Tuesday, 19 March 2024

‘Puss in Boots’ in fine form




‘PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH’ Rated PG

More than a decade has passed since Antonio Banderas’ animated swashbuckling cat Puss in Boots graduated from a character role in “Shrek 2” to star in his own film as a feline version of Douglas Fairbanks’ Zorro.

The last time we saw the fear-defying eponymous hero of 2011’s “Puss in Boots,” in his solo outing as a movie star, he was purring about his cunning ability to save the world and be celebrated for his bravery.

In “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” we find our furry daredevil arrogantly waking up after his eighth death and realizing he has only one life left. Suddenly, the fabulous orange tabby is wondering whether he’s lost his mojo and what’s he going to do about it.

As if it isn’t dire enough being down to one last life, Puss has a bounty on his head, with the big, bad bounty hunter Wolf (Wagner Moura) having the notorious cat in his direct sights.

Seeking refuge at the home of Mama Luna Cat Rescue, Puss must abide by the rules of the owner (Da’Vine Joy Randolph), which means he has to suffer the indignity of eating cat food, using a litter box and being renamed Pickles.

Amidst the dozens of mangy cats at the rescue home, a disheveled, chatty and relentlessly cheerful mutt named Perrito (Harvey Guillen) impersonating a cat joins Puss when he embarks on a journey into the Black Forest to find the mythical Wishing Star.

To discover the talisman that could restore some of his lost lives, Puss has to humble himself and ask for help from his old flame and sometimes nemesis Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek).

In their quest, the trio of Puss, Kitty and Perrito will have to stay one step ahead of Goldi (Florence Pugh) and her crime family of Papa Bear (Ray Winstone), Mama Bear (Olivia Colman) and Baby Bear (Samson Kayo) who are also searching for the Wishing Star.

Another rival is the massively huge adult Jack Horner (John Mulaney), an underworld kingpin who operates from the back of an ominous bakery. His ambition is to become the most powerful figure in the fairytale universe.

Though known fairy tale references abound, the filmmakers drew inspiration from Sergio Leone classic film “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.” All these different hardened criminals are going after the same pot of gold.

Yet, it’s Puss and his gang that are most adorable, charming and amusing when competing with the nefarious entities who want the Wishing Star for themselves.

“Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” should be fun for all age groups, and Antonio Banderas is in fine form voicing his Spanish feline with humorous gusto.

Tim Riley writes film and television reviews for Lake County News.

Upcoming Calendar

19Mar
03.19.2024 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Board of Supervisors
19Mar
03.19.2024 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Lakeport City Council
22Mar
03.22.2024 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
‘Steel Magnolias’
23Mar
03.23.2024 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
‘Steel Magnolias’
24Mar
03.24.2024 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
‘Steel Magnolias’
30Mar
03.30.2024 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Lakeport Community Cleanup Day
31Mar
03.31.2024
Easter Sunday
1Apr
04.01.2024
Easter Monday
15Apr
04.15.2024
Tax Day

Mini Calendar

loader

LCNews

Award winning journalism on the shores of Clear Lake. 

 

Newsletter

Enter your email here to make sure you get the daily headlines.

You'll receive one daily headline email and breaking news alerts.
No spam.