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- Neil Middlemiss
Puss in Boots is a surprising spin-off from the lucrative – if not always up to par – Shrek franchise. What is surprising here is how well the Antonio Banderas' voiced Puss anchors this film, giving the world created by Shrek an entirely new energy and fun spectacle that helps create a fun and occasionally clever family film that is far better than you might be expecting. A sequel would not be a surprise given the new set of characters introduced here and the enormous box office success (almost $150MM domestic and $528MM worldwide). As long as the writers and producers don’t saddle Puss down with the pursuits of family (perhaps the likeliest cause of the Shrek franchise’s imagination deflation), any continuing adventures would be most welcome.
Puss in Boots
Studio: DreamWorks, Paramount Pictures
Year: 2011
US Rating: PG-Some Adventure Action and Mild Rude Humor
Film Length: 90 Minutes
Video: AVC MPEG-4 1080P High Definition 16X9
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Audio: English 7.1 Dolby TrueHD, French 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, Portuguese 5.1 Dolby Digital and English Audio Description
Subtitles: English, English SDH, French and Spanish
Release Date: February 24, 2012
Review Date: February 24, 2012
“You have made the cat angry. You do not want to make the cat angry!”
The Film
3.5/ 5
Antonio Banderas was a promising addition to the cast of Shrek 2 as the bravado-laden Puss in Boots, but the prospect of carrying an entire film was never first in mind - to me at least. Since his characters popularity grew through the series, and Cat lovers are a faithful segment of the global population, using this established character (both in literature and in cinema) proved to be a fine springboard into what has the strong potential to become a healthy new branch of the Shrek franchise. And a franchise able to stand on its own.
The story centers on Puss’ quest to retrieve the famed magic beans from infamous thieves Jack and Jill (played with a nod to Bonnie and Clyde, albeit a more rotund version). A wanted outlaw, Pussis foiled from success by a masked stranger who is seeking the same precious item as he. The masked stranger is revealed to be Kitty Softpaws, a master with the blade hired by Puss’ former friend from the orphanage - but now enemy (Humpty-Dumpty), is a stunning beauty (to Puss at least). Puss discovers that Humpty is behind the spoil and soon, after some soul searching, the three team up to nab the beans, climb the stalk, and save the day – but it’s an uphill climb filled with prison, fugitives, and daring sword fights.
Puss in Boots is a playful parody of sorts of Zorro, fitting given how well cast Antonio Banderas was as that masked hero in the highly entertaining Mask of Zorro. Henry Jackman’s score, which is highly reminiscent of James Horner’s rousing score for the aforementioned Mask of Zorro, lends further to that parallel. Banderas continues to prove a solid comic timing and is surrounded by a highly capable voice cast which includes Selma Hyak as Kitty, Zack Galifianakas as Humpty Dumpty, Billy Bob Thornton as Jack and Amy Sedaras as Jill.
Puss in Boots manages to define itself outside of the Shrek films, with a more grandiose flair of fantasy and a narrower scope of the plot. While the Jack and Jill element of the story is welcome, it isn’t used to the best of the voice talent. Zack Galifianakas pulls off a great turn as Humpty Dumpty, swimming between mean and melancholy with his soft voice and runoff timing. CODE WORD: Boots. Director Chris Miller should be commended for keeping the pace up and attempting some visual and editing flair though it doesn’t always pay off as tidily as it could have.
In the end, Puss in Boots might just surprise those out there who, like me, did not expect too terribly much from this spinoff. Banderas delights and Hayek provide vocal prowess and sass enough to energize the sagging universe launched by the big green ogre, Shrek. The film's design is rich in detail and executed with excitement, more than enough to fill the 90 minutes with entertaining turns, flourishes and larks
The Video
5/5
Dreamworks continues to vastly improve on the techniques and quality found in their animated feature. Director Chris Miller (Shrek the Third) crafts a brisk and visually entertaining film that, while the story doesn’t hold up against the best of their library (How to Train your Dragon currently holds that mantle), the vibrant and warm colors, exquisite details and attention to texture, shadow and brilliant depth are outstanding on this Blu-ray. This 1080p transfer is just wonderful in every way. The vivid colors and details launch off the screen (even in this 2D version). You will see a remarkable level of detail, particularly the highly detailed leather boots and hat that make up the majority of Puss’ outfit.
The Sound
4.5/5
The English 7.1 Dolby TrueHD is a superb example of the power of lossless soundtracks. The rumble of the action and spirited directional effects are distributed cleverly throughout the speakers. Henry Jackman’s fine (if derivative) score, with guest musicians’ Rodrigo y Gabriela (who can also be heard on the Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides soundtrack) absolutely sparkles with the every note audible on those lovely Spanish guitars. The growth of the beanstalk is a highlight of the audio, with rips and creaks crystal clear. Dialogue and cats meows are crisp and clear in the center channel. This is a great audio.
The Extras
4/5
Disc One
Puss in Boots: The Three Diablos HD: The titular tabby returns in this brand new short as he seeks to return a Princesses stolen Ruby.
A DreamWorks Fairy Tale HD - Blu-ray exclusive: Create your own Jack and Jill, Humpty-Dumpty or Jack and the Beanstalk rhyme from a list of ‘silly’ words.
Puss' Paw Pouncing Challenge HD - Blu-ray exclusive: A game for the young where you must help Puss pounce on the flashlight as it bounces around
The Animators' Corner: Another excellent Animator’s Corner featuring a plethora of storyboards, interviews and music. These continue to be the stand out features of DreamWorks’s animated films Blu-ray releases.
Trivia Track (Blu-ray exclusive): Uncover facts as the film plays.
Previews HD
Purr-Fect Pairing: The Voices Behind the Legend HD: A brief look at the voice cast behind the film.
Deleted Scenes HD: Several deleted scenes.
Kitten to Cat HD: This extra features interviews with the cast and creators as they discuss the growth of the Puss character from his introduction in Shrek to his starring role.
Glitter Box Dance Off! HD: Learn the dance moves demonstrated in the fun musical number featured in the film.
Klepto Kitty HD: Meet a ‘real life’ cat burglar.
Kitty Keyboard: Listen to four songs recreated by the cat’s meow.
Fairytale Pop-Up Book HD: Enjoy favorite moments, quotes and backstories of the Puss in Boots characters.
Kitty Strikes Again HD: A game for the young where they can interactively ‘spot the difference’.
World of DreamWorks Animation HD: Promos and more.
Disc 2
DVD version of the film
Digital Copy of the film.
Final Thoughts
Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature – recognition of both its visual creativity, detail and popularity – Puss in Boots was far greater a hit than even DreamWorks could have hoped. Antonio Banderas is excellent voicing the short but quick titular hero and as proven by the weaving of even more storybook tales into humorous adventure, there is more than enough source material from which to draft other twisted and entertaining escapades. I can recommend this film as solid family entertainment with enough winks and nods to parents to make it worth your while.
Overall (Not an average)
4/5
Neil Middlemiss
Kernersville, NC
