Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

ravundwa 2/9/2023 4:44:09PM 8.4

I did not expect the sequel to a decent spin-off Dreamworks film from over a decade ago to be one of the most poignant, introspective, genuinely hilarious, and heartwarming films of the year. But here we are. After an overly cheesy, somewhat clunky opening sequence, The Last Wish very quickly begins developing its zany assortment of characters into distinct quirky personalities with sympathetic desires and clear goals. The film juggles several character arcs and it's almost miraculous how it successfully handled all of them with proper set up and satisfying, emotionally weighty payoffs. The screenplay is wacky, witty, and also bursting with heart as it deals with weighty themes of trusting others and finding purpose in any circumstances. And it tackles these themes in ways that are always understandable to all ages but never insultingly oversimplified. What I also didn't expect was that the action sequences would be so well-choreographed and beautifully animated, and that the movie would often be terrifying and violent at times. I adored this film. I think it's Dreamworks' best film since Megamind and it's easily the best true family film of the year.

GenerationofSwine 3/11/2023 7:55:27PM 8.4

This one sort of slipped through the cracks didn't it? I mean, it has a very good, very heartwarming story that helps define a character's growth over the length of the plot. It has a story about hope and sacrifice and struggle. It is a good movie. How does a movie this good get made today? Isn't this sort of the opposite of everything that current Hollywood stands for? Where is the strong female lead replacing Puss in Boots as the hero? Where are the identity politics? Where is the nonstop shaming of Straight White Men? Where is the depiction of half the country as absolute evil? How can they make a western movie that doesn't shame the west at every possible turn? I have absolutely no idea how this could have been made, but what I can say is that it is fantastic, it is moving, it is fun for the whole family and it has a decent nonpolitical message. The main character is heroic. This is just... well, this is a movie that doesn't seem like it could possibly be made in today's Hollywood.

RealZero 1/3/2026 10:04:33AM 8.4

I loved Shrek 1 and especially Shrek 2. From there the franchise, well, it wasn't bad, but it didn't stay as great. Then came the first Puss in Boots movie, and, and I mean that in no way negative, I couldn't remember ANYTHING of it. Like, until I looked it up again, I couldn't remember who the antagonists were, but that might just be my silly mind. That said, I'm sure I'd like it if I rewatched it now! And then...came this one. A "Shrek spin-off" arriving years after the last great Shrek movie being one of the most impressive animated movies was certainly not something I expected. And most importantly: I will not forget about the antagonists of this one anytime soon! All of them are awesome! But, let's start with the basics: The visuals are, as expected for the studio and year, very nice and impressive. And THEN you have the action scenes. A, at first, strange low-framerate kind of animation style, mix of 2D and 3D styles. In the very first battle this confused me. From then on, once you get used to it, it's an absolutely lovely piece of art and I really grew to love it. And then, well, the characters: Puss was always great since he was introduced in the Shrek movies. He still has his sass and arrogance and the voice acting is wonderful with that! And then we see him riddled with fear, doubt and giving up everything that was important to him, such a lovely way to depict other sides of him. Kitty is lovely. Here, as well: I can barely remember anything from the first movie. But in this one she's fun, likable, cute yet not to be underestimated. A perfect example to show how a character can be strong and sassy without being an ass. And then, wow, the antagonists. Three antagonistic groups, and all of them are a different kind of antagonist, and all of them fit perfectly and get enough time for their personalities to be displayed. Jack Horner, a very classical "I'm just fucking evil for the sake of it and I know it". No sad backstories, no asking for redemption, just "Fuck everyone but me", and his interaction with the cricket is absolutely lovely! Goldilocks and the bears, a completely different side. Not even really evil, just her trying to find a place to call home, even if it means fighting against anyone in her way. She could very well be the main character in her own right. And then, of course, the wolf. I can see why people love him. Fearsome, unbeatable, factual and usually uncaring. Until he has to deal with Puss far to long and you finally see what happens when an unstoppable force, that is supposed to be neutral, is fed up with "being neutral". And his trademark whistle that is followed by moments of terror, absolutely lovely depiction! And then, of course, there's Perrito! The most optimistic, no single bad thought, light in the dark "lovable idiot" that actually turns out not to be an idiot at all. His personality seems simple, well, it is, to a degree. He's the perfect example of how a person can turn out when life always gives them shit...and they decide not to grow bitter because of it, but instead get EVEN MORE positive for the sake of others. He's lovely and just thinking about him brings tears to my eyes as I write this. --- So, yeah. This movie is absolutely awesome. The most wonderful characters and SO much emotion, sadness, fear and laughing, all that in a beautiful piece of art. I'm having a hard time imagining how they can follow up on this one, but even if they don't, well, this one will stay in my heart!