10 Reasons Everyone Should Watch "Puss In Boots: The Last Wish" (With Or Without Kids)

Pray for mercy from... the best animated film of 2022!

With films like Turning Red, Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio, Marcel the Shell, and The Bad Guys, 2022 proved to be incredible for animation.

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To top it off, a certain death-defying feline swooped in at the tail end of December and delivered one of the best cinematic experiences of the year.

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With Avatar: The Way of Water pulling massive box office numbers, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish comparatively flew under the radar. However, there are plenty of reasons everyone should hop on board for Puss' latest adventure (with or without children in tow).

1. The animation is like a fairy tale painting brought to life

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One of the most appealing aspects of The Last Wish is its show-stopping animation. At times reminiscent of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, this vibrant new entry in the Shrekverse is the most beautiful yet. Besides the 3D animation that audiences are accustomed to, this film also makes use of hand-drawn techniques. In fact, some scenes look like they were pulled straight out of a painting. 

2. The exhilarating action sequences

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Given that Puss is a swashbuckling outlaw, it's no surprise that his action sequences are a blast. The film opens with an adrenaline-fueled bang that sets the tone for the rest of the adventure. It all comes to a head during the stunning final battle, an electrifying clash of blades best viewed on a big screen.

3. The elite voice acting

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Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek Pinault reignite their brilliant dynamic as Puss and Kitty Softpaws, respectively. This time, they're joined by the likes of Florence Pugh, Olivia Colman, and John Mulaney. Wagner Moura delivers a spine-chilling performance as The Big Bad Wolf, but it's Harvey Guillen's lovable Perrito that steals the show.

4. It's the first Shrekverse film in over a decade

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Outside of a few minor TV projects, the Shrekverse had been dormant for over ten years before the release of The Last Wish. Feeling old yet? 

There's plenty of nostalgia incorporated within Puss' new journey. The cameos and flashback sequences are a delight for fans of the original Shrek films. You'll find a fair share of Easter eggs, but the best treat is handed to you on a silver platter at the end of the movie.

5. The humor appeals to all ages

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We, as a society, should destroy the misconception that animated films are only for children. Yes, Puss in Boots boasts plenty of kid-friendly jokes. It also features gags that anyone below the age of 12 will miss. Perrito is a treasure trove of wholesome laughs, while Puss's comically gritty nature keeps a smile on your face. It's a perfect balance that helps make the movie enjoyable for all audiences.

6. The film's themes and life lessons are surprisingly mature

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Perhaps the biggest reason everyone should watch The Last Wish is its exploration of fear and loneliness. We see a deconstruction of the characters' struggles, ultimately discovering what makes life worth living for each of them. The film respects its most important messages so moments like Puss having a panic attack hit on a visceral level. Though most of the adventure is a comedy, the genuine depiction of Puss grappling with his mortality is never played for laughs.

7. Perrito and his backstory will steal your heart

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Perrito is the sweetest sidekick you could imagine. He's quirky, funny, adorable, and utterly wholesome. The best part is that—unlike other overly positive characters—he never overstays his welcome. He's a scene stealer with a heart of gold and a somber backstory, which he nonchalantly reveals when you least expect it.

8. Kitty Softpaws wasn't left in the dust

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Anyone who saw the 2011 Puss in Boots movie knows that Puss and Kitty's relationship ended poorly. "Jilted at the altar" is an easy way to remove a love interest from a narrative, but luckily Kitty wasn't left in the dust. Salma Hayek Pinault's feisty feline is back, and her dynamic with Puss is as entertaining as ever.

9. The Big Bad Wolf is genuinely a menacing villain

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This Wolf is bigger, badder, and more terrifying than anything we've seen in the Shrek franchise. His shockingly dark presence looms over the entirety of Puss's journey. Wolf is more than meets the eye, best understood as a concept rather than a generic villain and that's what makes him so menacing.

10. The entire cast of side characters is entertaining

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There are many character goals — both big and small — at play throughout Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. Kitty Softpaws, Goldilocks, the Three Bears, and Perrito all have understandable motives that propel them forward. Their banter always leads to absurd moments and dangerous situations, keeping the film entertaining while Puss isn't on screen.