure with sensory effects.
10. Broadway Musical: "Shrek" was adapted into a Broadway musical titled "Shrek: The Musical." It premiered in 2008 and received critical acclaim, featuring catchy songs and elaborate stage designs.
These trivia facts showcase some interesting and notable aspects of the "Shrek" franchise, from its development history to its cultural impact. The films' blend of humor, heart, and clever storytelling has made them beloved by audiences of all ages.