This 20-minute short film from 2010 is so far the last entry to the hugely successful Shrek franchise and was released shortly after the fourth film 5 years ago. And looking at it, you would not even guess that the franchise is apparently in decline. This Halloween special was lots of fun. The gang are having a contest, during which they will tell each other stories and the one who is scared last wins. It looks like Donkey proves a worthy opponent for Shrek, but the real highlight were the stories, who were actually pretty creepy, especially the Gingerbread Man story with his girlfriend. The reference on "The Exorcist" was nice as well. Competent short movie I have to say. The director, by the way, is the guy who also directed "Beauty and the Beast" a long time ago. Gary Trousdale also came up with the script together with a handful other guys. If they manage to keep that level, I would not even mind if they make a fifth Shrek feature film. Will they? Who knows? However, about this short film here, it was a success. It got several nominations from the Annie Awards and deservedly so. I enjoyed watching it and recommend it.

Scared Shrekless is a brilliant Halloween special, of the two Dreamworks specials(the other being the Monsters vs Aliens one) this is the better one of the two. Gorgeously animated(the backgrounds are always colourful yet wonderfully atmospheric at times too) with creepy music, hilarious, witty writing, inspired storytelling, all our favourite characters at the top of their game(especially Puss and Gingerbread) and great voice acting(even with the replacement of Eddie Murphy for Donkey's voice). The special is made up of three parodies, the best being the parody of Bride of Frankenstein with Gingerbread, hysterically funny, full of creepy atmosphere and often cute. Shrek's Exorcist parody was also amusing and effective in its creepiness, if not quite as terrifying as the real thing(understandably). Puss and Donkey's Psycho parody was good, it was funny with great voice work and storytelling, only let down by a couple of Donkey's comic interruptions, occasionally coming across as forced. Overall though, Scared Shrekless is brilliant, if you love the first two films(I do) or love horror(the more I see the more I highly appreciate it) you will love it. 9/10 Bethany Cox

I marvel at how much Dreamworks has exploited their Shrek franchise. I mean, how many movies, specials and short films can they make until enough is enough? While I clearly am worried about the future of the series, I must admit that despite everything, "Scared Shrekless" clearly has gorgeous CGI. So, despite being a short and having a substitute voice for Fiona, it is still amazingly nice to look at and features a lot of what made the other films enjoyable.The episode is set at Halloween. Many of the old storybook characters come to Shrek's house to celebrate and tell scary stories. The Gingerbread Man tells a story about his mate--how he and a crazed baker made what SEEMED like the perfect partner. But, things go awry and the story is frighteningly cute. Then, Puss tells a story that is clearly inspired by "Psycho". But, again and again, Donkey keeps interrupting the story--making a mess of it and forcing Puss to tell what REALLY happened. Finally, Shrek tells a story he says is a cute version of "The Exorcist".All in all, I was surprised that I enjoyed this film as much as I did. All three stories were very enjoyable and worth seeing...surprise! Nice, light viewing for the entire family.

To be honest I went into this movie a little deflated expecting a cheap, run of the mill Halloween episode designed only to milk the last bit of magic from the Shrek franchise. As with Shrek the Halls I was completely wrong. It was excellent. You can kind of tell that Eddie Murphy isn't there, but it doesn't matter his replacement does a fine job.Scared Shrekless sees our favourite characters head to Lord Farquad's mansion to see who can stay the night while telling scary stories. We get a pretty chilling song from the information booth (Tuloc is a creepy place) that from the very start sets the scene. We then head right into the action hearing Ginger Bread's, Donkey and Puss and Shrek give three parodies of horror movies. The first and the third are definitely creepy; Puss & Donkey's tale is somewhat lacking and much more comic then those two. However that being stated all three stories all three stories present a weird demented dark humour that will have you laughing like you did way back in Shrek 2. The final scene we're Shrek is left alone with Donkey gives us what Shrek is really about as Shrek uses his ogre abilities (with a little help from the wife and kids) to prove who really is the King of Halloween. With Donkey running and screaming away the final Shrek chapter ends with Shrek, Fiona and the kids hurling eggs at the 7 Dwarfs. This little story is a gem that you can put with your copy of Shrek the Halls. It will have you laughing out loud as you hear the horror stories you grew up with. Its something you'll be able to watch and enjoy every Halloween. I really recommend it, it was a great way to finish the Shrek franchise, a bit disappointing that Eddie Murphy wasn't there but a brilliant job overall. Children under 7 won't get scared, you may wish to wait until your kids are about that age before you sit down and watch it with them. Otherwise go for your lives.