by Donna Cooper

Created on: May 16, 2008

Historically, sequels have proven to be a disappointment to moviegoers, but there have been a few that have managed to outdo the original. However, in the case of trilogies, which are becoming increasingly popular, the 3rd installment has some tough shoes to fill, especially when the second movie managed to outdo the first in the series.

While it's all debatable, most people would agree that most recently Spiderman 2 was better than the original, but the 3rd installment left us all a little dissatisfied. (For a review on this film, please see my earlier posts.) The characters in Spiderman 3, though the same as the first two films, had no depth this time around. Maybe it is because there wasn't much of a story for them to get into.

The first chapter of Peter Jackson's epic trilogy, Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, seemed impossible to surpass, but the second installment (The Two Towers) managed to blow it out of the water. Though, personally, the first one is still my favorite, the final chapter (Return of the King) uncharacteristically managed to stand its ground compared to the two earlier chapters. It's hard to determine which film was the best, considering each one dealt with increasingly difficult struggles and challenges until it all climaxed into and ending that relieved us all.

There are many movie franchises out there that have been blessed with a successful second film, and sometimes a surprisingly successful third film, for example, Toy Story 2, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Indian Jones and the Last Crusade, but more often than not the middle film is the one that stands out.

[SPOILER ALERT-Do not read if you haven't seen the movie and don't want it ruined]

So, this weekend I went to see the third in the Shrek franchise. Now, mind you having attended the Rum Festival earlier in the evening I was very relaxed after a bucket of voodoo juice. Going into this film, knowing that I enjoyed the second Shrek more than the first, but having really enjoyed the first Shrek, I was optimistic for the third.

The scene opened up with Shrek and Fiona keeping an eye on things in Far Far Away because the king was on his deathbed. After the king croaked, no pun intended (okay, well maybe it was intended), Shrek set out to find Arthur, the only other heir to the throne besides Shrek, whom the king named his successor before he died.

Meanwhile, Prince Charming was plotting to capture the kingdom and enlisted the services of all the villains from fairy

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