Loving "Puss in Boots"

Honestly, I worried about seeing this one. Would "Puss in Boots" make me laugh or cringe. Not all the Shrek movies were great. I couldn't even finish watching the third one.

I came into the theater thinking the best of the movie was in the trailer. I left nicely surprised. I couldn't say it was the best animated movie this year, but it is good. My grade is a B+. My kids liked it too, trying to convince me I should give it an A-.

This animated film looks at Puss in Boots' beginning as an orphan kitty who transforms into a kitty-loving, justice-seeking, sword-wielding rebel. Antonio Banderas reprises his role voicing Puss. He's joined by Salma Hayek as Kitty Softpaws and Zach Galifianakis as Humpty "Alexander" Dumpty.



The film starts with Puss seeking some magic beans from the villainous husband and wife Jack and Jill (voiced by Billy Bob Thornton and Amy Sedaris) that will lead him to the golden egg-laying goose. Happens another also seeks those beans leading to the true treasure, messing with Puss's plans. You quickly learn an old-friend-turned-enemy is behind that effort. You learn much of Puss's past, such as how he went from hero to outlaw, via flashbacks. It's one adventure after the other, so the movie moves at a nice clip. It's filled with plenty of jokes, some specifically for the adults. I won't share the end, but many of you will be able to guess. Still, it's a fun ride.

Is there too much adult innuendo? Well, that depends on your tolerance and how much your kids pick up. Some samples:
-Humpty "Alexander" Dumpty: "You got any idea what they do to eggs in prison? I'll tell you this, it ain't over easy."
-Puss in Boots (after being arrested, catnip is found in his boot): "That's for my glaucoma."
-Kitty Softpaws, while she whips her tail around Puss: "Just think of all the trouble we can into, the two of us together."
None are necessarily bad in my opinion, but they could open up conversations...what did Humpty mean about prison? Glaucoma, why did he say that?

Some topics to discuss: betraying friends, making good decisions, having dreams, helping your community, stealing/cheating/lying, revenge, etc.

My overall opinion is this is fine for most ages. Just know you may be asked to explain stuff, as you probably did in other Shrek movies. It's up to you how you decide to explain it. :)

Cheers!