(6) PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH

(2011-2022: PUSS IN BOOTS 1-2)

 

“Who is your favorite fearless hero?”

I would never have thought I’d have ranked this Shrek spinoff series in my top ten, at least based on the first film – until it hit it out of the park with the second film, so much so that it’s boosted both films. (I just didn’t think I could rank the sequel film without the first).

“The film’s voice cast includes Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek reprising their respective roles as the titular character and Kitty Softpaws…The story follows Puss in Boots…(teaming up with Kitty Softpaws) to find the Last Wish of the fallen Wishing Star to restore eight of his nine lives. They race against other fairy tale characters seeking the same treasure, while a sinister wolf hunts Puss himself.”

Firstly, there’s the film’s visual style, diverging from previous films in the Shrek franchise (including the first Puss in Boots film) for “a painterly style to resemble a fairy-tale story”, as well as the most vivid animation I’ve seen outside the Spiderverse films.

Secondly, there’s the surprising darker tone and depth from, well, death – Puss’ mortality and fear of death, as he is relentlessly pursued for his last life by one of the most terrifying villains in animated film.

 

FANTASY OR SF

 

Fairytale fantasy!

 

COMEDY

 

Like all films in the Shrek franchise, it leans heavily into comedy but has some serious emotional beats along with its darker tone, including one of the most genuine depictions of a panic attack in film.

 

RATING:

A-TIER (TOP TIER)

 

 

COMEDY