In the lead up to the 95th Academy Awards, I did my best to see as many of them 2023 Oscar nominees as possible. Although I missed my goal (there is only a certain time in a day) was one of the films I made sure to watch before the big ceremony Puss in Boots: The Last Wishthe long-awaited successor to the 2011 Shrek Spin-off starring Antonio Banderas as the swashbuckling cat until his ninth and final life. And I’m really, really glad I did.
I mean, there’s a lot to love about the latest Animated film by DreamWorksincluding its incredibly rich history, the outstanding achievements of the Puss in Boots: The Last Wish pour, those stunning visuals that broke new ground for the medium, and more. Ever since I saw the movie my head is full of thoughts that I will now share with all of you…
(Image credit: DreamWorks Animation)
First off, the hand-drawn animation style in Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is amazing
One of the first things I noticed Puss in Boots: The Last Wish was how drastically the animation differed from its predecessor. Similar to The Bad Boys (another animated film from 2022 that I loved), the Puss in Boots Sequel has a hand drawn and hand painted look that can be described as if Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse featured fairytale characters instead of some of Marvel’s best superheroes.
My wife, kids, and I couldn’t help but be drawn in by the dynamic visuals throughout the film, especially when it came to numerous action sequences with motion sequences and unique stylistic choices that really added a nice touch to the film. Then there were those still shots that really brought the action home. I sincerely hope this trend continues be expanded as it offers a nice alternative to the “Pixar style” that has dominated the industry for the past quarter century.
(Image credit: DreamWorks Animation)
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish has a surprisingly dark history
For a children’s film, this has a surprisingly dark storyline, touching on everything from mortality to animal cruelty and the effects of panic attacks on people… and animals. I mean, the basic premise is that Puss wasted eight of his nine lives and is making a last-ditch effort to recover them to avoid going to the litter box in heaven.
But Puss coming to terms with his own fate is only part of the film’s dark tone, as Perrito (Harvey Guillén), the therapy dog that Banderas’ feral cat meets after learning he’s past his last life has an incredibly tragic situation has backstory in which he reveals that his previous owners have attempted to kill him multiple times, including putting him in a bag and throwing him in a river to drown. The scene is played out for laughs, but it’s still just as dark and tragic to think about.
(Image credit: DreamWorks Animation)
But at the same time, the film has some incredible messages
Although Puss in Boots has its fair share of dark and unsettling moments, the film is filled with incredible message after incredible message, especially in the second half. Early in the film, it is revealed that Puss and Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek) have stopped speaking after the former made the latter wait at the altar on their wedding day. Initially cold and suspicious of her former partner, Kitty learns to give Puss a second chance and shows that anyone can be redeemed.
It’s not just the heroes who learn life lessons throughout the film, as Goldilocks (Florence Pugh) and the Three Bears (Olivia Colman, Ray Winstone and Samson Kayo) learn the true meaning of family; one that is just right.
(Image credit: DreamWorks Animation)
The wolf could very well be my favorite movie villain in recent memory
There were some great villains from DreamWorks Animation over the years, but none compares to the terror and panic Puss in Boots: The Last Wish Antagonist known as The Wolf (Wagner Moura). Seriously, this wolf is the most terrifying and interesting movie villain in years, and that’s before you learn he’s not just a bounty hunter looking for Puss, he’s the embodiment of the cat’s mortal fear. Such a great and unique take on the villain.
There are several scenes where the wolf plays with Puss, but the one that stands out (and the moment I just watched over and over again) was when Death puts two coins over his eyes and on the Heroes shows as if to say, “You can run, but you cannot hide, for death is inevitable.”
(Image credit: DreamWorks Animation)
Can we get more of John Mulaney in movies like this?
John Mulaney, the famously voiced by Peter Porkera.k.a. Spider-Ham, in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Versespeaks one of the many antagonists in The Last Wish with his portrayal of Big Jack Horner. Mulaney, with his incredibly comedic timing, hilarious vocal range, and ability to riff with the best of ’em, absolutely kills it as a nursery rhyme character who’s devoted his life to collecting magical “trinkets.”
The former Saturday night live writer has only made three animated films over the years that are hilarious Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers Film is his latest before and I hope it continues. His unique style and demeanor are perfect for a character like Big Jack Horner, and I’m sure he could pull off other confident and immoral characters with relative ease. Maybe he can finally play in an animated musical all his classics SNL Pay.
(Image credit: DreamWorks Animation)
I really hope this leads to more Puss in Boots (and Shrek) movies
After watching Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, I really hope we see more of Antonio Banderas’ character in the future, especially as new installments in the franchise capture the tone and magic of the 2023 Oscar nominee. given the strong critical reaction and how well the film did at the box office ($462 million worldwide, Sept BoxOfficeMojo), it’s probably a matter of when rather than if when it comes to additional ones Puss in Boots movies.
The film’s success could also lead to a resurgence of the most important Shrek franchisewho hasn’t seen a new episode since 2010 Shrek forever. There was no confirmation from shrek 5but there is no reason to exclude the DreamWorks animation property still.
All in all, this was a great movie experience for me and my kids, and it’s a movie I plan to revisit in the near future. You can too, as the film is currently streaming for anyone with one Peacock Premium Subscription.
Stream Puss in Boots: The Last Wish on Peacock. (opens in new tab)
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