Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is a vibrant animated adventure comedy that hit theaters on 21 December 2022. This film is a sequel to the 2011 movie Puss in Boots and part of the beloved Shrek franchise. The movie was directed by Joel Crawford and co-directed by Januel Mercado. It features a star-studded voice cast including Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots and Salma Hayek as Kitty Softpaws, who reprise their roles, alongside new characters voiced by actors like Harvey Guillén, Florence Pugh, and Olivia Colman.

The plot follows Puss in Boots as he embarks on a thrilling quest alongside Kitty Softpaws and a new friend, Perrito, to locate the Last Wish of a fallen star. Puss aims to restore his lost nine lives, facing off against various fairy tale characters and a dangerous wolf who hunts him.

The journey to create this sequel began back in November 2012 but faced several delays before being revived in November 2018. The film's production saw contributions from renowned talents like Paul Fisher and Tommy Swerdlow, who helped craft the screenplay and story. The animation style was notably inspired by the acclaimed film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, aiming for a painterly aesthetic that evokes a fairy-tale look, differing from the visuals of earlier Shrek films.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish had its premiere at the Lincoln Center in New York City and was a box office sensation, grossing over $485 million worldwide against a production budget of $90 million to $110 million. It garnered positive reviews from critics, who praised its animation, storytelling, humor, and voice performances. The film even earned a nomination for Best Animated Feature at the 95th Academy Awards.

In the film's opening, Puss showcases his heroic flair but soon learns he has lost eight of his nine lives after a run-in with a menacing wolf. This realization leads him on a journey of self-discovery and adventure, where he faces various threats and challenges while learning valuable lessons about life and companionship.

The film dives into deeper themes, including mortality and the importance of cherishing life. Heitor Pereira composed the engaging score, which adds to the film's emotional depth. With a focus on entertaining both children and adults, the movie successfully balances humor with heartfelt moments, making it a delightful viewing experience for all ages.

For those curious to check it out, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is available for digital purchase and on various streaming services.

In summary, this animated feature not only adds to the legacy of the Shrek universe but also stands out as a unique adventure filled with humor, action, and poignant messages about life and friendship.