Most people know and love Puss in Boots, the charismatic feline companion of Shrek, but who knows his mysterious past? Puss in Boots, a new animation from DreamWorks reveals the thrilling adventures the swashbuckling orange tabby went on before he met the ogre. The film is a clever mash-up of many well-known nursery rhymes and fairy tales such as Jack and the Beanstalk, Mother Goose, and Humpty Dumpty.
Puss is trying to find the goose that lays golden eggs so he could clear his name of being a thief and criminal in his own hometown. But, along the way, he encounters many obstacles such as Kitty Softpaws, who is a mysterious cat criminal; his former best friend Humpty; and the two nasty criminals Jack and Jill. The film has a lot of suspense, twists, humor, and strong characters. The Spanish music is lively and fits right into the dramatic scenes.
My favorite scene is when Puss engaged in a dazzling dance fight with Kitty, and they danced in a spectacular duo. They performed amazing stunts like climbing onto the ceiling and matching each other’s moves in midair. In the background, other cats played an energetic rhythm by scraping fish bones, ringing cow bells, and playing the guitar.
My favorite character is Puss because he is adventurous and daring. He uses his quick wit and reflexes to get out of any situation, no matter how dangerous. But, his best quality is his loyalty. He is loyal to his foster mother, his hometown, and even to his brother Humpty, who once let him down.
Overall, Puss in Boots is “Perrific!” But there are a few flaws. I thought the dance scene where Puss and Kitty discussed their feelings would be better if the dancing is cut short a bit because it isn’t fitting for the mood of that scene. Also, I don’t think that Puss would forgive his old friend Humpty so easily after he betrayed Puss and ruined his reputation as a hero. I give the film 4 starfish.
I would recommend this film to children ages 9 and above because of some mild adult references. Also there are many fight scenes with guns, swords, and other weapons. Finally, there are scenes of men drinking alcohol in a bar. But, for older children and parents, this film is guaranteed to get lots of laughs. Puss in Boots is definitely one of my favorite films of 2011!
Moral: A broken friendship can be healed with a change of heart.
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Copyright 2011 by Perry S. Chen
Perry S. Chen is an award-winning child film critic, artist, and animator, currently in 6th grade from San Diego. He started reviewing movies at age 8 in 3rd grade using a kid-friendly starfish rating system, and has been featured in CBS, NBC, CNN, NPR, Variety, The Guardian, The China Press, etc. He writes movie reviews for Animation World Network, San Diego Union Tribune, Amazing Kids! Magazine, and his own Perry’s Previews blog. (www.perryspreviews.com [1]) He won an “Excellence in Journalism Award” from San Diego Press Club in 2010 and 2011.
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