Film review
Puss in Boots: the Story of an Ogre Killer (3D)
Director: Chris Miller Starring: Antonio Banderas, Billy Bob Thornton, Amy Sedaris, Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis, Guillermo del Toro.
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nown fondly by adults and children alike as the cute little ginger cat in Shrek, Puss in Boots is back in all the glory of DreamWorks 3D and this time he’s the star of the show (quite right too, if you ask me)! The film, which will be released on 9th December, is a prequel to the Shrek series and takes place before Puss meets Shrek and Donkey in Shrek 2. Originally, the release of Puss in Boots was planned for 2012, but as Shrek 5 (excessive?) was cancelled, the release date was pushed forward, providing a great excuse to hit the cinema for a fun-filled family day out this winter. Voiced by Antonio Banderas, Puss is the same swordfighting hero from the Shrek films; protecting the innocent and hunting down villains, putting a new spin on the tales of Zorro, which Banderas was previously famous for. As we are guided through Puss’ hilarious and courageous early adventures we are given an insight into the character we did not thoroughly get to know in Shrek, and learn how he acquires his seductive skill, and best defence, as a kitten in an orphanage. The plot then follows Puss as he and sidekick Humpty Dumpty (Galifianakis) learn that Jack and Jill (Thornton &
Sedaris) have discovered an ancient power that can destroy the world, legendry magic beans which can take the bearer to the Goose that lays the Golden Eggs, letting him enjoy the finest of riches. These two are a far cry from the naïve children we know from the nursery rhyme, but instead in true Shrek-like style, are two murderous pistol-wielding outlaws, out to get what they can. In his hunt for the villainous pair Puss meets a mysterious black cat named Kitty Softpaws (Hayek) who joins him on his quest and becomes the inevitable love-interest. For true lovers of the Shrek franchise this film has it all; the parody of common nursery rhymes and fairy tales layered beneath the usual stereotypes of a swashbuckling hero saving the day and getting the girl, provides the right mix of humour and intrigue for both adults and children, making this film perfect for all the family, even if there really is no sign of Shrek or Donkey, no matter how much you want it to happen! Little known fact: the film was hinted at the end of Shrek Forever After when Shrek returned the book back to the bookcase; it was put back next to the Puss in Boots book!
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