Far Far Away Idol (2004)

Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!

Such a frustrating disappointment

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

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.

I thought both of the Shrek movies were great!! The subtle comments made both movies equally amazing. I was very pleased that Skrek 2 held up not only the original voices but the quality of the comedy as well. I love having them as part of my movie collection! Some people may mock it because it's animated, but they knew that when it started so they don't have much room to talk. Out of all my friends and family members (which varies from loggers to preps) there was only two people who would have rather watched something else. I also thought that the extras were not just cute, but adorable! (I wish they would have had more!)

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.

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.