Felines as we know them are supposed to have nine lives and the Shrek universe as we know it is a twisted and sometimes dangerous fairy tale land, and as a cat who's a self-proclaimed legend, who's as adventurous as other princes and super heroes, and who has a severe case of hero complex, it is imperative that Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) has reached his final existence. Now with only one life left, he embarks on a journey into the Black Forest to find the mythical Wishing Star and restore his multiple lives. This time with new fairy tale characters including Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek Pinault), the friendly little dog that no one cares about Perrito (Harvey Guillen), Goldi (Florence Pugh) and her three bears (Olivia Colman, Ray Winstone, and Smason Kayo), Jack Horner (John Mulaney), and Wolf (Wagner Moura). All serve as either instrumental or a hindrance to PiB's adventure
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| Photo Credit: Universal Pictures |
The first half of this sequel reminds us of Puss in Boots as a character--a hero to some, an outlaw to others--and most definitely a devil-may-care feline who feels he can conquer anyone, until Wolf who appears like 'Death' of the Four Horsemen of Apocalypse put him into the reality of his existence. This drives him to be more careful, even hiding among a house full of cats, while he seeks to restore his mojo through the legendary wishing star. But alas, danger always seem to follow his trail especially when Goldi and her three bears and Jack Horner are also hunting for the same treasure.
It's in the second half, which is the search through the Black Forest, that made this film interesting in its themes, characters, story-arcs, and visuals. As PiB is accompanied by Kitty Softpaws and Perrito, his arrogance is put into perspective when as powerless and tiny as Perrito could find easier ways through the thorny dark forest where the wishing star lies. On the other hand, grumpy Goldi along with the family of bears reflect on their family-hood while big and greedy Jack Horner seeks redemption from those who made him feel worthless during his younger years as a performer.
The Black Forest as a setting makes for a visual feast especially that it changes into colorful, dark, folklorey, dangerous, and easy depending on whoever has it in hand. It even captures an animated colorful and transparent forest wall of Alex Garland's Annihilation.
The voice acting is also commendable with Olivia Colman's British accent voicing Mama Bear as my personal favorite. She's able to consistently blend both the fun and emotional bits of her character while staying true to her schtick and sound. Antonio Banders and Salma Hayek Pinault's voice also meshes really well. Doesn't hurt that they both play alpha characters in the forefront.
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, overall, is a surprise. As a sequel, it has a completely different story to tell that doesn't only elevate the characters, it also has something to say about family, friendship, and one's legacy. While the first half feels like a narrative summary, the second half completely feels like a full throttle in adventure, visuals, and jokes with the last act appropriately including an epic duel that showcases 'Puss' as a tough as nails character.
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A DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures feature, 'Puss in Boots: The Last Wish' opens in PH cinemas, December 7.
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