The third instalment of the phenomenally successful animated film will offer the first serious challenge to 'Spider-Man 3'.
LOS ANGELES: After two weeks of unrivalled dominance at the US box-office, Spider-Man could find himself outmuscled by a lovable green ogre when 'Shrek the Third' opens in theatres on Friday.
The third instalment of the phenomenally successful animated film will offer the first serious challenge to 'Spider-Man 3', which has grossed a staggering 632 million dollars worldwide in only two weeks.
The first two Shrek films have grossed more than 1.4 billion dollars worldwide since the franchise was launched in 2001, with 2004's second instalment raking in 920 million dollars alone.
But whether the third film is capable of repeating that success remains to be seen, with early reviews from influential entertainment journals 'Daily Variety' and 'The Hollywood Reporter' suggesting the series was flagging.
"Much of the bite and a good deal of the wit of the first two films are missing," 'The Hollywood Reporter' noted in an early review this week.
"The rude send-up of beloved fairy tale conventions remains, somewhat, but these playful jabs no longer come as pleasing surprises. You expect them. And you expect better."
'Variety' meanwhile said that while Shrek was 'still mirthful and eccentric enough to amuse his hordes of admirers,' the character was beginning to 'show signs of encroaching middle age.'
The latest Shrek film sees Mike Myers return to provide the voice of the ogre, who is saddled with the crown of Far Far Away whilst struggling to adapt to life as a father.
Cameron Diaz, who again provides the voice of Shrek's love interest Princess Fiona, told journalists the film was a welcome break from the demands of conventional acting.
"The animation process lets the actors be a bit more outrageous with their personas," Diaz said, citing the example of co-star Antonio Banderas, who reprises his role as Puss in Boots.
"If you saw Antonio Banderas in a live action film being Puss in Boots, you'd be like, 'What the hell is he doing?'," Diaz said.
"But, as an animated cat with boots this big, you go, 'Oh, yeah, of course.' Yes, there is a liberty that we can take. It's liberating to be behind this thing, where you can make the stupid, crazy faces."
The return of 'Shrek' is the latest installment of what has been dubbed Hollywood's 'Summer of Sequels,' which will see no fewer than 14 follow-ups to earlier films hit cinema screens over the coming months.
While 'Spider-Man 3' and 'Shrek the Third' are the two biggest blockbusters to be released so far this year, all eyes will be on the third film in the hugely successful 'Pirates of the Caribbean' series, which opens later in May.
As well as 'Pirates,' 'Spiderman' and 'Shrek,' a number of other successful films are readying sequels, with a fifth installment of the money-spinning Harry Potter based on JK Rowling's books heading the field.
George Clooney and Brad Pitt will return for crime-caper 'Ocean's 13,' while Matt Damon is reprising his role as assassin Jason Bourne for a third time in 'The Bourne Ultimatum.'
Other sequels include Bruce Willis action movie 'Die Hard 4', 'Fantastic Four,' 'Evan Almighty' and 'Hostel 2'.
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