Puss in Boots (2011): Dir: Chris Miller / Voices: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis, Billy Bob Thornton, Guillermo del Toro: Puss in Boots is a character of identity. He first turned up in Shrek 2 but popularity has rewarded the feline his own movie. He was brought up in an orphanage where a friendship with Humpty Dumpty results in a betrayal where Puss is on the run for a crime he was unaware of, and Humpty lands in prison. Years later Humpty seeks Puss in a scheme to steal three magic beans from Jack and Jill. Once planted, a beanstalk will grow that will lead to a goose that lays golden eggs. Appealing concept gives way to imaginative visuals and a climax where a giant goose rampages through the city. Chris Miller previously made Shrek the Third and he is appropriate for the solo stage for Puss. Antonio Banderas brings out the cunning charm of the feline hero who reluctantly takes on this task. Salma Hayek voices Kitty Softpaws whose name bares history. She competes with Puss in stealing the beans until it comes to realization that she is working for Humpty. She is a potential romantic interest but she sells it. Zach Galifianakis voices Humpty whose quest conceals a desire for revenge and whether Puss can overcome and excel. Guillermo del Toro voices a guy who calls himself Moustache Man. The one downside is the Jack and Jill villains are terrible and more or less standard ugly rule breakers that fail to engage us. The purpose of this film is to give Puss in Boots his feature. He wasn't part of the original Shrek so this makes up for it. Score: 9 ½ / 10
Review of Puss in Boots
