Animated films just seem to get better and better as every year goes on and while Puss In Boots may not be as good as its older cousin, The Shrek series, it certainly does hold its own as an animated film that will provide interest and laughs for people of all ages.
This is a prequel to the time Puss (Antonio Banderas – Haywire, Black Gold) meets Shrek. It tells the story of how he and his best friend, Humpty Dumpty (Zach Galifanakis – The Muppets, The Hangover Part II) become fugitives after Humpty lures Puss into a botched bank robbery on their home town. Years later Puss decides to try and steal magic beans from Jack (Billy Bob Thornton – Faster, The Smell Of Success) and Jill (Amy Sedaris – TV’S The Good Wife & Raising Hope). His first attempt is thwarted by fellow thief, Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek – Americano, Grown Ups), someone who Puss soon learns is now working with Humpty Dumpty in a bid to steal some golden eggs… or even the goose that lays them.
Together with a team of talented writers, director, Chris Miller (Shrek The Third, Lea Press On Limbs) has done a fabulous job making Puss In Boots really slot into the ‘South American’ feel with some real Spaghetti Western moments. The film flows really well and despite the fact Puss is an outlaw you on his side, even more when you realise there is a hint of Robin Hood about him. To their credit the writers make the film appeal to both adults and children alike although parents be warned if the adult parts (like Puss spending the night with another cat) don’t go over children’s heads you find yourself having to answer some tricky questions… although the joke at why Puss has catnip on him is an absolute classic.
There is so much to love about this film that my only gripe seems to be a really petty one, but early on it seemed a little difficult to understand Antonio Banderas’ accent. Then it seems to significantly improve and is smooth sailing for the rest of the film… strange, and yes I know, petty, but it was annoying while it lasted.
Dreamworks once again have put together a quality animation for the whole family. Funny in parts and dramatic in others… this is an animated film guaranteed to entertain people of all ages.
Year: 2011
Director: Chris Miller
Stars: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianikis
Classification: PG
Runtime: 90 mins
Rating: 
Out on DVD/Blu-Ray 12th April 2012