One day, there might be a kids' film that doesn't rely on flatulence jokes and other vulgar humor to get laughs. But until that day comes, at least we can delight in something like "Shrek" — in spite of its reliance on lowest-common-denominator gags.
However, the fact that this computer-animated comedy-adventure can amuse at all is surprising, considering just how crude it is at times. (For one thing, the film features some very suggestive jokes that, thankfully, only adults will understand.)
Still, as low as some of the humor stoops, it can't spoil this imaginative, often clever film. Like last summer's sleeper hit "Chicken Run" (which came from the same studio, DreamWorks), the amount of sheer invention that's gone into this film — and its semi-realistic animation style — is astonishing.
And if that isn't enough, once the movie gets rolling, it's hilarious, with a worthwhile message about not judging others by their appearance, which should win over even the most easily offended audiences.
Besides, it should be noted that some of the film's gross-out gags are in keeping with the tone of its source material, author William Steig's popular children's book about the title character (voiced by Mike Myers), an ornery ogre who lives in a swamp.
He's happy to live in solitude, but unfortunately for him, that's about to end. First, he gains a new "best friend," a talking donkey named, ironically enough, "Donkey" (Eddie Murphy). Next, he finds that his humble abode has been overrun by fairy-tale creatures who have been displaced by the tyrannical Prince Farquaad (John Lithgow).
So Shrek heads off to the prince's castle, though he doesn't find the warmest reception there.
Nevertheless, Shrek vanquishes Farquaad's troops and manages to strike a deal with the prince: He'll return Shrek's swamp to him, but only if he manages to free Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz), who's being held captive in a tower.
Easier said than done. Not only is the princess being guarded by a dragon, but there are other complications — not the least of which is that there seem to be some sparks between the brutish hero and the petite princess.
The film's irreverent tone clearly shows the influence of its two main screenwriters, Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio ("Aladdin," "The Road to El Dorado"), who have loaded it with blink-and-you'll-miss-them gags and parodies (including jabs at competitors, especially Disney). And while much of the praise should go to them and co-directors Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson, the cast is having a good time, which helps.
Myers isn't nearly as insufferable as usual when he plays the straight man (and when you don't actually have to see him), while Diaz's funny turn shows she's more than just a pretty face.
However, as Shrek's sidekick, Murphy steals the show from both of them (it's abundantly clear that several of his best bits are improvised).
"Shrek" is rated PG for crude sight gags and humor, animated violence (most of it slapstick) and brief, mild profanity. Running time: 87 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com