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He has already fought the dragons, saved the kingdom and won the girl. And he’s a bored family man with no hint of adventure in life. What’s left for Shrek to do in a new film? When the going gets tough, Hollywood franchise bosses go on a rewind. It’s a tested formula and the makers of the Shrek series have woken up to the fact now.

So, a plot spin facilitates a situation where the lovable green ogre, battling midlife crisis, has to undo all that he has done over the past three films if he must unite with his loved one. For a brilliant franchise as this one just any sequel won’t do, after all — more so if you are touting your new film as ‘The Final Chapter’. You could argue that Shrek probably didn’t need this final chapter.

The makers would tell you there was a fat load of money still to be made from brand value. What’s more, this time they are serving it in 3D — so that’s an add-on for fans.

Shrek starts off with very little script to back up his new effort. Dying to get back to his ‘real ogre’ days when he enjoyed scaring villagers with a good old ogre roar or two, he is conned into signing a deal by the slimy Rumpelstiltskin (voice of Walt Dohrn).

Shrek realises only too late what he’s in for: he finds himself in an alternate version of his world where Rumpelstiltskin (looking like a squished Anthony Hopkins) is the king, his favourite Donkey works for a gang of witches, and Puss In Boots is a housecat with eating disorder. Worse, Fiona, who’s leading rebel ogres in a revolution to overthrow Rumpelstiltskin, has never met Shrek.

Our hero must undo whatever he has done before, to restore his world and unite with his loved one. Never mind if sound effects (read, Shrek’s burps and grunts) are rehashed from the earlier films, Forever After still packs enough gags to make you laugh. The storyline reveals shades the Frank Capra classic, It’s A Wonderful Life, and the franchise tradition of inserting nodding winks to pop culture is maintained. Those clued in will wholly enjoy the Shrek remix of Top of the world, pop anthem by the Carpenters, as also a smart tribute to The Wizard Of Oz.

The 3D effect is as good as you expect from a franchise of this stature. Flying witches and towering ogres are basic stuff — director Mike Mitchell (who worked on the storyboard of Shrek The Third) wantonly lets giddy heights and flying objects loose all over his screen for impact all along. For Mitchell and studio bosses at Dreamworks, this film was obviously more about 3D action effect than storytelling.

Mike Myers as Shrek’s voice probably gets that trademark rumble right even in his dream. Banderas as Puss In Boots and new addition Walt Dohrn as Rumpelstiltskin regale with some great lines. If this was truly The Final Chapter, they’ve ended with style.

Rating 3/5