Shrek's happy ever after

16-06-2007 07:15

'Shrek the Third' returns to the land of Far Far Away where everyone's favourite big green giant is having a spot of bother.Fiona's father has croaked, leaving Shrek to inherit the crown and act as king.Ever the reluctant hero, he will do anything to avoid his royal duties and sets off in search of the only other living heir - a geeky young Arthur, known as Artie. In addition to his new quest, Fiona is pregnant with a litter of little ogres and Shrek is terrified about the prospect of fatherhood.If this wasn't bad enough, while Shrek is away searching for the new heir to the throne, Prince Charming decides to invade Far Far Away and take it by force.This latest instalment in the fairytale adventure series sees the return of all our old favourite characters as well as the introduction of some new faces.Justin Timberlake plays Artie, the dorky teenager bullied at school who is delighted to learn he has become a king.

The 26-year-old singer made his film debut this year in 'Alpha Dog' alongside Bruce Willis and Sharon Stone. He has also starred in 'Black Snake Moan' with Samuel L. Jackson and Christina Ricci and will appear in 'Southland Tales' with Sarah Michelle Geller and Mandy Moore later this year.

Despite being relatively new to acting, Justin, drew on his childhood games to help him with the 'voice acting' involved in animation.

He said: "The only thing I can equate this to is when you're seven-years-old and you are in your backyard and you have a stick, and to you it's a huge sword and you really are King Arthur."

While former lovers Justin and Cameron Diaz - the voice of Fiona - did not have to work together while making the movie, they have both been touring to promote the movie, crossing paths on the red carpet.

Despite announcing their split after four-years together in January, the couple insist they are still great friends and loved being reunited.

Cameron said: "It's been great working with Justin, it's been fantastic.

"We haven't had a chance to sit down and talk because we've been working a lot but everyone's been working very hard and we've had a lot of fun."

As well as Justin's new character, Monty Python veteran Eric Idle joins the cast as Merlin and 'Lovejoy' star Ian McShane takes on the role of Captain Hook.

Fiona is also joined by a host of fairytale princesses - voiced by comediennes from the Saturday Night Live team - whose classic traits are given a clever Shrek twist.

Do not be fooled by the graceful appearances of narcoleptic Sleeping Beauty, vain Snow White, glamorous Rapunzel or ditzy Cinderella - expect plenty of girl power from Fiona's new pals.