Shrek the Last

Shrek the Third is the second big sequel to hit theaters this summer, and the second sequel to disappoint critically. Lacking the comedic genius of the first two Shreks, Shrek the Third just can't top its previous installments. However, I did enjoy the film and found it to be entertaining and it's that kind of film that will put you in a good mood even if it didn't stand up to your expectations.
Justin Timberlake as Artie is a great addition to the cast, as one of the better characters of this film. I only wish we got a little more out of Puss in Boots, my personal favorite. Donkey just seems to be kind of useless in Shrek the Third. I can't seem to recall one funny line from him that wasn't in the trailer. Shrek is a bit duller, but still humorous as always.
Although Shrek the Third might be the last we see of the green ogre, it is still worth that trip to the movies to bid it farewell.

Grade: B-

Emo Spidey?

Spider-Man 3 is probably the movie that everyone is looking forward to this summer. However, it does not deliver the way fans would have wanted it to. Although Spider-Man 3 is entertaining, compared to the franchise's previous installments, it just falls flat on its face.
Spider-Man 3 starts out with Peter preparing to propose to Mary Jane, Harry wanting some revenge, and Sandman escaping from prison. Already the plot is overwhelming with multiple villains. For X-Men, multiple villains works, but when it's one hero verse all, it's better to keep it simple. Eventually the highly anticipated Venom, played by Topher Grace, is brought into the story, probably one of the few great parts of the film which is taken directly from the comic book and copied shot for shot. Grace is one of the few in the film that actually did a great acting job, but besides his performance, Spider-Man 3 comes off as the whiny addition of the Spider-Man franchise. Peter is crying over Mary Jane, Harry over his dead father, Sandman over his sick daughter, Mary Jane over her failure as an actress, and Eddie Brock over his pathetic life....see what I'm getting at? In the words of my generation, "stop being so damn emo!" The audience wants to see action, laughs, love and strong heroes...not some whiny baby who used to save the world. And for a movie that's 2.5 hours, the editor should be shunned because there was about 30 minutes of pure crap in the middle which includes Peter Parker with his new emo haircut and all black outfit, dancing down the street (this scene actually made me embarassed for Maguire), which should have been cut. Go figure.
Despite my overall opinion, the one thing that makes this movie decent is the CGI, which is flawless in its execution. The action scenes are stunning and you actually feel as if you have that slow motion Spidey-sense. So props to the visual effects department.

Grade: C+