The Courageous Nerd Hall Of Fame was created to honour writers, actors, films, TV series and books that have impacted my life, in one way or another. A new ‘inductee’ will join the Hall every once in a while, with an explanation for their inclusion. Somewhat of a spiritual successor to the Spotlights featured on the site.

Without further ado…

february 2020 inductee – ‘shrek’ franchise

Starring: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas

Also Starring: Julie Andrews, John Cleese, Jennifer Saunders, Rupert Everett, John Lithgow, Justin Timberlake

Between 2001 and 2010, four animated ‘Shrek’ films were released by DreamWorks. They told the story of the titular ogre (Mike Myers) and his journey, both emotional and physical, from a solitary, self-loathing individual to a married father and husband surrounded by love and acceptance.

Along the way, he makes close friends in Donkey (Eddie Murphy) and Puss In Boots (Antonio Banderas) as well as marrying Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz), who had been locked in a tower and cursed to become an ogress every night when the sun went down.

One of the best things about Shrek is how the films work on multiple levels. Children and adults can take different messages away from the stories and their impact. While the fairy tale world is likely what appeals to younger viewers, the important life messages conveyed are extremely important relevant, even nearly twenty years after the first film was released.

In the first film, Fiona’s curse and her dissatisfaction with what she becomes play a crucial role in the story, tying in with Shrek’s feelings about how negatively ogres are perceived by others. Through both of them, we learn that who a person is on the inside by far outweighs how they physically look, which is what a shallow character such as Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow) would base judgements on.

As I have said, the films are particularly special for me and anyone else who was a child in 2001 when the series started. While yes, it is a fantastical children’s comedy, there is also serious character development and evolution. We see a growth in the core cast rather than them remaining static.

Also, despite the film being a comedy and the many comedians in the ensemble (Myers, Murphy, Cleese, Eric Idle), Shrek also pulls off genuinely tender and emotional moments that pull at the heartstrings.

Whether it’s Shrek and Fiona’s first kiss, King Harold (John Cleese) passing away, Artie (Justin Timberlake) growing up at the end of Shrek The Third or the whole ending of Shrek Forever After, these dramatic beats, in my opinion, do not feel cheesy or out of place in the storyline.

It has been rumoured that the franchise will be returning for a fifth feature film in 2022. Whether that comes to pass or not, we still have four amazing Shrek adventures to enjoy again and again.