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Saturday, January 7, 2023

PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH (2022)

Does anyone actually know the original story of Puss in Boots?  There’s a cat . . . in boots . . . and a Princess?  That’s about it.  But the character showed up, then got its own film, when even DreamWorks Animation had to admit the SHREK franchise had just about run its course.  And though 2011's PUSS is a bit better than SHREK dreck sequels, it shares the hideous palette, lame pop culture references and quick reverse sit-com mentality.  But now it’s out with the old and in with the New Improved PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH.  Other than voice talent Antonio Banderas as Puss and Salma Hayek as Softpaws, just about every creative has been replaced with fresh hires.  And, mirabile dictu, DreamWorks Animation, courtesy of barely tested co-directors Joel Crawford & Januel Mercado, allow for some adventurous, innovative mixed animation techniques that revel in not blending into default CGI style.  Indeed, the differences all but 'comment' on each other; particularly so in some notable work when the Wolf-of-Death shows up to scare the pants off Puss who’s just finding out he’s down to the last of his Nine Lives.  Will knowledge and a chastened, fearful personality place him even more at risk?  This, rather than plot & chases, is the real concern of the story and its brings a sobering tone you don’t expect, but do welcome.  Something’s at stake; and that makes all the difference.

SCREWY THOUGHT OF THE DAY:  Puss takes his milk straight, in a shot glass and laps it up like a kid with an ice cream cone.  But real cats invert their little tongues to create a sort of tiny backwards cup which they then draw up into their mouths.

ATTENTION MUST BE PAID:  In a clever bit, a little conscience character, a sort of cross between Jiminy Cricket and Angel-in-Training Clarence from IT‘S A WONDERFUL LIFE gets James Stewart’s voice.

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