Puss In Boots: The Last Wish is an action-packed adventure film that teaches important lessons about appreciating what is right in front of you.
Puss In Boots: The Last Wish is going to take a lot of viewers by complete surprise. There are a lot of elements that go into this film that make it one of the best of the year. The animation is gorgeous, the voice cast brings their A-game, the writing is brilliant, and the story itself is emotional and heartwarming. There are important lessons weaved throughout the film for viewers of all ages that teach about appreciating what is right in front of you. All too often we are focused on our wants so hard that we completely miss what we have in our lives already.
Antonio Banderas is back as the lead character and this time, we see him like we never have before — quite a bit defeated. Salma Hayek also reprises her role as Kitty Softpaws and although she does not want to spend her time with Puss In Boots, she is basically forced to.
This story starts off with a falling star and ultimately it follows several different groups of characters who venture out to find said star. Why? So that they can make a wish, of course. The one who finds it will be granted one wish. The movie focuses on all of the wishes that these characters would make if they are the one to reach it first, as well as the all out battle over the map that will get them there. Each one has something very specific in mind, and as viewers learn them, it is easy to become invested in the tale.
While these characters all feel that they deserve the wish, the journey there allows them time to reflect on their lives. The writing here is absolutely brilliant as it finds a way to add in a lot of unique moments. That said, there is one twist that is quite predictable, for most audiences at least. However some children will be blown away when the reveal comes, which means it does its job. The overall lessons are important ones, and the way they shine through the storytelling is truly heartwarming. Have tissues handy because there are some moments that are so emotional, they are sure to bring a few tears to the eyes.
Do you need to have seen any of the Shrek films, or even the first Puss In Boots movie? The short answer is no. Thanks to the brilliant writing this film tells a cohesive enough story that it is easy to come into this world knowing nothing and enjoy it to the fullest. Will certain things make a little more sense if you have seen them? Of course. DreamWorks was sure to throw in some payoff for fans of the franchise, but this can easily be your first introduction to it and you will be just fine. Don’t let not having seen the others shy you away from going to see Puss In Boots: The Last Wish.
One of the very best things about this film is the voice acting, and the unique and entertaining characters. John Mulaney‘s Jack Horner is absolutely hilarious and the perfect villain for the story. He is very clearly a spoiled man baby who is willing to do anything — and we mean anything — to get what he wants. Because of this he provides some of the most enjoyable and funny moments of the movie.
Harvey Guillen‘s Perro, however, is the biggest standout of Puss In Boots: The Last Wish. He is a lovable dog who is honest, innocent, and just wants to have a good time with his friends. He provides a lot of the wisdom and life lessons throughout the movie, in a way that feels completely on accident. Perro also delivers the majority of the comedic relief, providing viewers with many laugh out loud moments.
Goldilocks (Florence Pugh) and the three bears bring a brutality and gruffness to the story, but they also bring a lot of the heart. They are all dealing with their own issues, but they are an important part of the story. There is a character that everyone will be able to relate to as they all bring something unique to the table.
Puss In Boots: The Last Wish – Is The Wolf Too Scary?
As seen in the trailer, the wolf is a bit intimidating. He has some sizable weapons, a deep grizzly voice, and glowing red eyes. So is he too scary for younger kids? Well, he might be. Parents know their children best and it is important to note that he has a very integral part in the story as whole. He can be a bit terrifying at times and he does end up with quite a bit of screen time. That said he is meant to have this effect on the audience, because he does on Puss In Boots.
So is he so scary that you shouldn’t see this movie? Nah. Eyes can be covered if need be. Puss In Boots: The Last Wish is too good to skip because of this minute detail.
Overall Thoughts
Puss In Boots: The Last Wish brings action and heart to the big screen. This movie deserves to be seen in theaters, not only because of the incredible animation, but because of the beautiful story that it tells. While there are some moments that start to drag or feel repetitive, the writing is smart enough that it doesn’t take away from too much of the film. The Puss In Boots sequel is fun, hilarious, and gives viewers some epic action sequences. This is one that the whole family will enjoy, so don’t miss it this holiday season!
Rating: 4 out of 5
NEXT: Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio Review
About Puss In Boots: The Last Wish
For the first time in more than a decade, DreamWorks Animation presents a new adventure in the Shrek universe as daring outlaw Puss in Boots discovers that his passion for peril and disregard for safety have taken their toll. Puss has burned through eight of his nine lives, though he lost count along the way. Getting those lives back will send Puss in Boots on his grandest quest yet.
Academy Award® nominee Antonio Banderas returns as the voice of the notorious PiB as he embarks on an epic journey into the Black Forest to find the mythical Wishing Star and restore his lost lives. But with only one life left, Puss will have to humble himself and ask for help from his former partner and nemesis: the captivating Kitty Soft Paws (Oscar® nominee Salma Hayek).
In their quest, Puss and Kitty will be aided—against their better judgment—by a ratty, chatty, relentlessly cheerful mutt, Perro (Harvey Guillén, What We Do in the Shadows). Together, our trio of heroes will have to stay one step ahead of Goldilocks (Oscar® nominee Florence Pugh, Black Widow) and the Three Bears Crime Family, “Big” Jack Horner (Emmy winner John Mulaney, Big Mouth) and terrifying bounty hunter, The Big Bad Wolf (Wagner Moura, Narcos).
Puss In Boots: The Last Wish comes to theaters December 21st.
