Directed by : Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado

I find the very idea of Nine Lives absurd. And you didn't value any of them.

A still from 'Puss in Boots - The Last Wish'

Spoilers ahead..


The story is about Puss in the Boots (voice by Antonio Banderas) who realizes that he has lived 8 of his 9 lives, and is no longer the brave strong cat he used to be. Running away from the bounty hunter, The Big Bad Wolf (voice by Wagner Moura), Puss hides at a shelter home for cats and meets Perrito (voice by Harvey Guillen). He eventually learns about a Dark Forest that has a Wishing Star, using which one can wish for anything and Puss expectedly wants more lives. The only issue is that there's many other people also seeking that star. 

The Puss-Kitty (voice by Salma Hayek) scenes are fun to watch, I personally enjoyed Perrito, the small dog a lot whether it was his initial conversation with Puss or how later he names the group 'Team Friendship', or the way he narrates the most heartbreaking moment of his life like it was the best one. He's just too cute in all situations and would melt your heart with that attempt of getting his eyes wide open. The 3 bears - Papa Bear (voice by Ray Winstone), Mama Bear (voice by Olivia Colman) and Baby Bear (voice by Samson Kayo) along with their adopted orphan girl Goldilocks (voiced by Florence Pugh) are also lovable and funny. 

Both the negative characters 'The Big Bad Wolf' and 'Jack Horner' (voice by John Mulaney), work seperately, the former aimed at dealing with inner demons and the other about physical strength. Infact Jack Horner is the only one who never redeems himself unlike rest characters which is understandable. There's this fun character, Ethical Bug (voice by Kevin McCann) who is conscience of Jack and keeps warning the wrong deeds he keeps on committing. I would have loved to see more of him. 

Even though the movie lacks in terms of Wow factor, and a not so interesting first 10 minutes specially the endless same dialogue 'I am Puss in Boots'.. it gathers momentum quickly and then keeps on entertaining thoroughly. Also, delivers the message of how you don't value what you have and the greed takes you on to wrong paths. 

The adventures are enjoyable with gorgeous animation, specially once they reach The Dark Forest and use the map which changes the route every time someone else holds it. It was really funny to see how Perrito gets the easiest path. 

While almost all voiceovers are great, I personally enjoyed Salma Hayek, Olivia Colman and Samson Kayo a lot more. 

Overall, Puss in Boots -The Last Wish may not be among the elite list of animation movies, but its good and entertaining enough to be seen again and again. Its a movie that I feel would work equally for the children and the adults, despite going dark at places. 

My Rating : 7/10