Shrek: Il fantasma di Lord Farquaad

Shrek 4-D (2003)

** (out of 4)

Very weak short has the ghost of Lord Farquaad stealing Fiona so Shrek, Donkey and various other characters must try to rescue her. From what I read after viewing this thing, it appears this was added as a bonus on the re-release of the first movie and it seems not too many were happy with the marketing process but the film itself is what really should have bothered them. I understand the original version was in 3-D but the effects were obviously the main focus and there's no real evidence that the filmmakers were trying to tell any sort of good story. It seems every single scene is just built up so something could go flying through the air towards the camera or a punch is thrown towards the camera. I can't speak to how well the effects were as I watched the 2-D version under the title THE GHOST OF LORD FARQUAAD but I can say that neither version had any good laughs. The entire thing just felt really rushed and overall I thought some of the animation looked quite cheap. The vocal performances were all fine but it's just too bad they weren't given anything funny to say.

This ride isn't half bad. Though it tends to reuse jokes from the film, it's still got cool fx and you feel the action (when Donkey sneezes, for example, the audience is sprayed). It's not the best ride at Universal- that's of course Spider-Man. But it's fun if you can avoid the long lines.

This takes place right after Shrek and Fiona marry. The ghost of Farquad had his dumb henchman kidnap Fiona--as the dead guy is STILL determined to marry her. But, as she's alive and he isn't, he needs to have her killed first. Can our heroes rescue her before it's too late?

I was very surprised to see this film on DVD and on Netflix, as it originally was just intended as a 3-D film that is still being shown at Universal Studios. I've seen the film several times at Universal Orlando and when you see it on TV it loses not only the 3-D but the immersive theater experience. Rumbling seats and effects that take place throughout the theater are missing. Still, it's worth seeing. I'd give it a 7 in its none 3-D mode (yes, I know they say it's 4-D but ask any physicist about this) and a 9 at Universal Studios.

AKA The Ghost of Lord Farquaad. Shrek gets lost on the way to the honeymoon. Fiona gets kidnapped. Shrek and Donkey follow in pursuit. They end up in a cemetery where they are confronted by the Ghost of Farquaad who has plans for Fiona. It's a fun 13 minutes. It was used in the amusement parks. That's what the 4-D refers to as it becomes a ride. It's great to have the original cast doing the voice work. It's just fun.

I was really excited of seeing this, but came out a little disappointed. The animation is breathtaking (Like the waterfall) and the 3-D is pretty good, but the jokes feel strained and there are one too many 3-D cliches. I also didn't like the fact that Farquaad came back as a ghost.

But I did like the first part where your in the little torture chamber with the 3 little pigs, Pinnochio, The Gingerbread Man and the magic mirror. The rest is cheesy. But I'm sure the little kids will like it (My little sister did) so I guess that's all that matters.

6.5/10