Can Shrek’s suave, furry sidekick carry his own movie? You bet your boots. The once-supporting player in the struggling “Shrek” franchise brings his swagger and style to one of the funniest animated films to come out this year. “Puss in
Can Shrek’s suave, furry sidekick carry his own movie? You bet your boots.
The once-supporting player in the struggling “Shrek” franchise brings his swagger and style to one of the funniest animated films to come out this year.
“Puss in Boots” successfully mixes it all up, blending classic fairy tales with pop culture gags and throwing it all in the environs of an old Spanish town.
Before Puss in Boots (voiced by Antonio Banderas) met up with the green ogre and his gaggle of friends, he was an outlaw framed for a crime he did not commit.
The swashbuckling feline devises a plan to steal magic beans from criminals Jack and Jill (voiced by Amy Sedaris and Billy Bob Thornton). When planted in the right spot, those magic beans will sprout into a giant beanstalk, leading to the proverbial goose who lays golden eggs.
Predictably, Puss’ plan is thwarted when he encounters a mysterious cat burglar — Kitty Softpaws (voiced by Salma Hayek) — and Puss’ childhood friend Alexander Humpty Dumpty (voiced by Zach Galifianakis). The character is annoying, and it’s a wonder why someone as suave as Puss would put up with Humpty’s antics.
With Puss’ sword, Kitty’s soft touch and Humpty’s brain, the trio decides to steal the treasures on top of the beanstalk to clear Puss’ name and help the city Puss and Humpty grew up in.
Guillermo del Toro and Constance Marie also lend their voices to this animated film.
The film is visually terrific. Whether it’s the Wild West, the storybook town of San Ricardo or a castle floating in pink, fluffy clouds, the animation adds much pizzazz to this enchanting film.
In this family film, adventure is front and center, and witty dialogue doesn’t fall too far behind.
The storyline looses its footing in the middle — a reoccurring gag joke about Jack and Jill raising a family becomes old — and the ending is seen miles away, but whenever Puss is onscreen, it’s entertaining, whether he’s dance-fighting his enemies in high-heeled boots, lapping up a shot of leche (milk) or swinging his sword.
This DreamWorks animated film doesn’t break any new ground; it follows the same formula as “Shrek,” featuring a cast of colorful characters.
A PG rating won’t deter the family from seeing “Puss in Boots.” Young movie goers will enjoy the comic absurdity and their parents will laugh at the tongue-in-cheek jokes that aren’t far behind.
Puss — and subsequently Banderas — offers a strong, charismatic performance that ensures DreamWorks has found yet another franchise to be its golden goose.
Directed by Chris Miller. 90 minutes.
