As someone who grew up watching the Shrek franchise, I was both excited and skeptical when I heard about the latest spin-off, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. However, I can confidently say that this film exceeded my expectations and offered a refreshing take on the beloved character of Puss, voiced by the always-charismatic Antonio Banderas.

One of the first things that struck me about this film was its unique visual style. Directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, who both worked on the Kung Fu Panda films, infused the movie with a bold and striking approach to Puss's gravity-defying adventures. The stylized action sequences, reminiscent of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, added an extra layer of excitement to the already lively story.

Story

Speaking of the story, while it may be basic, it was still highly enjoyable. Puss is down to his final life and sees an opportunity to restore the full nine with a magic wishing star. However, he's not the only one on the hunt for it. Goldilocks and her ursine crime syndicate, as well as the monstrous "Big" Jack Horner, are also on his tail.

Puss's love interest, Kitty Softpaws (voiced by the wonderful Salma Hayek), and wannabe emotional support animal, Perrito the chihuahua (voiced by Harvey Guillén), also join in on the fun. The writing was sharp and witty, with jokes that both kids and adults will appreciate.

What really stood out to me about this film was how it matured with its audience. Puss has grown up with us millennials and is now suffering from feline burnout, a relatable struggle for many of us. His end-of-life stupor is interrupted by Goldilocks and her gang, leading to a thrilling adventure that showcases Puss's skills and charm.

However, it was Perrito who stole the show for me. Guillén's performance as the pot-bellied mutt without a home or name was heartwarming and taught valuable lessons about not letting the cruelty of life bog us down.

Pic Cr: koimoi.com

Dreamworks has increasingly explored these more mature themes, and it was refreshing to see them in a family-friendly film like Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. The irreverent parody that made the Shrek franchise so popular is still present, but with a more sophisticated touch.

The film's blend of 2D and 3D animation was visually stunning, with attention to detail that was unexpected for a sequel to a spin-off.

Overall, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is a highly entertaining film that offers a fresh take on a beloved character. While kids will enjoy the playful and silly nature of the film, it's really the millennials who will appreciate the mature themes and nods to nostalgia. With an A-list cast, clever writing, and stunning visuals, this film is not a must-watch for any fan of the Shrek franchise but for any screen lover around the world.