By Michael de Moura
Unlike the last couple Shrek movies, Puss in Boots delivers consistent laughs. New characters bring color to a series that, after its third and fourth reprisal, was so very bland.
Dreamwork’s Puss in Boots acts as a prequel to Antonio Banderas’ role in Shrek 2 (and onward), showing the origins of this furry protaganist. Finding willing and talented voice actors never proved troublesome for Dreamworks Animation Studio, the creators of Kung Fu Panda, Antz, Madagascar and many other animated films.
Like its predecessors, Puss in Boots is full of witty fairy tale, movie and pop culture references. An obvious goal in past Dreamworks’ productions was entertaining parents. Parents taking their kids to the movies or any older audience members can laugh to themselves, while young’ins remain oblivious.
Puss in Boots’ use of Spanish phrases and nouns, interwoven with English, adds hints of Spanglish and furthers the theme.
Zach Galifianakis’ (Hangover, Due Date) conniving, inventive Humpty Dumpty, Salma Hayek’s (Wild Wild West, Desperado) role as Kitty Softpaws and other cast members make this comedy of epically furry proportions fantastic.