REEL CRITICS

Happily go to the box office for ‘Shrek’

Fairy-tale creatures. Ogres. Donkeys. Damsels in distress. Boring?

Actually, “Shrek” wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. It was

hilarious. As an ogre and a donkey, Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy,

respectively, make a great combination.

This is the story of an ugly ogre, Shrek, who was thought to be evil

because of his appearance. He meets up with a donkey, whom he saves and

is annoyed by. Together, they journey to Lord Farquaad’s castle in an

attempt to get rid of the creatures who have invaded Shrek’s swamp. The

lord -- who only wants to marry so he may become king -- says that if he

rescues Princess Fiona from the tower guarded by the fire-breathing

dragon, then he may have his swamp back.

So, Shrek (Mike Myers) and the donkey (Eddie Murphy) embark on the

quest to save Fiona (Cameron Diaz) from the tower. They succeed and begin

to head home. As they near it, Shrek and Fiona begin to fall in love. But

Fiona has a secret that she dare not tell. Will their love conquer every

obstacle in their path?

This movie really kept moving because of all of the jokes made between

the characters. The donkey never stopped yapping, which I thought was the

best part. He criticized everyone around him without seeming to do it

intentionally. He gets on Shrek’s nerves and wants to be with him 24/7.

Shrek was the most isolated creature because of the way he treated

everyone. Fiona was completely opposite of what you would think a

princess would be like. She was as independent as she could possibly be,

and could take care of herself. At one point, she beat up a bunch of

Robin Hood’s Merry Men.

I recommend this movie to people who enjoy comedy. There were a lot of

inside jokes that you had to listen for. Little kids would like this

movie because of the characters, and adults and teenagers would like it

for the humorous jokes.

o7 “Shrek” is rated PG for mild language and some crude humor.

f7 * SARA SALAM, 12, is a sixth-grader at Eastbluff Elementary School

in Newport Beach. She likes soccer, ballet and writing.

‘Pearl Harbor’ takes one’s breath away

Astonishing and impressive on many levels, “Pearl Harbor” is epic

Hollywood movie-making at its modern best. Director Michael Bay delivers

the goods as he gives startling life to the monumental story of the

Japanese attack that threw America into the carnage of World War II.

The staggering special effects catapult the viewer directly into the

shocking reality of this fearsome battle. The most remarkable and

ferocious scenes of aerial combat ever put on film will take your breath

away.

But the three-hour film is much more than the dazzling

minute-by-minute re-creation of the attack. With outstanding

cinematography, set design and music, the film also re-creates the look

and feel of American culture and attitudes circa 1941.

The events leading up to Pearl Harbor are presented through the lives

of its three central characters. Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett land the

roles of their careers as Rafe and Danny, two hotshot fighter pilots who

are lifelong friends. They are also rivals for the affections Evelyn, a

beautiful Army nurse played with heart and passion by Kate Beckinsale.

Their personal story becomes intertwined with the fortunes of a world at

war, bringing a touching and intimate dimension to the great events

unfolding on the screen. Jon Voight as Franklin Delano Roosevelt and many

other excellent supporting actors add to the great cast.

This movie does not pretend to be a complete military history lesson

of the time. But this extraordinary film will provide an eye-opening

education to a new generation about the sacrifice and horror endured by

their courageous grandparents. Certain to be nominated for several

Oscars, including best picture, this is one summer blockbuster that

deserves the wide audience it has been drawing.

o7 “Pearl Harbor” is rated PG-13 for sustained intense war sequences,

images of wounded, brief sensuality and some language.

f7

* JOHN DEPKO, 48, is a Costa Mesa resident and a senior investigator

for the Orange County public defender’s office.