Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is a 2022 American 3D computer-animated adventure comedy film produced by DreamWorks Animation and distributed by Universal Pictures. It serves as the sequel to the 2011 film Puss in Boots and is the sixth installment in the Shrek franchise. Directed by Joel Crawford and co-directed by Januel Mercado, the film features a voice cast that includes Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Harvey Guillén, Florence Pugh, Olivia Colman, Ray Winstone, Samson Kayo, John Mulaney, and Wagner Moura.
🎬 Plot Summary
The story follows Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas), who discovers that his adventurous lifestyle has led him to use up eight of his nine lives. Determined to restore his lost lives, Puss embarks on a quest to find the mythical Wishing Star. He is joined by his former partner, Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek), and a naive but optimistic dog named Perrito (Harvey Guillén). Their journey pits them against various fairy tale characters also seeking the Wishing Star, including Goldilocks (Florence Pugh) and the Three Bears, as well as a menacing wolf (Wagner Moura) who serves as a personification of Death.
🎭 Voice Cast
- Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots
- Salma Hayek as Kitty Softpaws
- Harvey Guillén as Perrito
- Florence Pugh as Goldilocks
- Olivia Colman as Mama Bear
- Ray Winstone as Papa Bear
- Samson Kayo as Baby Bear
- John Mulaney as Jack Horner
- Wagner Moura as The Wolf (Death)Wikipedia
🎨 Animation Style and Direction
The film’s animation style draws inspiration from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, employing a painterly approach that gives the visuals a storybook quality. This artistic choice was made to enhance the fairy-tale atmosphere and differentiate the film from previous installments in the Shrek franchise. The direction by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado brings a fresh perspective to the series, combining humor with deeper themes of mortality and redemption.
📅 Release and Reception
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish premiered at Lincoln Center in New York City on November 25, 2022, and was released theatrically in the United States on December 21, 2022. The film received critical acclaim for its animation, storytelling, and voice performances. It holds a high rating on Rotten Tomatoes and was praised for its mature themes and emotional depth. WikipediaRotten Tomatoes
💰 Box Office Performance
The film was a commercial success, grossing over $485 million worldwide on a production budget estimated between $90 and $110 million. In the United States and Canada, it earned approximately $186 million, while international markets contributed around $299 million. Despite opening below initial projections, the film’s strong word-of-mouth and positive reviews led to sustained box office performance, making it the tenth-highest-grossing film of 2022. WikipediaIMDb
🏆 Awards and Nominations
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish received several accolades and nominations, including:
- Academy Award: Nominated for Best Animated Feature
- Golden Globe Awards: Nominated for Best Animated Feature Film
- Critics’ Choice Awards: Nominated for Best Animated Feature
- British Academy Film Awards: Nominated for Best Animated FilmAP News+2Vanity Fair+2Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+1Movie Insider+1
These nominations reflect the film’s critical success and recognition within the animation industry. Wikipedia
🎵 Music and Soundtrack
The film’s score was composed by Heitor Pereira, who replaced Henry Jackman from the first film. The soundtrack features original songs, including “La Vida es Una” performed by Karol G, “Fearless Hero” performed by Antonio Banderas, and “Por Que Te Vas” performed by Gaby Moreno. These songs complement the film’s themes and enhance its emotional impact. Wikipedia
🐾 Themes and Legacy
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish explores themes of mortality, redemption, and the value of life. The character of Death is portrayed not as a villain to be defeated, but as an inevitable force that Puss must confront and accept. This mature approach adds depth to the film and resonates with audiences of all ages. The film’s success has reinvigorated interest in the Shrek franchise and has paved the way for future installments.
📺 Streaming Availability
Following its theatrical run, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish was made available for home viewing. It was released on digital platforms on January 6, 2023, and became available on DVD and Blu-ray on February 28, 2023. The film is also available for streaming on platforms like Peacock, Max, Hulu, Prime Video, and Apple TV, allowing fans to enjoy the adventure from the comfort of their homes.
In summary, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is a standout entry in the Shrek franchise, offering a blend of humor, adventure, and emotional depth. Its critical acclaim, commercial success, and exploration of profound themes have solidified its place as a modern animated classic.
