"Shrek Forever After," also known as "Shrek: The Final Chapter" or "Shrek 4," is a 2010 animated fantasy comedy film directed by Mike Mitchell.
It is the fourth and final installment in the Shrek film series, following "Shrek" (2001), "Shrek 2" (2004), and "Shrek the Third" (2007). The film features the returning voices of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas, Julie Andrews, and John Cleese, with new characters voiced by Walt Dohrn and Jane Lynch.
The story follows Shrek, who has settled into a routine life as a family man with Fiona and their three children. Feeling overwhelmed by the monotony and longing for the days when he was a feared ogre, Shrek strikes a deal with the cunning Rumpelstiltskin (voiced by Walt Dohrn). In exchange for one day of being a fearsome ogre again, Shrek unknowingly gives up the day he was born.
Shrek finds himself in an alternate reality where he never existed. In this twisted version of Far Far Away, Rumpelstiltskin rules as king, Fiona is a fierce warrior leading an ogre resistance, and his friends Donkey and Puss in Boots have drastically different lives. Shrek must find a way to undo the deal and restore his original life by getting Fiona to fall in love with him all over again before time runs out.
"Shrek Forever After" explores themes of identity, family, and appreciating what one has. The film blends humor, action, and heartfelt moments, staying true to the spirit of the Shrek franchise while offering a fresh twist with the alternate reality storyline. Notable scenes include Shrek's realization of what he has lost, the battle sequences led by warrior Fiona, and the climactic confrontation with Rumpelstiltskin.
The film received mixed to positive reviews from critics, who praised the voice acting, animation, and emotional depth but noted that it lacked the originality of the first two films. Despite this, "Shrek Forever After" was a box office success, grossing over $752 million worldwide.
As the final chapter in the Shrek series, "Shrek Forever After" provides a satisfying conclusion to the beloved characters' journeys, emphasizing the importance of love, family, and self-acceptance.