Puss in Boots: The Last Wish - A Movie Review

It’s true cats have nine lives, but you shouldn’t waste them.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish arrived in theaters in 2022. Puss in Boots is warned that he must take it easy when he wastes eight of his nine lives. Upon learning of a magical wish, the fearless cat embarks on an epic journey with new fairytale friends to restore his life.

My friend has recommended Puss in Boots: The Last Wish ever since it was released. I regret not watching this movie sooner! It’s funny and heartfelt. The Last Wish is a creative film with a moral to live your best life.

Movie fans everywhere fell in love with Puss (Antonio Banderas) when he debuted in Shrek 2. Puss is a master cat warrior who is always ready for a challenge. However, this time is different. He’s faced with a vulnerable situation where he needs support from others. The lesson Puss learns inspires viewers to take a step back and breathe.

I had my doubts about the characters. Starting with Perrito, a goofy therapy dog, his role is more reflective than I realized. Puss is also joined by his old friend, Kitty Softpaws. All the characters are given relatable arcs.

My favorite subplot is Goldilocks and the Three Bears. It’s a new take on the story and could have been its own spinoff. Goldilocks’ journey is one of the film’s most compelling arcs as she realizes the value of her family. The writers had a fun time developing this arc, especially the interactions among the characters.

Returning as the voice of the daring cat, Antonio Banderas successfully counterbalances the cat’s heroism and vulnerability. More voice talents include Salma Hayek, Harvey Guillen, Florence Pugh, Olivia Colman, Ray Winstone, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and more.

Goldilocks was Florence Pugh’s first voice role in an animated feature. She was the right choice to voice Goldilocks, capturing her feisty spirit and introspective journey.

The animation for Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is striking. It’s unique and colorful, combining fluidity and expressive high energy. This stylistic choice not only sets the film apart visually but also enhances the story’s fairy-tale atmosphere.

New character designs were crafted, like Goldilocks. Her design is excellent! I love this design as it shouts Goldilock’s lifestyle in a bear family. As Goldilocks endures her transformative journey, her wardrobe changes, too. If you haven’t been able to guess, this segment is my absolute favorite.

Animators put in long hours and hard work for this movie. They decided to change the animation style to 2D to have something new for the audience. Look carefully and you can see several gags and references to other films.

Directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado explored existential themes, like Puss’s fear of mortality. There’s a surprising amount of emotional depth for a family film. The Last Wish has become a resourceful mental health film. In a rarity, this is another animated film to showcases a character having a panic attack.

I have not seen the previous Puss in Boot (2011) because I thought it was unnecessary to the Shrek universe. Turns out, I was wrong. Every character in the Shrek universe has a story. This movie is as funny as ever, mixes heartfelt moments, and it's one thrilling adventure.

Whether you’re a long-time Shrek fan or need a new animated film, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is worth a watch. There’s a ton of heart in this film. If only I could go back and watch it for the first time again.