Shrek is a fairy tale for people who don't believe in fairy tales. It is a cynical, self-conscious snark-fest sure to delight viewers aware of the rivalry between Disney and DreamWorks exec Jeffrey Katzenberg. There are enough silly moments and funny characters to satisfy the kids, but at its heart, Shrek is a movie for adults who have learned from experience that things don't always end happily ever after.

Helmed by first-time directors Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson, Shrek has the glossy, colorful look of a 3D cartoon. Each scene is stuffed with in-joke details, and if you watch closely enough, you are bound to glimpse fairly tale characters from old animated classics. It's like walking into a Disney store.

The hero of Shrek is far from Prince Charming, however. The opening sequences show him bathing in mud, brushing his teeth with bug goo, and catching his morning meal of fish with um… flatulence. Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers) is an ogre, and proud of it. His solitary life in the swamp is perfect, up until the point his home is overrun with mice. Three blind mice. And dwarves, seven of them, carrying around a dead princess in a glass coffin.

Yes, Shrek's peace is shattered by the invasion of fairy tale characters - especially by an obnoxious talking donkey (voiced by Eddie Murphy). These adorable creatures have been arrested and rezoned under the orders of the evil Lord Farquaad (voiced by John Lithgow). Farquaad is the scariest of creatures - a short, hairy man with a power fixation. Reigning in the picture perfect, rule-oriented land of Duloc, all Farquaad needs is a title to make his world complete, and to get that title, he needs to marry a princess. After a cute nod to the Dating game, Farquaad chooses bachelorette number three, Princess Fiona (a plucky Cameron Diaz).

Storming into Duloc to demand his home back, Shrek strikes a deal with Farquaad. If he rescues the princess from her dragon-infested tower, the swamp will be emptied of its cheerful squatters. Fortunately, acts of brute strength are no problem for this cranky ogre - it's the relationships he forms with Donkey and Princess Fiona that cause him trouble.

Like its hero, the animation of Shrek also falters when it comes to dealing with people - the actual humans look far less convincing than the eerily green Shrek and the furry, expressive donkey. Because the rest of the images are so perfect, it's a bit off-putting when the "beautiful" princess looks a bit like a blow up doll. The only other jarring element is Mike Myers's smallish voice in the gruff imposing ogre. Even with his annoyed Scottish burr, Myers sounds too benign to voice Shrek's threats.

Eddie Murphy has far more experience with voice over work (Mulan, "The PJs") and seems to utterly enjoy talking a mile a minute as Donkey. His constant chatter insures that kids won't get bored as parents admire the many visual jokes of Shrek. Try not to have Disneyworld flashbacks when Shrek and Donkey arrive at the outskirts of Duloc and glance at the sign that informs them, "You are parked in Lancelot".

In another inspired moment, Farquaad tortures the Gingerbread Man by breaking off his legs. Never before has the comeback, "Eat me" been so poignant. In yet another Disney swipe, a beautiful scene in which Princess Fiona sings with a bird turns tragic when Fiona's high note cause a feathery explosion. And you thought Diaz's karaoke in My Best Friend's wedding was painful.

These subversive moments are the highlights of Shrek - a film that refuses to play by the rules, and wins hearts as a result. This is the overall message of the film; you don't have to be cute or perfect to deserve love, and a life lived happily ever after is not just for the rich and beautiful. By the film's end, Shrek will win a lot of affection, both on and off screen.

Photo copyright: Dreamworks