Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
review by Bobby Blakey
In 2004 the world was introduced to the adorable adventure loving cat Puss In Boots voiced by Antonio Banderas. In 2011 the character got his own spin-off film that led into a Netflix series that ran for six seasons. Now after all these years the feline is back with the all-new feature film Puss In Boots: The Last Wish featuring the return of Banderas alongside Salma Hayek, Florence Pugh, Olivia Coleman, Harvey Guillen, Ray Winstone and John Mulaney. Could this latest chapter of Puss offer up the fun and adventure fans love or has he used up his nine lives?
Puss In Boots: The Last Wish follows daring outlaw Puss in Boots who 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 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.
I loved the Shrek flicks and always thought the angle they went with for Puss in Boots was a genius move. The first film is a fun ride so I was looking forward to seeing this latest outing, but the trailers looked to be a bit different than the first. I was worried it was too far removed in the style and would make it feel like something else entirely, but to my surprise this film delivers the action and fun I was hoping for.
The story is actually pretty clever taking on both the legacy of the character as well as the nine lives of cats and making it the forefront of the story. The film wastes no time getting into the fun and reminding us of the fun adventure of Puss in Boots complete with a great opening action piece that will have you ready for more. From that point on it is fun adventure with plenty of swashbuckling fun, laughs, heart and everything in between.
The animation seemed to blend the original style and infused it with the chaotic styles used in Spider-Man Into the Spider-verse and The Bad Guys. As mentioned I was worried it might not work with this one, but it actually helped it to elevate to something more than I expected. It is a visual treat for the senses with beautiful animation, vibrant colors, a great voice cast and all around loads of fun for everyone.
Whether you are a fan of the Shrek films, the previous Puss in Boots film, TV series or new to the character the film stands on its own as a fun flick worth having a glass of milk to. In addition to the film this release offers up bonus content including deleted scenes, commentary, featurettes and so much more.
Grab your sword and join Puss on his latest swashbuckling adventure when Puss in Boots: The Last Wish available now on digital and then on 4K, Blu-ray and DVD on February 28th from Universal Home Entertainment.
