“O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endures for ever.”
Psalm 107:1
In life, there is so much to be grateful for. Every breath of air, every new day, every relationship, and every bite of food is a reminder of God's goodness to us, and cause for continual thanks to him. Most of all, we need to be grateful to God for His plan of salvation: sending His Son to earth to be born as a baby, and choosing to go to the cross and die in order for our sins to be paid for.
True contentment can only be achieved be being grateful. When we cease to be grateful for even the small things in life it is easy to become distracted or tempted by selfish desires. And being ungrateful can have serious repercussions!
Such is the powerful lesson that Shrek learns in his fourth appearance: "Shrek Forever After." This Dreamworks film directed by Mike Mitchell is by far the best--indeed, perhaps the only--Shrek film to watch. It is packed full of humor, but also presents morals that are rarely seen in secular films. In fact, the three main issues tackled in this animated feature are nearly identical to those addressed in the 1946 film classic, "It's a Wonderful Life!".
First:
It is God who determines who is to be born and at what time. Being born is not an accident; God creates each person for His purpose and time. “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb....all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. ”Psalm 139:13, 16
Second:
What you do affects everyone around you. Even the little things you do can affect people in big ways, because the choices you make daily will change your mindset and view of life--and therefore influence how you treat others. "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." Philippians 2:3
Third:
Time is a valuable commodity. It is not unlimited but instead every second is a gift from God. Do not waste it! Your days are numbered and you will give account for every second you waste. “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” Matthew 12:36 "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity." Ephesians 5:15, 16a
PLOT SYNOPSIS
Shrek, a discontented Ogre, is tired of the monotony of life, and starts wishing for the old days of bachelorhood (otherwise known as the infamous “midlife crisis”). He eventually becomes ungrateful for everything he has: his wife, his beautiful children, his friends, and his responsibility as a leader.
His old unknown enemy, Rumplestiltskin, is able to play upon that discontent. He convinces Shrek to make a deal: give up one day of his life in exchange for one day of Bachelorhood--where he can once again be a mean ogre with no responsibility.
Unfortunately for Shrek, there is a devastating catch--for the day that Rumple picks is the day he was born! Suddenly his wife doesn’t know him, his friends don’t know him...and Rumple is now king, ruling along with evil sidekicks. All that Shrek has to do is get his wife to love him again. Easier said than done, as his wife is now a calloused military leader who has zero intention of letting emotions get in the way of duty.
Shrek soon sees that because he “hadn’t been born,” evil was able to prevail. He must now work to undo the damage by RE-doing the things he had previously done.
CONCLUSIONS
Thematic lessons: God gives each of us Time and Choices--the second best gifts in the world. BE THANKFUL FOR THEM, AND USE THEM WISELY!
Cinematic value:
Great 3D animation? Check.
Great creative story? Check.
Some action? Check.
Witches and Ogres in a fairytale land? Check.
Great Humor? Check.
Wonderful lessons? Check.
Recommended?
Yes. This is a great movie the entire family can enjoy. (Parents, please be warned that there is the use of H-ck in one area, and a few kissing scenes). This is by far the best Shrek film in the series--and, in my opinion, the ONLY one worth watching.
Click Here to see the Trailer!
Written by Jerry, Edited by Rebekah Cook.
