The film is a kind of inverted Toy Story. The hero is an Ogre. His sidekick is a jackass… literally. The villain is a politician whose stature makes Phil Kaufman’s swipe at Napoleon in Quills look subtle. And the princess is as full of surprises as the dragon who keeps her captive. Woody might make a very subtle reference to bodily functions, but Shrek seems to go for the flatulence gag every 15 minutes or so. (The body as comedy appliance issue turns up prominently in the Evolution trailer as well.) If the mission of the toys is simple and clear, Shrek’s journey is nothing if not unclear. And don’t expect sentimentality from Shrek. There is no sentimental moment that can’t become a tough, funny joke. (The only reference that they didn’t go for was Benjamin, as represented by Shrek, banging on the church window, a la The Graduate.)