Shrek: The Final Chapter (And The Rise Of 3D)

[lupestripe]

Definitely the best Shrek installment of the growing franchise (and despite this being The Final Chapter, I still think it will grow as there are many more characters that can be introduced and storylines they can explore). It definitely made up for the disappointment that was Shrek The Turd. The story was original, powerful, moving and well-crafted. Granted, it was rather linear in narrative and adopted the usual techniques but it's a kids' film in part so mustn't grumble. Must admit I cried a few times at the slushy sentimental stuff but then I cry at most things. There were some nice humorous touches, some excellent performances but unlike How To Train Your Dragon, the film really didn't utilise the 3D* technology all that much. Indeed, little would have been lost watching it normally. The film also tied up the series well, making reference to the other three films including the fantastic bit at the start wishing the third one hadn't really existed. Nice satire.

Even better, there were only 7 people in the entire screening, meaning it was nice and quiet, bereft of screaming kids and noisy chomping people. If it's going to be this quiet on a weekday, I may go more often. I am looking forward to Toy Story 3 (and Four Lions) in the coming weeks.

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* Speaking of 3D, I feel this is fast becoming like the iPhone/iPod/iPad/iSheep products - something that isn't really necessary but an external force is promoting it as the super-duper next big thing, the latest must-have, which is riding a wave of popular opinion yet no one quite knows why or how it got so big. Every movie that's coming out now is available in 3D, a fact demonstrated by every advertisement I saw in the cinema making the point. In movies I can see it working, but TVs? I kinda like my normal 3D reality changing to a 2D televisual one now and again. Reality is real enough, sometimes I like to be suspended from it.

I remember in the Eighties they experimented with 3D and it died a death, what's changed now? You still have to wear silly glasses so is the demand really there? I don't remember anyone expressing a desire for 3D technology before. I can't help but feel this is being pushed upon us by the media and digital development companies. Am I right in thinking this?

The rise of 3D TVs, 3D films etc has all come about over the last year (I am aware IMAX was doing 3D films before this time but these were hardly massive draws). Is there a real public desire for it, or are we being forced into accepting it by powerful marketers who are trying to increase their own profit margins? Am I being cynical? Stay tuned folks...

Comments

[alexf0x.livejournal.com]

but every film in 3D is only going to take the gloss off the whole concept.

To right this is the killing factor for me as that while films that have been shot intentionally in stereo 3D use it to it's best effect, there are too many at the moment that have just had 3D shoehorned in post production.

The result is just weak FX that won't convince anyone that the concept is good, then there are just genes that wouldn't be good for it at all. I mean when did you see the needed FX shots in a rom com, or a tense drama like "Frost/Nickson"? You don't so 3D as a gimmick isn't needed.

Also another gripe I have with 3D movies, even if they are done well is all of the "forced" shots done by the director to show off the 3D effects. Even in avatar we where treated to lots of silly shots through windows, or behind glass, or through a chain linked fence, or a close up on a flying bullet, done just purposely to show off a 3D effect. It's daft and stupid, and look's terrible when translated back to 2D.

If 3D is to be accepted more than it has to be used a lot better than it is now, with no shoehorning or forced crap.

[lupestripe.livejournal.com]

To be honest I avoid movies with "good special effects" because it tends to be a synonym for "no plot or decent characterisation". Call me cynical.

Agree with you on things being specifically made for 3D - that's why I thought How To Train Your Dragon worked so well, because it was specifically shot for 3D. I imagine most movies would gain little, and would probably lose a lot (in terms of gravitas and engagement) by being shot in 3D.