Eleven years ago, a ginger cat in boots made its way onto the silver screen, and, in 2022, his story continues in “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” (2022). Dreamworks’ sequel to “Puss in Boots” (2011) has taken the box office by storm. Initially targeted at younger viewers, the audience for this movie has expanded beyond youngsters. Although this animated film is directed at children, Dreamworks kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire movie. Initially watching this film for a laugh, I found myself enamored and captivated by the plot, characters, scenes, and animation of this animated picture.

Seeing a new side of the legend “Puss in Boots” was both exciting and charming to see on screen. Feeling fear was something new for Puss, and seeing his vulnerability showcased was both amusing and entertaining. When I first watched the original 2011 film, I never perceived Puss as apprehensive. By glimpsing another edge to this fearless cat when encountering Death, I reconsidered my earlier idea. Even in the first movie, Puss consistently kept on running when in the face of trouble; however, this perception was challenged in this film.

In light of this animated picture, Puss’s character development was incredible. During his first appearance in the film, he was portrayed as the “legend” he is as his boisterous personality shone through. After the revelation that he is down to the last of his nine lives, he decided to call it quits. Because of Puss’s need to live up to the expectations of his tale, he’d rather give up than “live on the edge” to reach those standards. As the film progressed, Puss began to cherish the moments he spent with Perrito and Softpaws during the journey. But, 30 minutes before the film concluded, Puss did an unforgivable act; though, he made it up to the ones he loved. All in all, his personality was dynamic throughout the film, but he came around at the end for both Perrito and Softpaws.

Speaking of Softpaws, her return to this film was what I needed! It genuinely felt as if Softpaws only lived in the first Puss in Boots movie because she never appeared in a branching series, and I honestly missed seeing her on-screen since 2011. In the 2022 animated picture, her introduction was insane, and her voice actor, Salma Hayek, was incredible in the movie – Antonio Banderas voice-acting was noteworthy as well! I also enjoyed seeing her dialogue in Spanish. I loved how she was able to communicate her emotions and demeanor at that moment in time through her language. This addition wasn’t in the first film, and I truly enjoyed seeing it in this new release. She is such a powerful and witty character, and I admired her attitude throughout the film. The reconnection she and Puss had throughout the film was astounding on screen, and her understanding plus sympathy toward Puss and his last life was astonishing.

The concept of Death was alluring, considering this movie is aimed at a young audience. Dreamworks’ addition of this idea made the movie more compelling, in my opinion. Death’s concept impelled Puss to run away from the end of his life. This dark character propelled Puss’s fleeing nature, but this was the result of fear, which was a feeling foreign to the “legend of Puss in Boots”. Being in his last life was, honestly, somber to see. When I was a child watching this film franchise, I didn’t see Puss as a character who was showcased as a frightened individual. From my perspective, I thought that Puss’s experience of a new emotion was fresh to see, and seeing him overcome this emotion was charming.

Another addition I enjoyed seeing was Goldilocks and the Three Bears. This incorporation was so engaging to see as a “crime family”, and I believe that they were a comical inclusion into the film. The concept of this family was enthralling, and their initial introduction was engaging because Puss was being hunted down (by them) to journey for the wishing star. The family had their ups and downs throughout the movie, but in the end, similar to Puss and Softpaws, they realized they didn’t need that wish.

In all, this new animation style was a subject I adored throughout the movie! The art and concepts of the characters were incredibly vibrant, and I was consistently hooked by the action scenes of this film. There were moments where the action scenes slowed down and sped up as the film progressed – it seemed as if it was a comic – and these attributes are what make a film “animated”! Animation films are meant to exaggerate for film purposes, and this movie has definitely checked that box. The character’s actions were extremely emphasized, and I admired the eye candy this film projected.

The message of the movie was extremely noteworthy and reflected throughout the entire film: live this life to the fullest. Puss was being selfish and looked for the wishing star to regain his nine lives. Because he was in his last life, he avoided living on the edge of death. Seeing his “retirement” was genuinely saddening because growing up, I saw him as a bold and courageous character who didn’t let anything get in the way of his passion. He wanted to live up to the “legend” he held, but I was glad to see that his character developed into a humble, caring individual who protects the ones he cherishes.

I don’t believe that this movie was dedicated to just a younger audience. As a child, people often take movies for granted and don’t see the overall purpose of a film. Growing up, I barely understood the concept or even the plot of a movie. Children mostly pay attention to the images on screen rather than the dialogue that occurs between two characters – from my experience. A movie shouldn’t be dedicated to just one audience because it’s something several people can enjoy or even relate to. Watching this movie has made me consider how much limited time we have on this earth, and how we shouldn’t waste any minute of it because time is so valuable and every second should count.

Overall, this film franchise continues to surprise me with each new release. Since watching it as a child, I will continue to enjoy every minute of each new film. I grew up watching these movies and seeing the same characters at a bit older age, I find it nostalgic. This movie is one for the next generation, but regardless of the age range, I adored this film, and I know it’ll be as timeless as the first release in the Puss in Boots franchise.