Technically, the book turned 30 back in October. But for most people, this is what they remember. I didn't think it released around this time. Maybe in the middle of May, but I was wrong. The film adaptation of Shrek turned 20 back on the 22nd. One of the big films of the new millennium and one that had its impact on animated films in general. But what was it that made it special? An ogre and a donkey making a deal with a lord to rescue a princess doesn't feel special on paper.
It was not your typical type of animated film. Fairy tales had a a formula. Disney films had one, too. This didn't. While it follows some stuff in its plot, it beat to its own drum. They poked fun at the stereotypes. Turned everything upside down. It was a little more adult compared to other kids films. Cursing like in Antz and The Iron Giant. Witty dialogue, banter. A well produced script. Even bad guys that have their shining moments
I'd argue the CGI at that point was amazing, though some characters are a little rough despite having a different identity compared to Pixar. The casting is excellent. It wasn't your biggest names, but they could drive a box office if given the right circumstances. I think music played a factor. A song can make a movie if used right. Although not a new song at the time, Smash Mouth's All-Star has been very iconic over the last 20 years because of being used in the opening scene. Beyond that, there was other licensed songs that helped with scenes.
You weren't seeing anything like Shrek. The best of the franchise? I'd argue the second film is just as good, if not, better. The rest, I can't complain about because I've only seen the third film once and that was around 2009 or 2010. Never really had reason to watch the fourth film. Still, you can't go wrong with the original. Sometimes, it's easy to forget where some of these companies were back then before getting huge.
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