The story begins with a flashback of King Harold and Queen Lillian on their way to see Rumpelstiltskin. Their daughter, Princess Fiona, has been locked away in a tower for a while. King Harold and Queen Lillian did make a deal with the fairy godmother about breaking Fiona’s curse. But they’re not exactly satisfied with it.

The two meet Rumpelstiltskin and he makes them sign a contract, claiming that it will break the hex. But before they get a chance, a messenger reveals that Fiona has been rescued by Shrek. This infuriates Rumpelstiltskin.

Time has passed. The scene switches to Shek, Fiona, and their babies, Fergus, Felicia, and Farkle. They do their daily routines for several days and remind themselves of their good lives.

Regardless of that, though, Shrek is getting unhappy with his popularity. He longs for the days when he was a feared ogre.

At some point, it’s time for the babies’ 1st birthday bash. Shrek isn’t enjoying himself, though. Then a father and his overweight son ask him to do a roar. But Shrek refuses.

After he brings out the cake, the three little pigs eat it quickly and while out of sight. Unfortunately, more mishaps occur at the party. Then all the guests chant for him to roar, which he does due to his anger.

Shortly after, he storms out of the room. Fiona tries to talk to him. But he is too mad to listen.

He then runs into Rumpelstiltskin, who takes him to his place. Shrek says that he doesn’t feel like a real ogre. So, Rumpelstiltskin offers him a magical contract that will make him feel like one again. But it is exchanged for having his childhood erased.

Once Shrek signs the agreement, sorcery whisks him away to an alternate reality. There, he is feared by everyone. So far, he is satisfied with that.

However, a few witches capture him. He wakes up in a carriage, which is being moved by Donkey. Shrek asks him for help. But little does he know that Donkey does not know who he is.

They all continue to the castle, which is run by Rumpelstiltskin. Shrek learns from him that in this reality, he was never born. Not only that, King Harold and Queen Lillian disappeared from existence after signing Rumpelstiltskin’s contract.

Rumpelstiltskin also reveals that at the end of the day, Shrek will cease to exist.

Later, Shrek is by his swamp home, which isn’t exactly his. Donkey sees that he’s devastated over this reality. Despite fearing him before, he is now willing to befriend him.

Shrek still has the agreement from Rumpelstiltskin. He finds out a surprise on how to go back to his reality. That is true love’s kiss. Regardless of what Rumpelstiltskin told him, Shrek ventures out to find Fiona.

He runs into a bunch of ogres that he has never seen before. They are not free and are rebelling against Rumpelstiltskin. And their leader is none other than Fiona.

When Shrek tries to speak to her, she is impatient and refuses to listen. Shrek also discovers that Puss is obese and was spoiled by Fiona.

Some time after, the ogres are captured by a witch serving Rumpelstiltskin. After several unsuccessful attempts to get Fiona to fall in love with him, Shrek finally kisses her – only for nothing to occur.

Not long after, Rumpelstiltskin announces his promise. Anyone who brings Shrek to him will get a happy life with whatever they want.

What will happen to Shrek’s future? Will he able to return to his own reality? Or will he cease to exist?

Despite enjoying the previous 3 Shrek movies, I will admit that this one did not engage me as much as I hoped. One of the reasons is because it was less funny.

I did laugh sometimes. But not as much as with the earlier films.

I also found it strange for Shrek to meet his pals in the alternate universe, but they don’t know him. I know that’s the point, yet it was a little disappointing.

Also, the concept of Shrek wanting to revert back to what he was at the beginning of the 1st movie felt like poor character development. Characters need to grow and change in stories. And they should remain changed.

Regardless of the flaws, though, there were some parts I enjoyed. For example, the birthday party scene at the beginning was funny. I loved when Shrek was constantly told to roar and how the three little pigs at all the treats so fast. That made me laugh.

The part where a bunch of characters brought in fake Shreks to Rumpelstiltskin to get their promise was also funny. Of course, he was unhappy.

I also found it interesting that Shrek’s babies could talk at just a year old. They would say things like, “Wake up, Daddy.”

There were other twists and turns, as well. But overall, I thought Shrek Forever After was just decent. I wish it was funnier. Maybe it would have made the concept of the tale a little bit stronger.

I give this movie 3.5 out of 5 stars.