Review: 'Puss in Boots: The Last Wish' improves upon its predecessor with innocence & insane fun

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

The long-awaited sequel to Puss in Boots that released more than a decade ago - Puss in Boots: The Last Wish arrives at a time that is most opportune. A character that became so popular from the Shrek series got its own spin-off movie and now, it gets a sequel.

Having had the chance to see the film beforehand, here is what I thought about it-

The Self-aware & Tongue-in-cheek Humor

One of the highlights in the 2011 predecessor was the novelty in humor that it presented which while being reminiscent of its Shrek stint also stood its own. It is almost unbelievable yet astounding that Puss in Boots: The Last Wish doesn't just get better but makes sure to evolve with time when it comes to humor given that it comes more than 10 years after. The treatment here is so self-aware, witty and tongue-in-cheek that it delivers some hilarious one-liners one after the other. The best part about this is that the same isn't limited to the protagonist, Puss but to the many supporting characters as well.

The Show Stealer - Perrito

A new entry into this universe, the show stealer of this film has to be Perrito aka Perro (voiced by Harvey Guillen). An adorable, innocent and naive therapy dog who disguised himself as a cat to stay at Madam Luna's - it is easily the best character sketch in the film. Right from being an adorable and loyal dog who stays with Puss inspite of the latter's disdain initially to being the one who brings Puss to his senses and being the comic relief, Perro is undoubtedly the primary reason to watch the film, if not for others. To being the factor of humanity in these animals or one should be saying - bringing the love and adoring million times better than humans do - this dog steals the show in this kitty cat movie.

Parallel Plots That Bring in the Fun

A tale about fairytales inside a fairytale is just the kind insane fun one would wish for. The tale of Goldilocks and the three bears, Big Fat Horner and others fighting against Puss in Boots in order to get the map of the wishing star makes for some dramatic scenes that satisfy you in every possible way. The amazing thing is that these 'evil' characters are also given their own empathetic storylines that make you feel for them. You somehow end up rooting for them in one way or another. The climax is also one brilliant finale that brings in friendship, valor and of course, love that conquers the evil in the end.

The Moral & One Underwhelming Element

Even though the climax sequence was everything you expect a blockbuster film to be - the mega fight with whistleworthy moments time and again; but the one underwhelming aspect for me was that of the super villain, Lobo. It builds up in little ways but doesn't really make you care for it too much. To my relief, the ultimate climax actually ends up being about the core gang.

The film exhibits some real morals right from talking about family and loyalty, letting go of arrogance and ego, and just absolute goodness ruling over everything else..

The Verdict

Films like Puss in Boots: The Last Wish might disguise you into believing that they are made for kids and while indeed they are, they are so much more than that and can you have feel the emotion as much as any adult can ever can. A super fun time at the movies that leaves you almost entirely satisfied and out with a smile.

Rating - ***1/2 (3.5/5)