SCARED SHREKLESS

2010, DreamWorks Animation

Animation

Rating: PG

Approx. 26 mins.

THE STORY:

Shrek challenges his friends Gingerbread Man, Puss in Boots, Donkey and Pinocchio to a scary-story-telling contest in the abandoned-- and possibly haunted-- castle of Lord Farquaad. Each tells a story that begins scarily, but is punctuated and ends with humour. Ultimately, however, the ogre wins out and manages-- with a little help from his family-- to scare off his competition.

QUESTIONABLE LANGUAGE:

• nothing significant

VIOLENCE:

• some scenes could be scary for younger viewers, but are swiftly followed by humour

TEACHING POINTS:

• be careful what you wish for

THE UPSHOT:

On one level, watching this I feel that I'm being unabashedly exploited by a franchise for pure financial gain; but on another, I feel there is a reciprocal relationship going on. I actually did enjoy it, as did the 5 year-old in the room. 

It's short, it's good for Hallowe'en, and it's funny.  

3.5/5