Puss in Boots: The Last Wish | Reviews of the Nerds

TRANSCRIPT

Hey everyone, I’m Chris Chaudoin and this is Reviews of the Nerds.

Today, I’m reviewing the movie Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. Puss in Boots is a character based on a fairy tale that made his big screen debut in Shrek 2. Then he got his own movie in 2011. The Last Wish is a sequel to Puss in Boots, but if I saw that movie, I don’t remember it. Knowledge of the first Puss in Boots movie in the Shrek franchise is not a requirement to enjoy this movie. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish has an excellent premise.

The charismatic cat has lived life, excuse me, lives to the fullest. Puss has used up eight of his nine lives and finds himself scared of dying. He’s being stalked by a bounty hunter, the black hooded wolf, Lobo, and running for his life. He has to keep a low profile but finds himself being pulled back into adventure as he goes in search of a star fragment that has the power to grant one wish. There are several other parties after this star as well, including Big Jack Horner, Goldilocks and the three bears, and Puss in Boots’s ex fiance, Kitty Softpaws. Adventure ensues as everyone searches for the star.

If you like great storytelling, over the top but relatable characters, great action, and fantastic animation, then this is for you. Some of the people behind Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse did the animation for this, and it shows. Not only is this a fun and engaging story for kids, but it really hits home for an older audience, too.

Some of the deeper themes of this movie deal with the fragility of life, nature versus nurture, righting past wrongs, and why living for yourself isn’t a great way to live.

I had two friends, neither of whom have children, recommend this movie to me. After watching it, I saw why. Yes, the animation is good, the storytelling and voice acting are top notch, but there was something more. This movie has heart. It doesn’t just tell a good story, but it helps the viewer think about the deeper meaning of life and what’s really important. To me, it echoes the words of Jesus himself. For what does it benefit someone if he gains the whole world and yet loses or forfeits himself? This movie is available to stream on Peacock or you could rent it, which I strongly suggest that you do.

I’m Chris Chaudoin. Remember, the legend will never die. And for more discussions about the world view of Puss in Boots and other media things, you can check out my podcast Worldview Finder on YouTube, Spotify, or iTunes.

Reviews of the Nerds are not traditional reviews, in that we don’t offer a rating, nor do we tend to review things we don’t like. Reviews of the Nerds is all about finding the right audience for what we are reviewing.