Puss in Boots The Last Wish Analysis | 3 Reasons It’s “Just Right”

This Puss in Boots The Last Wish analysis will discuss what makes this film work so well and what makes it so good. If you enjoy the Shrek movies then Puss in Boots The Last Wish is the movie for you. 

Puss in Boots The Last Wish Analysis | Review

When the suave, uber-confident, fearless, (and you can't forget handsome) Puss in Boots finds out that he's on his last life, he ventures to the wishing star in hopes of being granted more lives so that he can continue to laugh in the face of death.

**Heads Up** There WILL be spoilers in this review.

These parts of Puss in Boots The Last Wish stuck out to me the most: it continuously upholds the fairy tale theme, the mature humor, and its discussion of death.

1. It Consistently Upholds the Fairy Tale Theme

One aspect of this movie that really stood out to me was that it upheld the fairy tale theme. Admittedly, I did not watch the other installments of the Puss in Boots saga simply because spin-offs are usually not as good as the original. However, this movie changed my mind. 

Puss in Boots The Last Wish upholds everything that makes the original Shrek movie so flipping phenomenal. The fairy tale theme is consistently strung all throughout the film. Riddled with familiar characters from nursery rhymes, familiar phrases from fairy tales, and the silly fairy tale sayings we’re used to. 

We see characters like Goldilocks constantly complaining that things are too hot or too cold, and so seldom finding things “just right.”

The clever way in which this Puss in Boots movie is able to creatively expound upon and represent these often overdone interpretations of the same old fairy tales and refresh them is quite impressive.

2. It Tastefully Balances Mature Humor with Children’s Humor

Another aspect of this movie that really stood out was the mature humor. One of my favorite aspects of the Shrek saga is its ability to tackle adult themes and appeal to adult humor under the guise of an innocent child film. 

Puss in Boots The Last Wish carries on that exact sentiment which is so refreshing and hilarious to behold. 

My sister’s favorite part of the film, which is definitely a good one, is when a new character, Perrito, tells his life story. It’s an incredibly dark and depressing story that Perrito retells in the most innocent optimistic light.

His obliviousness is heartbreakingly hilarious to behold. His innocence represents how children might interpret the sad story and the horrified reception of his story from the more mature Puss in Boots and Kitty SoftPaws is the straight-man realization that adults will relate to.

Perrito also has a habit of having a bit of a loose tongue which is effectively bleeped out in the film as if we’re watching the Maury show or something. 

Again, Perrito is speaking with the innocent obliviousness of a child while everyone hearing him is like, “Whoa. That’s dark.” So again, this Puss in Boots series successfully carries out the delicate balancing act of appealing to both kids and adults.

3. It Tackles Heavy Themes with Levity (Puss in Boots the Last Wish Death Discussion)

A final aspect that stood out was the Puss in Boots The Last Wish death discussion. Underneath the fun fairy tales and the double-sided humor, there is a very pertinent, heavy message that Puss in Boots tackles with the levity and grace needed for a family movie. 

Puss in Boots The Last Wish touches upon the anxiety of death and the fragility of mortality, something a lot of adults can relate to. 

Puss in Boots is on his last life and encounters death in the form of the Big Bad Wolf. Despite how far he attempts to run away from death, it always seems to catch up with him, following him all the way to the wishing star. 

Throughout this chase for more lives, we see Puss grieve his old life, succumb to depression, rekindle hope when he hears of the star, become crippled by heavy anxiety on his journey, and crumble under the weight of a panic attack. We see him go through these heavy emotions that many adults can identify with. 

At the end of the story, we see Puss decide to not let the fear of death stop him from living life to the fullest. He says that with the one life he has left, he’ll make the most of it. From then on, Puss is no longer ruled by fear but rather by a renewed appreciation for his life and more importantly, the people in it. 

The characters learn that everything they wanted to wish for with the wishing star was already right in front of them.

Notable Artistic Choices

The fight scenes in the movie took on an interesting comic book-like aesthetic which heightened the action moments. It was something very novel to behold and mentally prepared you for some cool action.

In Conclusion…

Puss in Boots The Last Wish is fun, creative, and clever. Overall, I found it to be a really great movie.

Puss in Boot the Last Wish tells a story that tackles deep and heavy themes with the lightness and grace of an enchanting fairy tale. Despite the mature messaging, the movie is riddled with laughter and good times all the way through. In a world of movies that are too hot and too cold, Puss in Boots The Last Wish is just right.

Rating 8/10 

What did you enjoy most about Puss in Boots The Last Wish? Let me know in the comments below!

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Peace, love, and lots of popcorn,

IMO