3D skeptic won over by 'Shrek 4'

Personal bias: I'm not a huge fan of this 3D movie fad. Call me old-fashioned, but I prefer three-dimensional characters over some dragon swinging in front of my face, breathing fire into my personal bubble. My wife is the only person allowed to get within three inches of my face, and even then, her breath better be minty.

I've seen a 3D movie here and there, and I can certainly see the appeal, especially for kids. The extra dimension provides a completely different visual experience, and teamed with the right material (think the otherwise forgettable "Polar Express") it can be an entertaining way to spend 90 minutes. Anything longer than that (I'm looking at you, "Avatar"), and my eyes need a 48-hour spa retreat.

Despite my reservations, I'm not that guy screaming, "3D is the Devil!" in the back of the auditorium. I was particularly excited when my longtime theater and sponsor of this Ticket Stubs space, the Hayden Cinema Six, was able to secure a new 3D lens from Technicolor. It allows the theater to show 3D movies without installing an expensive digital screen, and in an industry dominated by multi-million dollar titans, you've got to love the victorious efforts of the stalwart local business owner.

I am relieved to report the Hayden Cinema's first 3D presentation, "Shrek Forever After," exceeds expectations in terms of visual spectacle. The film, developed from the start as a 3D presentation instead of going through a cheap, post-production conversion process ("Alice in Wonderland," "Clash of the Titans"), is a testament to how 3D can be used to add depth and perspective to images without being too gimmicky.

The downside with all 3D presentations, and the main reason I only see them sporadically, is the diminished image brightness. While the darker look is distracting in the opening scenes of "Shrek," those vibrant green ogre characters are soon onscreen to color up the proceedings.

The film thankfully didn't throw too many flying objects at my face, either. When it happens, it occurs naturally, like when some flying henchwoman hurls an exploding jack-o-lantern at our heroes, Green Goblin style. Yes, in this fractured fairy tale world, that's what passes as normal.

Overall, despite the Technicolor 3D lens being an economic alternative to more expensive digital projectors, I couldn't tell much difference in the picture quality. The only downside for me is Disney won't be releasing their 3D movies, including "Toy Story 3," on anything other than Digital Screens, leaving the Hayden out of the mix for now. For shame, giant media conglomerate!

As for the movie itself, "Shrek Forever After" is a significant improvement over the 2007 disaster, "Shrek the Third." The dated pop culture references have been toned down, and there's an entertaining story this time around, involving Shrek traveling to an alternate universe where he doesn't exist. If anything, it provides us with the hilarious image of a fat Puss N Boots (still brilliantly voiced by Antonio Banderas) trying to restore his heroic self-image.

That said, "Shrek 4" is no masterpiece. Ideally, this franchise should have ended after "Shrek 2." But with the help of a couple decent villains, fast-talking Rumpelstiltskin and the Kenny G-loving Pied Piper, "Shrek Forever After" is fast and amusing enough, and the last few minutes put a nice, neat ribbon on the entire "Shrek" franchise.

Is it worth seeing in 3D? I'm still not really the person to ask. Either you like this kind of thing or you don't, and I'm still OK with only the occasional third dimensional assault.

Next on my Must List: August's intentionally campy horror flick, "Piranha 3D." Who doesn't love flesh eating prehistoric fish slopping around three inches from your eye sockets?

"Shrek Forever After" Grade: B

Tyler Wilson can be reached at twilson@cdapress.com. Read more reviews and pop culture commentary at www.NormdogEntertainment.com.