The Puss in Boots 2: The Last Wish (2022)

After more than a decade since his first solo adventure, the charismatic and brave Cat with Boots return to the big screen in a new installment that mixes action, comedy and a surprising dose of existential reflection. ÚEl Gato con Botas 2: The Last Wish it not only revitalizes the character we met in the franchise Shrek, but also offers a mature narrative, with memorable new characters and innovative animation that has captured the attention of critics and viewers alike.

Released in 2022 by DreamWorks Animation, the film was directed by Joel Crawford and co-directed by Januel Mercado, who managed to give new life to the character with a fresh visual style and marked artistic influences. This sequel is positioned as one of the best animated productions of the year, even competing with great titles of the genre.

Synopsis

The Cat with Boots, the legendary swordsman and adventurer, discovers that he has exhausted eight of his nine lives. After a near-fatal accident, he realizes that he is on his last chance to live. Grieving and afraid for the first time, he decides to retire from the heroic life and hide in a modest town, where he tries to lead a quiet life.

However, his retirement is interrupted when he hears about the existence of one magic star fallen from the sky, able to grant a wish. Seeing the opportunity to restore their lost lives, the Cat embarks on a new and dangerous adventure. To do this, he will have the help of his former partner Kitty Soft Legs (Kitty Softpaws), and an unexpected new ally: Puppy, an optimistic stray dog dressed as a cat.

The trio must face several enemies in search of the same desire: Goldilocks and the Three Bears crime family, and the most ruthless villain of all, Jack Horner, who wishes to possess all the magical power in the world. Furthermore, a dark figure, an enigmatic and terrifying wolf, begins to chase the Cat, representing the literal incarnation of the Death.

Cast

The film has an outstanding voice cast (in its original English version), which brings charisma, emotion and humor to each character:

• Antonio Banderas like Cat with Boots 3 His interpretation maintains the character's characteristic charm, adding deeper and more vulnerable nuances.
• Salma Hayek like Kitty Soft Legs tín Astute, brave and with strong chemistry with the Cat, shines again in this sequel.
• Harvey Guillén like Puppy 3 The most adorable character in the film, full of optimism and with a pure heart.
• Florence Pugh like Goldilocks era He brings a mix of rudeness and tenderness to the character, with a British accent that stands out.
• Olivia Colman, Ray Winstone and Samson Kayo like the Three Bears án A crime family that also seeks desire for personal reasons.
• John Mulaney like Jack Horner ér A megalomaniacal and comic villain, obsessed with collecting all possible magical objects.
• Wagner Moura like The Wolf (Death) ér One of the most striking performances of the film, with a threatening voice and imposing presence.

Criticisms

The film was received with overwhelmingly positive reviews both by the specialized press and the general public. She was praised for her mature story, her treatment of complex topics such as fear of death and the value of life, as well as her artistic and innovative visual style.

Many critics compared the animation style to that of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, using variable frame rates and a more stylized design than traditional CGI. This change was applauded for offering a more dynamic and fresh visual experience.

The emotional complexity of the Cat was also highlighted, who goes from being a narcissistic and invincible hero to a vulnerable character who must face his mortality and learn the value of the present.

The film received one oscar nomination as Best Animated Film, and was present on multiple lists of the best of the year.

Public reception

The public reception was very enthusiastic. Both on review platforms and Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb and Letterboxd, the film earned high scores, with special appreciation from families and adults who grew up with Shrek.

In Rotten Tomatoes, the film has more than 95% critical approval and a similar rating from the public. In IMDb, has a score above 7.8/10, which is notable for a spin-off sequel.

Fans praised the quality of the script, the character development, and the incorporation of the reflective tone without leaving aside the action and humor characteristic of the universe Shrek.

Technical and visual aspects

One of the most talked about elements of the film was its renewed visual style. DreamWorks chose to move away from the digital realism of its previous installments, and instead adopted an animation technique more stylized and expressive, combining CGI with pictorial elements and strokes reminiscent of illustrations from fairy tales or comics.

This change in artistic direction allowed for more vibrant and choreographed action scenes, as well as an aesthetic that stands out in each frame. The use of contrasting colors, marked shadows and low-frequency animation at times (to give more impact) added a very attractive dynamism.

As for the music, the soundtrack composed by Heitor Pereira it perfectly complements the emotions of the story, with epic themes and more intimate moments. There are also musical references to the universe of Shrek and to Spanish culture, maintaining the essence of the Puss in Boots.

Sound design also plays a crucial role, especially in the scenes in which the Wolf appears, where the high-pitched and disturbing whistle announces his arrival, generating a very effective atmosphere of suspense.

Conclusion

ÚEl Gato con Botas: The Last Wish it's not just a sequel, but one successful reinvention of the character and narrative style of DreamWorks. The film manages to balance adventure, humor, action and emotional depth, in a story that talks about life, fear, regret and the importance of taking advantage of the present.

Thanks to its innovative animation, endearing characters and a script that respects both children and adults, this installment has become one of the best animated films of the decade and a new classic within the universe of Shrek.

Beyond being a children's film, it offers one mature reflection on mortality, something unusual in commercial animated cinema. The character of the Wolf (Death) has earned a place among the most memorable villains in modern animation, and the Cat's journey is inspiring and emotional.

In short, The Last Wish not only does it comply, but exceeds all expectations, demonstrating that even after many years, a character can reinvent himself and touch new fibers in the hearts of the public. An unmissable gem for all ages.