Is Shrek the Greatest Rom-Com?

With the rereleasing of Shrek 2 in fine movie theaters everywhere across the country, I find it appropriate to have an honest conversation about Shrek’s cultural impact.

As we all know, every generation is defined by its romantic comedies.

Hitch. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Crazy Stupid Love. The Proposal. She’s the Man. 13 Going on 30. The Holiday. And so many more!

There are plenty of 2000’s rom-coms to choose from for a night of fun and romantic entertainment but like the man who questioned Jesus about the Law and Commandments, which one is the greatest?

In my humble estimation, we can look no further than Shrek.

Here we have movie that was almost shelved from seeing the light of day and, by the grace of God, hit theaters, capturing and captivating the hearts of audiences. And the cherry on top was an Oscar win for Best Animation Feature.

Rom coms are about romance and comedy — this isn’t rocket science people, sometimes the name speaks for itself. And Shrek exceedingly delivers on both fronts.

This subtle children’s film is laced with comedic gold and an underlying story of true love finds a way.

To be sure, all rom-coms have this feel-good message bacon wrapped in situational comedy but what sets Shrek apart from the herd is its uncanny ability to communicate valuable life lessons right under our very noses:

• Our closest friends are often found in the most unlikely circumstances — and sometimes they intrude on your swamp.
• Short kings can’t be trusted with magic mirrors. They only want a wife so they can be king and look good.
• Ogre’s are like onions: they have layers. Yes Shrek, so true! That’ll preach!
• Guys can literally save a princess from a dragon and she gets mad because it wasn’t done right — ugh women, can’t even make her happy when you save her life.
• Shrek is infatuated with Fiona’s martial arts prowess as she single-handily destroys Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men — which just goes to show women who can fight are hot.
• Insecurities will always hinder us from realizing how much value we have to offer. Even Ogres can find love too.
• Don’t jump to conclusions when you don’t have all the facts — cause if you do you’ll fall flat on your face and cause the girl you like to say yes to a marriage proposal to a short king.
• The best way to crash a wedding is with a dragon.
• Love isn’t always the curated fairytale we envision for ourselves. Find someone who accepts you for who you are — imperfections and insecurities included.

Shrek masterfully communicates to us how to navigate the often complex components of life.

This just goes to show if you wanna be wise in life, you gotta watch animated kids movies.

And time would fail me to dive into the great sequel that is Shrek 2, exploring the depths of familial tension and conflict that come with romance.

But I digress.

The point is that Shrek is a diamond in the rough. There have been countless rom-com flops in an attempt to recapture the timeless magic and wonder a Shrek gave us.

Should we blame Hollywood for being out of touch with the human heart? Not entirely but yes. [Remember Hollywood is WOKE]

We don’t need more rom-coms with Sydney Sweeney — even if she is a woman with features some midwestern men find attractive. We want Shrek!

We want something real and can teach us a thing or two about life.

Anyone is welcome to disagree with me but those people are also welcome to get in line to kiss my backside.