Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is showing in theaters at the time of writing. Rated PG. Common Sense says 8.
STORY: A-
Down to his ninth and final feline life, Puss in Boots goes on a desperate quest to find the Last Wish. Puss in Boots has always struck me as a kindred spirit of Wile E. Coyote. The old Road Runner cartoons would definitely hit different if Wile E’s next plunge off a cliff could be his last. Mortality is not a topic often covered in kids’ cartoon movies. The added wrinkle of potential death fills Puss in Boots: The Last Wish with, believe it or not, poignancy. But don’t worry. It still contains a plethora of fairy tale puns and juvenile hijinks that allows us to pull out as much poignancy as we wish - tons, some, or none - and still have a great time.
PEOPLE: A-
Antonio Banderas’s performance of Puss in Boots sits on my Mt Rushmore of animated franchise voice work. His combination of comic timing, bravado, and hysterical incredulousness creates an unforgettable character.
Salma Hayek is a treat as Kitty Softpaws. She’s sassy and strong enough to knock Puss in Boots down a peg or two when necessary, but sympathetic and warm enough to love him as much as we do. The rest of the massive cast is fabulous as well. There’s not a weak link in the bunch.
FILM NERD STUFF: B+
The film employs two distinct animation styles. The majority of the film uses a straightforward computer animation technique. But the style quickly shifts when conflict arises. As characters begin flying toward each other, the lush three dimensional drawing flattens out. Any subtle shading of color dissolves. Smooth motion becomes both herky and jerky. These changes make the combat scenes stand out and crackle with energy, baring a strong resemblance to the innovative style made famous by Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse.
FEAR FACTOR (Elective Class): B+
I went to see this with my seven year old. He’s, shall we say, a sensitive soul.
The Big Bad Wolf is terrifying. His red eyes glow pure evil. He arrives suddenly and without warning, accompanied by his chilling entrance music: a creepy, hair twisting whistle. His gravelly voice is the last voice you would ever want to hear saying your name. His curved scythe blades twinkle with a murderous gleam.
I groaned at the idea of his nightmares waking him - and of course, me - up in the middle of the night. Strange thing, though. The kid sailed through his night’s sleep like a champ. He was even cracking jokes about him the next day. I have no idea how the filmmakers created such a magnificent beast, one who could scare an adult silly but allow the young’uns to sleep peacefully through the night. I never knew such a thing could exist. Bravo, Dreamworks.
FINAL COMMENTS:
Many animated IPs have spun off characters from their universes with varying degrees of success. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish utilizes formidable voice work, rousing storytelling, and fresh animation style to ensure this franchise is nowhere near its ninth life. Puss in Boots keeps on rolling. This is the best one yet.