Masterpiece: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish has reinvigorated the animated film industry with its perfect plot execution, memorable characters and an engaging style. PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL PICTURES
A&E

Puss In Boots: The Last Wish Takes Animated Films To The Next Level

Hector Zumbado

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish has taken audiences by storm after it was released on Dec. 21, surpassing expectations and giving the franchise new life.

The film follows Puss in Boots on a quest to find the Last Wish—a mystical item that would allow the famed outlaw to restore his nine lives, which have been depleted to one. 

But he is not the only one searching for the treasure. Puss is joined by Jack Horner and Goldilocks and her family of three bears. 

Horner uses all the magic in the world to subjugate others. While his evil presence brings obstacles to Puss’ journey, he also adds sarcasm and comedy to the film given how stereotypically evil he is.

But the film’s main real antagonist is Death. 

Portrayed as a menacing red-eyed wolf, he is the personification of death and his signature whistle sends chills down everyone’s spine and transitions the tone of the movie toward sheer terror. 

Famed Spanish actor Antonio Banderas returns as the voice of Puss, while actress Salma Hayek injects the character of Kitty Softpaws with the right amount of wit and sass. The clear chemistry in their performances makes for an engaging love story.

Puss and Kitty are accompanied by Perro, a new character voiced by Harvey Guillen that helps Puss find the Last Wish despite his portrayal as a clueless puppy. 

The movie perfectly uses all its characters and plot points, leaving nothing behind. It’s the epitome of a simple plot done marvelously.

But the movie’s claim to fame is its beautiful animation. Its visuals knock it out of the park.

The film takes influence from the emulated comic animation style of Sony Pictures’ Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

Puss In Boots: The Last Wish takes this a step further by undergoing other art style changes which flow well. 

Through its 102-minute runtime, it goes from comic book style to two-dimensional and then to a standard three-dimensional style film. 

In a time when most films struggle with making relatable connections, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish provides its audience with content that feels natural and seamless. 

An example of this is in the scene where Puss experiences a panic attack until he is calmed down by Perro after he leans on him. This accurate depiction of human emotions allows the audience to connect with the characters on a human and emotional level. 

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish was an unexpected masterpiece by DreamWorks Animation. There is no doubt the movie will spark positive change for the future of animated films. 

Once again, everyone’s favorite fearless hero has saved the day.