Puss in Boots 2: The Last Wish (2022)

After more than a decade since his first solo adventure, the charismatic and brave Puss in Boots returns to the big screen in a new installment that mixes action, comedy and a surprising dose of existential reflection. “Puss in Boots 2: The Last Wish” 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 breathe new life into the character with a fresh visual style and distinct artistic influences. This sequel is positioned as one of the best animated productions of the year, even competing with major titles in the genre.

Synopsis

He Puss in Boots, the legendary swordsman and adventurer, discovers he's exhausted eight of his nine lives. After a near-fatal accident, he realizes he's down to his last chance to live. Grief-stricken and afraid for the first time, he decides to retire from the heroic life and hide in a modest village, where he tries to live a quiet life.

However, his retreat is interrupted when he hears about the existence of a magic star fallen from the sky, capable of granting a wish. Seeing an opportunity to restore his lost lives, the Cat embarks on a new and dangerous adventure. To do so, he will enlist the help of his former companion. Kitty Soft Paws (Kitty Softpaws), and an unexpected new ally: Puppy, an optimistic stray dog dressed as a cat.

The trio will have to face several enemies in pursuit of the same desire: Goldilocks and the Three Bears crime family, and the most ruthless villain of all, Jack Horner, who desires to possess all the magical power in the world. Moreover, a dark figure, an enigmatic and terrifying wolf, begins to pursue the Cat, representing the literal embodiment of the Death.

Cast

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

• Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots – Her performance maintains the character’s characteristic charm, adding deeper and more vulnerable nuances.
• Salma Hayek as Kitty Soft Paws – Cunning, brave, and with strong chemistry with the Cat, she shines again in this sequel.
• Harvey Guillén as Puppy – The most adorable character in the film, full of optimism and a pure heart.
• Florence Pugh as Goldilocks – He brings a mix of toughness and tenderness to the character, with a British accent that stands out.
• Olivia Colman, Ray Winstone and Samson Kayo like the Three Bears – A criminal family that also seeks desire for personal reasons.
• John Mulaney as Jack Horner – A megalomaniacal and comical villain, obsessed with collecting as many magical objects as possible.
• Wagner Moura as The Wolf (Death) – One of the film's most striking performances, with a menacing voice and commanding presence.

Reviews

The film was received with overwhelmingly positive reviews Both the specialized press and the general public praised it for its mature story, its treatment of complex themes such as the fear of death and the value of life, as well as its artistic and innovative visual style.

Many critics compared the animation style to that of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, utilizing 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 Cat's emotional complexity was also highlighted, as he goes from being a narcissistic and invincible hero to a vulnerable character who must confront his mortality and learn the value of the present.

The film received a 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 received high scores, with special appreciation from families and adults who grew up with Shrek.

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

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

Technical and visual aspects

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

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

As for the music, the soundtrack composed by Heitor Pereira 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 Puss in Boots.

The sound design also plays a crucial role, especially in the scenes where the Wolf appears, where the high-pitched, eerie whistle announces his arrival, creating a very effective atmosphere of suspense.

Conclusion

“Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” It's not just a sequel, but a successful reinvention of the character and DreamWorks' narrative style. The film manages to balance adventure, humor, action and emotional depth, in a story that speaks of life, fear, regret and the importance of making the most 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 a mature reflection on mortality, something rare 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 moving.

In summary, The Last Wish not only does it comply, but exceeds all expectations, proving that even after many years, a character can reinvent itself and strike a chord with audiences. A must-see gem for all ages.