Chosen A2 Media text

The media text I have chosen to study for my A2 coursework is the recent cinema release, “Shrek the Third”. This sequel is one of three Dreamworks produced films in the “Shrek” series, “Shrek” (released in June 2001), “Shrek 2” (July 2004) and the latest instalment “Shrek the Third” (June 2007).
The film follows the same overall plot pattern as the first two films: Shrek sets out on a quest with his faithful side-kicks Donkey and Puss in Boots, to find the heir of Far far Away, since King Harold has died. This is solely for Shrek’s benefit as otherwise he will be forced to take the throne with his wife Princess Fiona (which he does not want to do) alike in the first film where he rescues Fiona to get his swamp back and the second where he drinks a “happily ever after” potion to become handsome and attractive. The three main characters set off to “Worrcessteshire” to find King Harold’s long lost nephew, Artie with the intention of bringing him back and appointing him as the new King. However whilst this is going on and Shrek is away, Prince Charming is making an evil plot to overthrow Fiona and Shrek and plans to take the Kingdom off Far far Away for himself, with the help of all the well known fairytale villains Charming captures Fiona, the Queen and the other princesses and takes control of Far far Away. Meanwhile Fiona nervously awaits Shrek’s return, to come and save her and the rest of the fairytale creatures that have been taken hostage in Far far Away. There is also an underlining plot between Fiona and Shrek throughout the film, even though they are mostly apart, as at the beginning of the film Princess Fiona announces that she is pregnant and during the film is seen to be anxious of Shreks reaction to the news, when he returns.
I have chosen this film as it appeals to a wide audience from very young children to teenagers to adults. It fits into multiple different genres which again furthers audience appeal. All three “Shrek” films feature the voices of well known celebrities (which again furthers audience appeal). It features many different cultural and intertextual references throughout the film. And finally is jam packed with comedy and humour that is cleverly targeted at different age groups. All in all, these main points of interest all centre round audience and therefore will be the frame of my coursework question.
Some of the well known celebrity names featured in “Shrek the Third” are:
Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas, Julia Andrews, John Cleese, Rupert Everett, Eric Idle, Justin Timberlake and Jonathon Ross.