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Shrek: Three times too many

It seems that the better the graphics get, the more pointless and lame the storyline becomes; this is my theory of kids movies of late, and sadly Shrek 3 proved me right.

If I hadn't seen DvD Behind-the-scenes footage of the story board being presented, I would have confidently assumed the producers didn't even bother with one.

It's even more depressing that these movies are being hailed as works of art by so many viewers. If anyone had bothered to strip down the movie and examine it properly, they would have found a simple, unimpressive plot with unoriginal characters.

The weak plot is further hidden by slapstick humour. Back when Shrek 2 had hit the big picture, it had offered an entirely different perspective on the world of Shrek and introduced characters that had instantly won the hearts of thousands of fans - I'm thinking of the ruggish yet adorable Puss-in-Boots. The movie series was at an all time high as what felt like the end was summed up in a wild and snazzy scene with Ricky Martin's Livin La Vita Loca. That should have been the end of the wild roller coaster adventure that was Shrek. Unfortunately, the movie's winning streak was ruined by another movie.

To sum it up, the original Shrek was an unforgettable classic. Shrek 2 was like a massive after-party to celebrate the success of the original movie. Shrek 3 was the hangover.

Pros
*The trailer had classic, funny scenes to tempt the large fanbase

Cons
*The Shrek 3 movie itself had apparently used up all it's decent jokes on the trailer; the movie had nothing more to offer

I can't see why Dreamworks Animation couldn't have stopped while they were flying high. Shrek used to be a respectful and cool piece of work. Now it's just a shotty trilogy not worth buying.

Agree? Disagree? Please share your opinion by commenting!

The Youngest Doctor Ever

Many fans of Doctor Who have been doubtful - even to the point of angry - at the casting of Matt Smith, the youngest actor yet to be portrayed as the time-travelling doctor.


To begin with the BBC were cautious about casting Matt Smith (27 years of age) as the 11th Doctor who would replace David Tennant, a move that has evidently caused much debate amongst fans; many believe that Matt Smith is too young and inexperienced for the role.

Personally I'm looking forward to the new doctor. I'll be sad to see David Tennant (in my opinion the best Doctor to date) go, but it will be a nice change. Matt Smith has a similar appearance and will hopefully bring something unique to one of the most popular television series' of all time.

However he does strike me as having the sort of image that will lure in at least a modest amount of female fans. I say this because Matt Smith reminds me very much of Star Wars' Hayden Christensen, the actor who portrayed the Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker.

Having read some of the reactions fans had to the news of the eleventh Doctor, one interesting point brought up was the relationship between the Doctor and his assistants. Due to the more elderly nature of the Doctors, there had always been a 'fatherly' element to the script. But now, as was conspicuous with Christopher Eccleston and increasingly with David Tennant, the sexual tension has begun to rise rapidly and has corroded the alien outlook of the Doctor.

Culture-wise, the casting of younger and younger actors only reflects on a generation that is rapidly losing respect for the valuable wisdom and experience that only the elderly possess.

On further afterthought, it's interesting to consider that a man in his 20s has been bestowed the great privilege of portraying an influential character that has lived over 900 years.

Share your opinion! Leave a comment here.

Further Reading:

• BBC - New Doctor actor is youngest ever
• Slashdot - Actor Matt Smith will be 11th Doctor Who
• Wikipedia - Doctor Who
  
• Wikipedia - Matt Smith

Madagascar Disaster

A warning to people of all ages! If you haven't already submitted to the urge of buying tickets for Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, then it's not too late!

PROS
*Somewhat less crummy than I'd expected

CONS

*Still very crummy.

Perhaps the "Have you seen my nuts?" and "Ooh, that's gotta hurt!" will make children giggle, but for the more critical observers its hard to find a laugh in there.

The sequel to Madagascar is filled with run-of-the-mill jokes have been heard again and again in every 3D animation film that companies like DreamWorks have churned out. Apart from the odd rare surprise, these movies have got nothing to offer besides pretty graphics.

It did admittedly have it's good parts; the chemistry between Gloria the hippo and her pursuers and Marty the zebra's struggle for individuality were interesting character developments.

However the attempted humour had me struggling not to squirm in my seat. The entire shananigan pulled by the penguins - who can be said to be the main comic relief - was dull and depleted.

Going out on a limb and disagreeing with other blog writers, I have to say that Nana was the character that ruined the film the most for me. Sure, it made sense that her worth would be proven by her survival skills and the respect she won from her peers... but the fight scenes between her and the penguins who tried to repeatedly run her over in a jeep just didn't cut it.

Furthermore, the sexual jokes are so commonplace in our culture today that children are no doubt already using the phrases in every-day language. I worry how desensitised these kids will be by adulthood. What will happen to compassion and dignity?

Is it morally acceptable to put such ridiculous garbage in the form of an innocent fable of adorable creatures and toss it at kids to consume? What do these films say about our culture?

The new Madgascar movie may be rated as a family movie, but the main issue is the lack of originality which has been filled in with overused jokes and stereotypes. In ten years, the majority of these 3D animations won't be the "classics". They'll just be the rotted mainstream garbage we made the mistake of promoting.

Unimpressed with Beedle

The Harry Potter fans are no doubt aware of J.K. Rowling's recent new book The Tales of Beedle the Bard. I think all of us were excited. At least some of us burnt our copies.

I myself received two copies for Christmas - I can't pretend I wasn't excited to see what J.K. Rowling had come up with this time, and certainly wasn't making any effort to refrain from voicing my wishlist.

The first thing I feel I should comment on is the UK Edition (see image). It is a rather mysterious cover and immediately reminds me of exotic pirates creeping about in moonlit coves and doing other piraty things.

Of course, that was simply my first impression upon observing the cover. We've all heard the phrase 'Don't judge a book by it's cover', which couldn't be more true in this case, as there wasn't a single mention of nasty pirates brandishing crude scimitars and wolf-whistling at captured damsels. But I never gave up hope. I am at the moment reading the book backwards, sideways, and every which-way in the hopes of uncovering a secret message. So far, I have found... well, I'll get back to you on that.

The collection of stories within are actually more to do with 'hopping pots' and 'cackling stumps', but I won't go spoiling any of the plot with my negative attitude. However I must comment on J.K.'s lack of censorship - she really didn't hold back on the gory parts, and I must say, jolly good show and all the rest of it.

The story content of the book itself is 103 pages, a rather 'good' deal for the 6.99 pounds that the customer has to pay for. A really nice aspect is that 2 of your well-earned pounds will be donated to The Children's High Level Group (CHLG).

Now, I realise that The Tales of Beedle the Bard are intended for various ages, and if I close my eyes very tightly I find I can appreciate the idea and purpose of the book...

But to be brutally unfair, next time J.K. publishes a sappy short story, I'll send all 6.99 of my shiny pounds straight up to the Children's High Level Group just to save myself the reality of enduring another of J.K.'s lesser books.

If you wish to read the book anyway, head over to Amazon to pick up your very own copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard!

---OR EVEN BETTER---

Save yourself the trouble by popping over to The Children's High Level Group and donating your 6.99 pounds now!

Agree? Disagree? Anyone (even those with a cackling stump) is welcome to share their opinion by leaving a comment.

Further reading: Dragon's Library has a great summary of why you should read The Beedle and the Bard!