Shrek the Third
Directed by Chris Miller, Raman Hui
TheoScope Rating
Worldview · content · moral framework
Plot
When King Harold (John Cleese) of Far, Far Away dies, the clumsy Shrek (Mike Myers) becomes the immediate successor of the throne. However, Shrek decides to find the legitimate heir Artie (Justin Timberlake) in a distant kingdom with his friends Donkey (Eddie Murphy) and Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) to be able return to his beloved house in the swamp with the pregnant Fiona (Cameron Diaz). Meanwhile, the envious and ambitious Prince Charming (Rupert Everett) joins the villains of the fairytales plotting a coup d'état to become the new King.
Discern Score Breakdown
30%
30%
25%
15%
Audience Suitability
Kids
Under 10
Teens
10–17
Adults
18+
Family
Mixed ages
Content Flags
Shrek the Third is a mildly entertaining but narratively thin third entry in the Shrek franchise that coasts on charm and franchise goodwill more than storytelling substance. It affirms broadly positive values — dignity, responsibility, and loyalty — but does so through a secular self-help lens rather than any moral or spiritual depth. It is generally appropriate for families but is among the weaker entries in the series, with less to commend it theologically or cinematically than its predecessors.
Pastoral Take
Shrek the Third is a safe, generally harmless watch for most families with children ages 6 and up — there's nothing here that warrants significant concern, though parents of very young children should be aware of mild cartoon battle sequences and some potty humor. The film's strongest message — that you are more than your worst failures or lowest moments — is worth affirming, though parents should note that the movie grounds this in self-belief rather than in God's love or purpose. It's a perfectly fine family movie night choice, but don't expect it to give you much to work with spiritually beyond a few jumping-off points for conversation.
Discussion Points
- 1When Artie tells the villains that they don't have to be defined by how other people see them, it sounds encouraging — but do you think who we are is just up to us to decide, or does God have something to say about who we were made to be? What's the difference between those two ideas?
- 2Shrek really doesn't want to be king and spends the whole movie trying to avoid responsibility — but in the end he has to step up for his family and kingdom. Can you think of a story in the Bible where someone ran from the job God gave them? What happened, and what does that tell us about how God uses reluctant people?
- 3Prince Charming wants to be admired and powerful more than anything else, and it destroys him. The Bible talks a lot about pride — why do you think wanting people to think we're great can be such a dangerous thing, and what does it usually cost people in real life?
- 4When Fiona's mom and the other princesses help fight back instead of waiting to be rescued, the movie seems to be saying something about who gets to be brave and strong. What do you think the Bible says about courage — is it just for certain kinds of people, or does God call everyone to it in different ways?
Want to check another movie?
Unlock every movie in our database — free for 7 days. No credit card required.
Cast
Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy
Community Reviews
to leave a review