When Shrek burst into movie theaters in 2001, audiences were introduced to an irreverent take on their favorite fairytale characters. DreamWorks re-imagined classic storybook characters with big personalities, quirks, and major flaws. In the second installment of the Shrek franchise, Puss in Boots joined Shrek's ragtag crew and the beloved cat has delighted a lot of audiences ever since. Puss in Boot has since had his own spin-off films and streaming series. Directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish further cements the feline as a loveable rascal.
Voiced by Antonio Banderas, Puss has a heavy Spanish accent delivered in a deep, throaty voice that adds to his bravado throughout every scene. The film begins with animals and humans alike praising Puss in Boots for his mighty acts and generosity. Puss strums the mandolin and sings, "Fearless Hero," which becomes the refrain for his hero's journey in this movie. Puss must confront the reason why he's been fearless: he thinks he's invincible because, after all, cats have nine lives.
Once Puss in Boots realizes he must confront death, everything changes. While he begins the film as a legend who children are begging to admire, he soon devolves into a pathetic shell of the hero he used to be. While on the run from a terrifying wolf with a sinister whistle, Puss ends up in the house of Mama Luna, the ultimate cat lady who routinely and hilariously lies to the health inspectors, saying no cats live with her. At Mama Luna's, the tone of the film changes, and viewers will find the familiar cheeky humor of the former Shrek films in full effect.
Puss resigns himself to a life of cowardly hiding amongst Mama Luna's other cats, but his ears perk up when he learns of a magical star and its final wish. This quest could be the answer to his battle with death as he could wish to be on his first life instead of his last. However, the journey will be treacherous; so, even the legendary cat needs a group of companions to help him on his way.
Kitty Softpaws, voiced by Salma Hayek, rejoins Puss on this quest, but she's aiming for a wish of her own. A new character Perro, a chihuahua voiced by Harvey Guillén of What We Do in the Shadows fame, tags along. The chihuahua, who was disguised as a cat in order to get food from Mama Luna, proves to be a helpful ally.
There are obstacles in Puss's way of making his wish: Goldilocks and the three bears and Little Jack Horner want to make a wish, too. However, Puss's own fear may be what keeps him from getting what he wants.
This computer-animated film, which is illustrated in the painterly style of children's books, presents a heart-warming tale of making friends, overcoming obstacles, and realizing what makes life so special is that we only have on chance to live it. The Last Wish is by no means the final scene for Puss as the fearless hero sails off with his companions to Far Far Away, seeking to reunite with old friends.