After a hiatus of over 11 years, the legendary booted cat returns in Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, a sequel that doesn't just go through the motions but elevates every element to be better than before—from the unique visuals and dimensional characters to the content that subtly embeds life philosophy. This is one of the best animations of 2022 that both children and adults should watch.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The story of Puss in Boots begins when he discovers he has used up eight of his nine lives and now has only one left. The once-enjoyable adventures turn into fear as a mysterious 'Wolf' hunts him for his remaining life. Puss decides to journey to the Dark Forest to find the Wishing Star, believed to grant the return of lost lives. Along the way, he meets Kitty Softpaws, an old partner he wronged, and Perrito, an overly optimistic therapy dog. They must work together to overcome obstacles and fierce enemies seeking the same star.
Performance and Characters
Antonio Banderas returns to voice Puss with charm, especially when the character faces fear and vulnerability, giving Puss more depth. Salma Hayek voices Kitty with sharpness, both strong and sensitive. The most standout new character is the 'Wolf', voiced by Wagner Moura; his deep, terrifying voice makes the audience truly feel death chasing Puss. Meanwhile, 'Perrito', the little dog voiced by Harvey Guillén, steals hearts with his innocence and loyalty.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
Director Joel Crawford chooses a visual style inspired by Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, blending 2D and 3D for fluid and lively movement, especially in creatively designed action scenes that feel like a living action cartoon. Additionally, the score by Henry Jackman perfectly enhances the mood, whether in thrilling or emotional scenes.
Editorial Analysis
What makes Puss in Boots 2 stand out is its serious treatment of the themes of 'death' and 'remaining life' without scaring children too much. Puss having to accept his weakness and ask for help is a great lesson for all ages. Moreover, the villain 'Wolf', representing death, is designed not just as an antagonist but as a driving force for Puss's growth. The film also weaves in themes of family, forgiveness, and the value of life not measured by years but by living meaningfully.
Verdict
Puss in Boots 2 is an animation that is both fun and meaningful, with beautiful visuals, charming characters, and thought-provoking content. Perfect for families looking for a movie that offers both entertainment and good lessons. Guaranteed to impress both children and adults.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Beautiful, unique visuals with a cartoon-meets-3D style
- +Deep content that teaches about life and death with sophistication
- +New characters are cute and memorable, especially Perrito and the Wolf
👎 Cons
- −Some scenes may be scary for young children, especially the Wolf
- −Some plot points are predictable, but still enjoyable
Top Cast
FAQ
Not necessary, as the story is independent, but watching the first will help understand character relationships better.
Suitable for children aged 7 and up, as there are scary scenes and themes of death that may need explanation.
Not directly, but there are Easter eggs and minor appearances of characters from the Shrek universe.
There are two: Puss in Boots (2011) and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022).
