News / Entertainment
“Shrek the Third” Set to Hit Theaters Friday; Takes Aim at "Spider-Man 3"
In all likelihood the latest installment of the DreamWorks juggernaut that is “Shrek” has one weekend to mount a huge box-office haul. Sandwiched in between “Spider-Man 3” and next week’s highly anticipated “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” the green ogre has the unenviable task of tackling two of the most profitable franchises in film history. But hey, Shrek’s no slouch as “Shrek 2” pulled in over $880 million worldwide while the original has grossed more than $455 million.
That being said, it’s hard to imagine moviegoers staying away from “Shrek” even if it has received mixed reviews. The third installment of Spider-Man received the same type of feedback and it still set the opening day record of $59.3 million at the box-office as well as the opening weekend record of just over $148 million.
With Mike Myers as Shrek, Eddie Murphy as Donkey, Cameron Diaz as Fiona, Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots and Justin Timberlake as Artie the movie definitely has the star power to go with the storyline.
“Shrek” should also capitalize on the fact it will attract a huge family crowd even if the majority of the humor is above a kid’s head. With no real competition in the family genre until Ratatouille hits at the end of June “Shrek” has plenty of time to rack up the dollars.
