The last film to be released as part of the Shrek franchise was Puss in Boots back in 2011. Now, nearly 11 years later, Puss is back in a new adventure with Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. While Shrek and Shrek 2 were iconic entries to the franchise (and what started it all to begin with), the last few were much more of a miss, and gave the franchise a bit of a tainted reputation. Puss in Boots received good reviews when it was first released, the close proximity to its more poorly received predecessors (Shrek the Third and Shrek: Forever After) made it seem almost as a joke of a movie, and it was popular amongst kids but not as much with adults. With time away from the rest of the franchise Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is able to really make its own mark, and it’s surprisingly very fun to watch.

 

While the film is definitely made for a younger audience, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish still covers some deep and thought provoking themes. The premise centers around the idea that Puss has run out of his nine lives, and he must find a mythical star to get them back. A pretty obvious central theme to the film then is fear of death, which really surprised me by how much it really leans into this theme, and how intense or dark it can get. Definitely nothing more than your average kids could handle, but very thought provoking for a wider audience. The film also covers themes such as family and greed, which were carefully crafted and cared for. You can tell this film was made with precision, passion, and love, not just as a way for an easy money maker that relies on a beloved character.

 

If you’re worried about being able to keep up with the plot, it’s no problem. The film was easy to jump into having not seen the other Puss in Boots movie, and it was a fun ride along the way. There’s introductions to new characters such as Goldiloks and the Three Bears, and “Big” Jack Horner (based on the nursery rhyme “Little Jack Horner”). Along with these new characters comes the many voice talents of big name actors, such as Florence Pugh, Olivia Colman, and John Mulaney. The animation style is updated and unique as well, employing the same techniques that were used in the critically acclaimed and Academy Award winning film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse. The action sequences are engaging and thrilling to watch, and there’s multiple of them to keep you entertained, but never too many that they get boring.

Although there are some parts that feel out of place (specifically one scene near the beginning involving a cat retirement home), or a bit too immature, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is a surprising entry for animation this year, and you won’t want to just turn it on for your kids to watch, you’ll want to sit down and watch along with them because of how fun the story is.