Review - Puss in Boots

Puss Purrs in Small Doses

One of the most lovable characters that came out of the Shrek series of films was Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas). It’s only logical that we get to hear all about the back story of what made Puss in Boots into the man, errr…cat he is today.

Long ago, Puss was an orphaned little kitty. Left with an orphanage, taken in and cared for by his adoptive mother; Puss tried to get along with everyone. One of his best friends was the oft picked on Humpty Dumpty (Zach Galifianakis). Humpty searched the world over for the magic beans that would allow him to find the goose that produced golden eggs. That goose would fund the whole village.

Then, Humpty decided to start breaking laws and dragged Puss in kicking and screaming. The friendship dissolved as Humpty was left to take the “fall” for his crime.

Now, Puss is heading back and gets into a scrap with Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek). Only later does he learn that this is all part of Humpty’s plans to acquire the magic beans that Jack and Jill have in their possession. Could this be the end of Puss? Or is it just the beginning?

I loved Puss in his small doses in the Shrek films. He brought something to the table that was a touch of mystery and courage like none of the other characters. But I struggled with Puss carrying an entire film.

The film felt very pasted together, as if there were a lot of ideas but no steady stream to tie them together. For ease they try to use flashbacks to tell an origin story that seems a bit disjointed. There are funny moments within the story, I only wish they were tied together better.

Kids will enjoy the journey, for the most part. It’s characters we like, voiced by talented actors, and action that rolls for the entire 90 minutes. It just seems like there should have been more here.

In small doses, Puss purrs, but in the bigger picture, it’s hard to tell if the audience will be purring as they leave or just thirsty for a different saucer of milk.

B- 

Puss in Boots

Paramount Pictures / Dreamworks

Director: Chris Miller

Cast: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis

Rating: PG for some adventure action and mild rude humor.

Runtime: 1 hour 30 minutes