The plot for “Shrek Forever After” is similar to Frank Capra’s classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Shrek lands in a Far Far Away world as if he never existed. The ogre Fiona is public enemy number one, Donkey is afraid of Shrek, and Puss in Boots is a lazy domesticated housecat.

While the trailer doesn’t reveal too much, Dreamworks has indicated that the big green guy has become bored with life as a husband and dad, and wonders what else is out there for him.

Directed by Mike Mitchell, the returning cast includes Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, Mike Myers, and Antonio Banderas. It’s set for a May 21, 2010 release date. Oh, and just like every other kids’ movie these days, it’s in 3D. Why, oh why must everything be in 3D?!!

Image: Paramount Pictures

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WENN News is reporting that the head honchos of some movie companies are banning stars from joining Twitter, to prevent secret information from leaking out. The first victims: Cameron Diaz and Mike Myers. They’re set to star in another “Shrek” sequel, “Shrek Forever After,” next year.

Dreamworks execs have forbidden actors from giving out information on the Web by inserting social media clauses into their contracts.

It makes total sense to me, because people feel a little more invisible on the Web and might be more apt to reveal something there, as opposed to an in-person interview.

Image: Bauer-Griffin; Cameron Diaz receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, June 22, 2009.

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But if anyone can do a remake, it would be Steven Spielberg, who plans to direct an upcoming film, a co-production of 20th Century Fox and DreamWorks. It’s the first film under DreamWorks’ new incarnation; the company will finance 50% through its new partner Reliance and distribute through Disney.

It’s funny how all these film companies are hooked in together now. You never see a movie produced solely by MGM or Paramount.

At any rate, I hope Spielberg gets somebody who can do justice to the role. I’m thinking Tom Hanks or Steve Carell. Anybody else strike you as a good candidate?

Image: Bauer-Griffin

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Meanwhile, Roger Ebert dissed the format in his review of the movie. It’s a big discussion in the movie biz right, with DreamWorks pushing its slate of 3D movies. I think it works for some, but not all, movies.

My friends at Cinema Blend caught up with Michael Bay at ShoWest and posted a a great piece about his thoughts on the matter. When asked if would consider making a "Transformers" movies in 3D, he said "I don’t know … I might be old school … I think it might be a gimmick." For more of his thoughts, watch the video below.

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Well, this news isn’t good. I just read in Variety that DreamWorks Animation’s net income fell 45% last quarter to $52 million, from $94 million the year before.

Even though sales of “Kung Fu Panda” DVDs generated $102 million during the quarter, revenue still fell 31% to about $200 million, down from $290 million.

Hmmm, this is a little different report than I posted earlier this month. I don’t know about you, but I’ll be one sad puppy if this company, which helmed films like “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa,” “Over the Hedge,” and “Flushed Away” takes a dive.

CEO Jeffrey Katzenberg said in a statement that he thinks 2009 will be driven by more “Madagascar,” as well as “Monsters vs. Aliens,” the company’s first 3D release which opens in theaters March 27, 2009.

“We believe that Monsters vs. Aliens will reset the bar for what moviegoers should expect from a CG animated film,” Katzenberg said.

I hope so. I’m pulling for you, DreamWorks!

Image: Paramount/DreamWorks Animation

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They’re in negotiations for DreamWorks’ "Master Mind," about a superhero villain who loses his reason to live after accidentally killing his good-guy nemesis.

They’re looking at a Nov. 5, 2010 release date. Stiller is also producing via his Red Hour Films.

Eh, maybe I’ll get more excited as the movie gets closer. I imagine doing voice work is a lot less work than doing live-action. Maybe that’s why so many actors end up doing animated movies. Or maybe they’re just fun to do.

Image: Tropic Thunder, Dreamworks SKG, 2008

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It looks a lot like “Monsters, Inc.,” doesn’t it?

Image: Monsters vs. Aliens, DreamWorks Animation, 2009

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