Puss in Boots: Last Wish Review – Sophia Mirza, WCHS

First, from the trailer alone, viewers can tell that the film’s animation style is different from previous Dreamwork productions such as How to Train Your Dragon and Kung Fu Panda. The old style is more visually realistic, while the new style has a more vibrant, comic book feel. Looking at the film’s fight sequence in particular, it was strikingly reminiscent of the animated show Arcane (produced by Fortiche animation studio) with its poster-like, colorful, abstract impact frames. All the fights were incredibly well-choreographed from the beginning of the film, and the climactic duel was like a spaghetti western mixed with action blockbuster excitement.

Emotions are also perfectly conveyed by this animation style. As many of you can tell from the trailer and the scenes revealed, Puss’ story this time around revolves around who he really is, beyond his legend and his new sense of aimlessness. This is a surprisingly deep message for a children’s movie, but the footage portrays emotions in a very sensitive way, not just in a child-friendly way. The contrast between his present and previous films was very interesting, and a subtle solace for those feeling past their peak.

On a lighter note, the movie itself is incredibly vibrant in almost every scene, with classic Shrek-like humor remaining. Her playful yet poignant relationship with Puss was very nostalgic, and the new additions to the cast as well for how entertaining and multidimensional they were. It doesn’t disappoint. Goldilocks and the Three Bears are highlights of the film, and their particular family dynamic is not something you typically see in movies.

In addition to grief, there is of course the fear of death. DreamWorks has an incredibly well-thought-out history of villains, especially in the famous Kung-Fu Panda trilogy with Tai Lung, Shen, and Kai. In Puss in Boots, the all-time villain Death meets these criteria. He’s really intimidating and driven. A distinctive creepy whistle (similar to the infamous Kill His Bill whistle) sets him apart. He’s not a villain bent on violent destruction.

The latest release from DreamWorks Studios has already received incredibly positive feedback, receiving a 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and nearly 100% of viewers liking the film (according to Google Reviews). All in all, there are about 1,000 reasons to watch this movie, from the visuals to the story.