The first in what I’m sure will be a series of spinoffs from the successful Shrek franchise, Puss in Boots stands out on its own, with multidimensional characters inspired by classic fairy tales, lots of laughs and adventure, and dazzling 3-D animation.
The well-heeled, sassy kitty with the baritone voice and impossibly cute eyes was always destined to star in his own film. He’s just got too much charm to remain a supporting act, thanks to Antonio Banderas’s brilliant personification of the swashbuckling tabby.
In this prequel to the Shrek series, directed by Chris Miller (who also directed “Shrek 3”), we learn that Puss grew up in an orphanage, where he befriends the crafty and invention-minded Humpty Alexander Dumpty (voiced by funnyman du jour Zach Galifianakis). The two become obsessed with finding magic beans that provide passage to the giant’s castle in the clouds, where the fabled goose lays eggs of pure gold.
Will they be successful in finding the golden goose? And will their friendship be able to withstand greed, jealousy, and other vices that threaten to break them apart?
The beauty of the story lies in the central themes of forgiveness, friendship, redemption, and selflessness. The fact that Puss in Boots borrows familiar and beloved characters and fairy tales from our childhoods further endears us to the film and recreates it all in a refreshing, updated tale for the 21st century.
Not only were the actors superb in their ability to bring to life these characters, but also the chemistry between them is genuine. In fact, this film is Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek’s fifth film together. Zach Galifianakis is nothing short of genius in his portrayal of Humpty.
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Who would have ever thought that an egg could be lovable, innovative, greedy, menacing, and brave? Also lending their talents to this film, Billy Bob Thornton and Amy Sedaris provide many comedic moments in voicing the corrupt version of Jack and Jill. Renowned producer Guillermo del Toro signed on as an executive producer and even lent his voice for a role in the film.
It took over 620 people to create this film, and every painstaking effort is noticed onscreen, from the realistic-looking fur to the breathtakingly haunting beauty of the landscape. The choreography is so believable that you almost have to pinch yourself to make sure you’re not dreaming.
Puss and his friends will leave a deep impression on people’s hearts and leave us anxiously waiting for the next installment!
[etRating value=“ 4”]
