Puss in Boots 2: The Last Wish (2022)

 

There is no reason why this sequel should be as good as it is, but holy fudgeballs: this is a great film in every meaning of the word. Not only is it most emphatically not an easy cash grab (being made ten years after the first one), but they had everything reach new heights with a compelling story and gorgeous animation. 

It is exceedingly good.

After an intro that showcases Puss' shenanigans to a T, it turns out he's on his last of 9 lives. A dire situation to be sure, as fearless Puss now has to remember he can't just jump into any situation willy-nilly. To make matters worse, the terrifying bounty hunter Wolf is after him. And then Puss hears about the Wishing Star, somewhere in a place called the Dark Forest. This gives him the idea to find it, so he can get his lives back. But he's not the only one chasing the star, as Kitty Softpaws, Goldilocks and the Three Bears ànd Jack Horner are also after the star, each for different reasons.

Jack's reason is the most nefarious by far, by the way. He just wants all the magic in the world for him alone. Yes, he is both creepy and funny.

And all the while the Wolf is still hunting for Puss...

The writing is excellent, as is the pacing. All actors deliver their lines with gusto and it has to be said again: if Antonio Banderas didn't exist for this role, they would have had to invent him. He IS Puss in every sense, both the funny and the tragic. His sidekick Perrito steals the show by both being adorable, kind and unaware of the horrible things the world has thrown at him. But bonuspoints to Wagner Moura for being one of the coolest villains (of sorts) in a long time as the Wolf. Sure, the design helps, but his delivery is chilling. 

What also made giant leaps is the animation style. It is no longer the well-known 3D computer animation that everyone has come to associate with Puss and the 'Shrek'-franchise, but now it is more stylized, more akin to what they did in 'Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse' and it works wonders. It is way more dynamic, artistic and downright gorgeous. There are so many details and little bits to discover in this visual feast.

So, this is an unexpectedly great film that is captivating, poignant and funny all at once. It can be a bit intense for the youngest among us, though. Be warned. Otherwise: you nééd to see this one.