From the moment Eddie Murphy’s unmistakable voice bursts onto the screen, Shrek: Donkey’s Big Adventure makes one thing clear — the motor-mouthed sidekick we’ve loved for over two decades is finally taking the reins, and he’s not letting go. This spin-off doesn’t just expand the Shrek universe; it proves Donkey has been carrying more heart, humor, and hidden heroics than anyone realized.
The film opens with the familiar comfort of the swamp — warm greens, familiar faces, and Donkey doing what Donkey does best: talking. And talking. And talking. But the peaceful banter is cut short when a magical mishap catapults him into a distant kingdom, one dripping with fairy tale opulence yet suffocating under a mysterious curse. It’s the perfect fish-out-of-water setup for the most excitable creature in DreamWorks history.
Murphy is, once again, the heart and soul of this character. His timing is flawless, his energy infectious, and his ability to balance chaos with sincerity gives the film its heartbeat. We’ve seen Donkey crack jokes, sing off-key, and annoy everyone in sight — but here, we see what happens when the noise masks a deeper courage.
Donkey’s unexpected role as the “chosen one” is met with the sort of skepticism only he can deliver: “Me? Hero? Did the prophecy run out of options?” Yet, as he’s joined by a wonderfully oddball crew — a broom with a superiority complex, a baby dragon whose shyness is matched only by her firepower, and a prince allergic to responsibility — Donkey begins to grow into the role he never wanted.
The adventure that follows is a tapestry of slapstick comedy, heartfelt character beats, and sly nods to fairy tale tropes. The sly sorcerer antagonist, voiced with silky menace by Hugh Laurie, is both a genuine threat and a perfect foil for Donkey’s irreverent charm. Their exchanges crackle with comedic energy, especially in scenes where Donkey’s mouth becomes his greatest weapon.
Visually, the film is stunning. DreamWorks’ animation has never been sharper, with the cursed kingdom shifting between enchanted beauty and eerie gloom. The design of the Arena of Mirrors — a sequence in which Donkey must face distorted versions of himself — is a highlight, mixing emotional resonance with inventive visual gags.
Musical numbers, long a staple of the Shrek franchise, make a triumphant return. From Donkey’s hilariously overproduced power ballad “Hero in Hooves” to a big finale ensemble that packs cameos from Shrek, Fiona, and Puss in Boots, the soundtrack is both cheekily self-aware and genuinely catchy. You’ll leave the theater humming — whether you want to or not.
The cameos are used sparingly but effectively. Shrek and Fiona pop up at just the right moments to lend support (and deliver a few classic one-liners), while Puss in Boots gets a scene-stealing moment involving a sword, a sandwich, and a duel he’s far too invested in. These moments remind us that while Donkey’s story stands on its own, it’s still firmly rooted in the world we know and love.
Underneath the comedy, Donkey’s Big Adventure carries a surprisingly poignant message about self-worth and the idea that bravery isn’t about being the strongest or the smartest — it’s about showing up, even when you feel outmatched. Watching Donkey stumble, panic, and talk his way through danger, only to rise when it matters most, is the kind of character growth that makes the laughs hit even harder.
Director Jennifer Yuh Nelson (of Kung Fu Panda 2 fame) keeps the pacing tight, the tone buoyant, and the action sequences as imaginative as they are ridiculous. The film’s mix of quick-witted banter and visually inventive set pieces ensures that kids will be glued to the screen while adults savor the sly humor layered beneath.
By the time the credits roll, Shrek: Donkey’s Big Adventure has done the impossible — it’s given us a fresh, hilarious, and heartfelt story about a character who’s been making us laugh for years, while proving that sometimes, the loudest voices hide the biggest hearts. With Eddie Murphy at his unstoppable best, this isn’t just a spin-off… it’s a long-overdue coronation.
Watch movie:
*Content is hosted on a partner site.
