After rubbing Disney up the wrong way with its satirical take on some ofthe mouse house’s best-loved characters, animated comedy Shrek added insult to injury this weekend by taking an estimated $42.1 million. Surpassing 1994’s The Lion King it became the second highest animated opening ever, after Toy Story 2. Voiced by Mike Myers, Shrek’s title character is a cantankerous ogre who is forced to leave his swamp when it becomes overrun by irritating fairy-tale creatures. Setting off on his journey with only a donkey (Eddie Murphy) for company, Shrek finds himself fighting dragons and rescuing a princess (Cameron Diaz) all the while poking knowing fun at every child’s favourite fables. Shouldering aside last week’s box-office champion The Mummy Returns, Dreamworks’ feature secured the largest opening ever for the studio, beating Gladiator’s $34.8 million bow last year.
Shrek Rules The US
Dreamworks’ ogre claims box-office crown
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