Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Works standalone but references events from earlier Puss in Boots and Shrek films
The brief
This sequel ditches the cutesy Shrek humor for something surprisingly mature, dealing with mortality and legacy while Antonio Banderas brings genuine weight to a cat having an existential crisis. The animation pops with a storybook art style that feels hand-drawn even though it's CG, and the action sequences hit harder than they have any right to in a DreamWorks movie. Florence Pugh voices the villain with delicious menace, while the pacing never drags despite exploring some heavy themes about accepting death. Perfect for anyone who thought Spider-Verse proved animated films could be both visually stunning and emotionally sophisticated.
The verdict
If you want animated films that blend stunning visuals with genuine emotional depth about mortality and growing older, this is a surprisingly sophisticated crowd-pleaser that works for both kids and adults. If you're expecting typical DreamWorks slapstick comedy or have zero tolerance for talking animal movies, the fairy tale premise might not win you over despite the mature themes.
Watch with
- 👨👩👧👦 Perfect for families with older kids who can handle deeper themes
- 👥 Animation lovers seeking visual innovation
- ⚠️ Too heavy for very young children expecting simple fun
Heads up
- Character confronts death and mortality throughout (moderate)
- Intense action sequences with fantasy violence (moderate)
- Existential themes about life's meaning may upset sensitive viewers (brief)
Credits
- Director
- Joel Crawford
- Cast
- Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek Pinault, Harvey Guillén, Wagner Moura, Florence Pugh, Olivia Colman, Ray Winstone
Official synopsis
'Puss in Boots discovers that his passion for adventure has taken its toll: He has burned through eight of
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
Both animated adventures explore mortality and identity through colorful, inventive storytelling.
Total runtime: 1h 43m + 2h 20m = 4h 3m
