Nostalgic yet funny and melancholic – the directors of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish really hit the bull's eye with this one. Not only does the movie have just the right balance of serious topics and witty comments, but it surpasses its spin-off predecessor in so many ways.
Having younger sisters and brothers, I have seen my fair share of modern children animated movies and let me tell you – they’re not like they used to be. It is probably my biased and nostalgic opinion; however, I have not liked not to mention have taken the time of day to go to the cinema with my friends to see any other new animated movie. What started out as a joke, ended up being an enjoyable Sunday afternoon that left me wiping tears away at Perrito’s storyline and the sweetness of the ‘friendship team’ that they’re still workshopping.
Growing up with movies (or rather books) like Cinderella, Snow White and Aladdin that are referenced in the film, I can’t help but think that maybe the target audience of the movie is not children after all – someone born in the late 2010s could not recognise and understand these details as well as us – children of the 90s/00s (or even younger). Hopefully, these details will interest the younger generation to watch the classics and understand why the carpet in Jack Horner’s room all of a sudden starts flying.
The movie is filled with other Easter eggs and references that might be hard to spot on the first watch but are still there for the most vigilant viewers. Jack Horner leaves behind the shoe (Cinderella), has a magic bag that contains more items than anyone could really fit in it (Mary Poppins) and shoots poisoned apples (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs). All of these, seamlessly written into the story not only enriches it but also makes the movie nostalgic and bittersweet.
Another, more serious storyline of the film is the normalising of anxiety and panic attacks. Puss is seen having a panic attack due to his fear of death and this perfectly encapsulates how even animated movies can teach children – even the greatest legends fear something and there is nothing wrong with feeling anxious and overwhelmed at times. While the film still has the more common narrative of choosing your friends instead of being a superhero which still eventually makes the protagonist a superhero, familiarising children with such issues is as important.
Although the trailer gives away a little bit too much (that being almost the whole storyline), it’s still an enjoyable hour and a half that walks you through a range of emotions, twists, and funny jokes. And it’s definitely not just for children – the directors really showed how to make a quality family film.
The film's ending hinted at another sequel – and we’re here for it.