Not that it will matter to most how critics -- or even the august Office for Film & Broadcasting -- weigh in, but we're happy to report that "Shrek the Third" (DreamWorks) lives up to the high standards of the first two films, and therefore can be warmly recommended for family viewing, albeit with some minor cautions.

Any sailor worth his or her salt knows it's vital to lay in ample provisions and then ration them over the course of a long voyage. Evidently, director Gore Verbinski and the crew steering the generally listless "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" (Disney) drank up all the rum and fresh water during the first two parts of their blockbuster series based on the theme-park ride.