Dorathen Better Late Then Never

Humbersi The first must-see film of the year.

Humaira Grant It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

Guillelmina The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

Horst in Translation (filmreviews@web.de) I may be biased here as i cannot stand Simon Cowell or his show, but I felt that "Shrek" really did not need this short film. Basically, all the characters from the movie get to see one song and Cowell comments on it as negatively as he always does. This 7-minute short film came out after the second Shrek film and adds really nothing. It's only worth a watch if you really love the franchise. The only good thing I can say about it is that all the actors from the films could actually be convinced to sing in this one and the version of Livin' La Vida Loca was fun as well early on. But that's really it. Director Simon J. Smith already did "Shrek 4-D" a year before and that was equally disappointing. And he directed "Penguins of Madagascar" very recently. I cannot comment on the quality of that one, but I am glad he did not direct a full feature Shrek movie. This American Idol spoof from over 10 years ago I cannot recommend.

bob the moo Following on from the Swamp Party extra on the first Shrek DVD, this short film tries to repeat the same trick but within the bounds of a spoof of Pop Idol. In theory it should work because I quite enjoyed the Swamp Party short because I felt it had the energy and humour of the film. However things were not the same with Idol because this energy is severely lacking and the fun has gone with it. The songs are so-so and are amusing in theory but they aren't that well sung and, although this was the point, I felt that it made the film feel unloved.Unfortunately this is an impression that is only strengthened by the other aspects of the film. The animation has a real "cut and paste" feel to it and surprisingly manages to take impressive animation and make it look cheap. Simon Cowell is a prime example of this because his character looks badly done and doesn't fit with the other "judges". His voice work is pretty poor as well which doesn't help and, although it was nice to have the stars turn out for this short, it was a bit too obvious that some of their contributions had been lifted from the film wherever possible.The delivery of the songs breaks up the flow of the short and loses the "party" mood that the first short film did quite well. With this being the main selling point for the film it falls down badly and isn't really a lot of fun at all. The voice work is so-so and the animation feels rushed and unloved. Generally quite poor then and I found Cowell to be especially bad considering the short was built up around him – but in fairness his lack of effort is only one part of a short that generally feels like it was just bashed out.

klehde1 This add-on is certainly worth the few minutes it takes to watch. Each of the characters sings an appropriate song - Charming sings "I'm Too Sexy", Pinocchio sings "Mr. Roboto", and so forth. It's mostly an amusing few minutes. Here's the good and bad: Good: Antonio Banderas can sing, and Puss was the best part of the movie anyway. Donkey's "Disco Inferno" was funny - not as good as the "little mutant babies!" line during the regular credits, but funny nonetheless.Bad: Simon wasn't that funny. The only line that was remotely amusing was "The Artist Formerly Known as Prince...Charming". The other lines weren't funny, and they were delivered in an amateurish way.And the DVD doesn't make seeing all the endings easy. To choose a different character as the winner and see their ending, you have to watch the whole thing again. As far as I know, there are only 4 endings: Shrek/Fiona, Puss, and Donkey can win. Anyone else, and a singing double comes on as Simon declares himself the winner and belts out "My Way".Not bad. Certainly fun enough to amuse us as we watch.

TheOtherFool The whole Shrek 2 experience wasn't my taste anyway (I thought the original was way better), and this extra they put on isn't as funny either. It sure ain't of the standard of The Shrek in the Swamp Karaoke Party on the DVD of Shrek.All of the major characters can sing a song in this one, judged by no other than Shrek, Fiona and our very own Simon Cowell. But it all just seems so much less funny and spontaneous than the aforementioned Party in the Swamp. As Shrek 2, there's a serious lack of wit, enthusiasm and charm. Well, that's my opinion, anyway.If I had to rate this: 4/10.