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MESSAGE IN THE MOVIES

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is yet another adventure starring the fairytale feline (voiced by Antonio Banderas) who was first introduced in Shrek 2, in countless Shrek spinoffs, and even in his own streaming series on Netflix. I thought that this cat had run out of all nine lives by now.

Imagine my surprise when I discovered that The Last Wish is not only really good but tells the story about the swashbuckling cat’s discovery that he has died eight times and has just one life left to live. Since every death is primarily due to his own stupid pride, a moment of self-reflection leaves him filled with sadness and regret.

He then hears about a wishing star that has fallen down to earth. If he can get to the star before anyone else, he can have his wish for more lives granted. Accompanied by his formerly jilted girlfriend Kitty Softpaws (Selma Hayek) - who wants the wish for herself – and a chihuahua named Perrito (Harvey Guillén), the trio has to steal a map to the treasure from Big Jack Horner (John Mullaney) while running from Goldilocks and the Three Bears (Florence Pugh, Olivia Colman, Ray Winstone and Samson Kayo) as well as the clutches of the Big Bad Wolf (Wagner Moura), who is even more menacing than he appears.

The movie finds time to have fun with a brief shout out to Pinocchio (Cody Cameron) and a (literally) running gag with a Talking Cricket (Kevin McCann).

It is a familiar adventure that resembles the plot of a videogame, but with great voice work from an A-list cast coupled with good visual jokes and humorous banter.

It is also the reverse of a hero’s journey for Puss who has to learn to care about others above his own selfishness. Kitty learns to forgive and other characters discover the joys of family and how to nurture the power of friendship.

I have read criticism online from some viewers that this film is too dark and scary for some children. I don’t totally disagree, but when scenes of dread are tempered with uplifting values and ultimate victories, I consider this good storytelling. Walt Disney didn’t shy away from dealing with fear, either.

I have said it before and I will say it again: Watch movies alongside of your children and talk to them about what you have viewed. When in doubt about a movie, go see the film (or view it at home) prior to letting your kids watch it – and then watch it together.

Halo and Pitchfork Rating:

Four halos: An entertaining and fun fairytale romp with positive messages about forgiveness, friendship, and family.
Two pitchforks: Mild bathroom humor; mild swearing; Puss in Boots’ pride and egotism; a scary wolf nemesis.

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