Parents' Guide to

Shrek

Movie PG 2001 93 minutes
Shrek Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

By Nell Minow , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 6+

Gross-out laughs meet a marvelous fairy tale mix.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 6+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 7+

Based on 93 parent reviews

age 10+

Too dark for kids

I remembered this movie fondly, but I first watched it as a teenager. It contains quite a bit of dark content that isn't appropriate for young kids. For example, in one scene fairy tale creatures are rounded up and sent off in cages, including The Three Bears. Later on, you see a bear skin rug made from Mama Bear (it's wearing her bow). My seven-year-old picked up on it immediately, pointing out that the villain "killed Mama Bear and made her into a rug." None of my three kids liked the movie and I regret playing it for them.
age 6+

memey and even if you discard the memes it is still a good movie. Mild action, Donkey, basis of most memes, and some messages you might be able to use in life. (ogres have layers,onions have layers)

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (93 ):
Kids say (273 ):

The movie is a marvelous fairy tale, with a thrilling quest and a happily-ever-after ending. Shrek has the great themes of enduring myths, about believing in yourself, being loved for the person you really are, and good triumphing over evil. It is also a delicious satire, tweaking all of our assumptions about ogres, princesses, rescues, and even fire-breathing dragons. The voice talents of Mike Myers (as the Scottish-burred Shrek), Eddie Murphy (as Donkey the talking donkey), Cameron Diaz (as Princess Fiona), and John Lithgow (as Farquaad) are all perfect.

The computer animation is breathtaking for its time, like nothing seen before it. The textures are stunning. The glass, fire, clouds, and water seem three-dimensional, and you will feel that Donkey's fur almost brushes your hand. The animation has wonderful warmth and depth, but it also has a great deal of character and wit. The facial expressions and body language are such a treat that the audience can't help thinking that if ogres and donkeys and don't really look like that, they should.

Movie Details

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