Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is a 2022 computer-animated adventure directed by Joel Crawford, and co-directed by Januel Mercado. It is a sequel to Puss in Boots (2011), and a spin-off of the Shrek franchise. Produced by DreamWorks Animation and distributed by Universal Pictures, from a screenplay by Paul Fisher and Tommy Swerdlow, based on a story by Swerdlow and the first film's writer Tom Wheeler, with additional screenplay material provided by Etan Cohen.

The voice cast includes Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek, as well as Harvey Guillén, Florence Pugh, Olivia Colman, Ray Winstone, Samson Kayo, John Mulaney, Wagner Moura, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, and Anthony Mendez who voice new characters introduced in the film.

Puss in Boots discovers that his passion for adventure has taken its toll: he has burned through eight of his nine lives. Puss sets out on an epic journey to find the mythical Last Wish and restore his nine lives.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish made its debut in theaters on December 21st.

THE GOOD

I remember watching the original Puss in Boots back in 2011 and I really enjoyed it, but because it has been so long I honestly more or less forgot about it. When they began advertising for Puss in Boots: The Last Wish I had that classic what the heck is going on here reaction and was genuinely curious why they would wait so long for a sequel especially considering the success of the original film. As a spin-off of the Shrek franchise, it seems a reboot of that franchise/universe in some form or fashion is the overall goal here. The fact that the franchise centers around a ridiculous cast of voice actors led by Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek, I knew I would give this a chance no matter what. So, was Puss in Boots: The Last Wish a simple cash grab or something that will more than likely lead to a Puss in Boots/Shred franchise resurgence? Keep reading to find out!

Wow, just wow. This is such a good movie! From the overall message of the film to the humor, the action, and the visuals, it was all just so damn good. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish feels so genuine from start to finish, and at times I honestly forgot that my primary goal was to keep my kids entertained for an hour and a half. My wife and I take any opportunity we have to bring our two toddlers to the theater when an animated movie is playing, and this seemed like as good an opportunity as any. But this time was different. Usually, I am sort of half-focused on the movie and half-focused on making sure my kids aren’t streaking through the aisles like Frank the Tank in Old School, but I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen. At one point both kids were in my wife’s lap and I had two empty chairs in between them and myself, and even though I knew I would pay dearly for this later, I simply did not care. The movie had my complete attention, and I desperately needed to make sure I was able to get the full experience. And yeah, it was worth each and every death stare I received from her.

As simple as it was, the story is what first hooked me. Assuming you saw the original film, Puss in Boots has a great origin story but in the end, he became someone obsessed with the legend that he became. But with that being said, it was always clear that under that tough (or I suppose fairly soft and hairy) exterior was a big heart and a genuine fear of failure. Puss in Boots wanted to be loved, and he felt that his self-worth was wrapped up in this larger-than-life persona he created over the years. Plus, Puss was always naïve in the fact that he overestimated his own mortality, which is the center of the story of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. Puss has finally exhausted 8 of his 9 lives, and for this reason, he can no longer live the way a fearless legend needs to live. Puss stumbles upon an opportunity to regain his sense of immortality and embarks on a journey to regain his identity. Along the way, he crosses paths with an old friend while making a few new ones, and what I loved most about the story was how it focused on what it means to be selfless, and how even though we feel like we have been shorted in life and feel resentful because of it, others out there have truly struggled and somehow still find a way to experience real happiness. It really is a powerful and heartfelt story that really resonated with me.

Okay so on to what else really stood out for me, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish looks incredible. The animation in the film is really on another level, and more often than not my jaw was literally on the floor. It looked great from start to finish, and the action shots were just so unique and eye-catching that I couldn’t help but admire the creativity involved in the film. The animation style reminded me of the animated action comedy The Bad Guys (our full review here), just that much better. The action sequences felt genuinely intense, and the primary antagonist The Big Bad Wolf was just next level each and every time he was on screen even though he did scare the crap out of my kids. Bottom line, the animation style felt so unique and it without a doubt is a big reason why Puss in Boots: The Last Wish was so damn good, but don’t take my word for it, you need to experience it for yourself.

Similar to the original film, the cast of voice actors is stacked yet again with a few very impressive additions. Similar to the first film, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is built on the back of the great Antonio Banderas, who voices the legend himself. I have been a Banderas fan ever since my dad had me watch his 1995 film, Desperado. I would never look at a guitar case the same way again, what a true badass. Returning after a pivotal role in the original film is the ageless and gorgeous Salma Hayek, who plays the role of Kitty Softpaws. I love Hayek in literally anything she does, and the only issue I can honestly say I had with her here was the fact that I couldn’t see her in real life.

The best addition to the film in my mind was Florence Pugh, who has been on quite a tear with Midsommar (2019), Black Widow, and more recently Don’t Worry Darling (our full review here). Pugh, an extremely talented actress, absolutely crushes the role of Goldilocks as the film continues with an amazing focus on classic children’s stories. I loved Harvey Guillén as the adorable and hilarious dog pretending to be a cat Perrito, who was surely a runner-up as my overall favorite character. Guillén is best known, by me anyway, for his role as Guillermo in the FX comedy series What We Do in the Shadows. Other notable supporting cast members include Wagner Moura as the aforementioned The Big Bad Wolf, John Mulaney as Big Jack Horner, Ray Winstone as Papa Bear, Samson Kayo as Baby Bear, Olivia Colman as Mama Bear, Da'Vine Joy Randolph as Mama Luna, and last but not least. Anthony Mendez as the Doctor/Barber.

THE BAD

First and foremost, I had zero issues with Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. It really was that good in my eyes. But, you can call me crazy which would be fair and very much warranted but as I touched on briefly my wife and I did bring our 2-year-old and almost 4-year-old to see it. With that being said, some of what I loved most about the movie was no bueno for them, which was the primary antagonists and most notably The Big Bad Wolf voiced by Wagner Moura who honestly scared the crap out of my kids. They did such a nice job with the scenes he was involved in, and he was a genuinely terrifying character who I thought added some extremely valuable depth to the story and the Puss in Boots character arc. So yeah, I guess I am pointing this out more as a warning as we did have to reassure our boys that the good guys would prosper in the end, and they did say that they loved the movie once it was all said and done which is all that matters if you ask me.

THE VERDICT

An action-packed, hilarious, and genuinely heartwarming adventure showcasing incredible visuals and an engaging story, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is a treat for kids and adults alike and easily one of my favorite animated films in recent memory. This movie was so much fun, and I can’t remember the last time an animated film just hooked me in such a way. The story tugged at my heartstrings, the animation blew me away, and the humor had me laughing out loud an uncomfortable amount considering at the end of the day, it is a movie meant for kids. Bottom line, I really can’t recommend Puss in Boots: The Last Wish enough because this is top-tier cinema, simple as that. So get out there and show your support because I need a 3rd movie.