Antonio Banderas returns as the heroic Puss in Boots, in the hysterical new Shrek prequel, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.
The film focuses on Puss confronting the fact that he is on his last of nine lives, and his doctor’s instructions to take a more relaxed approach to life. The swashbuckler will have none of that, and so the adventure begins.
Banderas once again proves he is a man of unparalleled talent when it comes to voicing Puss in Boots. Banderas was born to play this role. His scenes with Kitty Softpaws are endearingly entertaining and Banderas is forever cool, even when Puss starts to feel a bit insecure.
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish explodes from the creative geniuses at DreamWorks Animation, and is the company’s best film since the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, reflecting some of the lessons learned on that series, including the notion that cartoon characters get a lot more interesting if they’re not immortal.
The film takes not only the Shrek franchise, but DreamWorks Animation, to exciting new places. This is a spaghetti-western-inspired tale of an aging cowboy on one last adventure with some rather mature themes, aided by stunning animation that mixes 3D with 2D effects, and a painterly style that gives the film a unique look.
In true Shrek fashion, the story is populated with fairytale characters you may recognize, but in uniquely twisted ways, with the best one being a small role for The Talking Cricket from Pinocchio, who tries to be the bad guy’s conscience but fails miserably at convincing him to not just murder people.
Parents should note that there is some mild innuendo, cartoonish violence and one character death. Tense/perilous scenes include several duels, an elaborate “dance off,” a cannon/gun fight, a “monster” chase, and a character who willingly plummets to their death.
Many reviewers are noting that Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, is a better movie than its Oscar nominated predecessor. The storyline is more mature, the characters better developed, and it’s a lot funnier, too.
In fact, the Shrek franchise hasn’t been this good since Shrek 2. It’s one of the best animated features of the year.
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, rated PG, plays at the Patricia Theatre on December 23, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30, and on January 2, 3, 4 and 5, at 7 pm. Matinee screenings will take place December 26 and January 2 at 1:30 pm. Running time is one hour and 40 minutes.
The theatre will be closed on December 24, 25 and 31, and January 1.
Gary Shilling is executive director of qathet Film Society (formerly Powell River Film Society).
