Puss in Boots

Director:  Chris Miller
Cast: (voices of) Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis and Billy Bob Thornton
Releasing in cinemas: 8 December 2011
Rated: PG

Puss in Boots presents an entertaining re-appearance of that well-liked character Puss from the Shrek films, starring now in his very own movie. A cheerfully confabulated mix of nursery rhymes and fairy tales with film noir overtones, it should please children and adults alike.

The film tells the story of the origins of Puss in Boots (voiced by Antonio Banderas) going back to his days as a kitten in an orphanage in San Ricardo where he befriends Humpty Alexander Dumpy (Zach Galifianakis) a duplicitous young egg. Later he’s betrayed by Humpty, proving he's really a rotten egg, Puss is forced to flee and become an outlaw with a price on his head. In a bar room scene plucked right out of Sergio Leone, Puss learns of two murderous villains, Jack and Jill. They have the magic beans which, under suitable conditions, can grow a huge beanstalk leading to a giant's castle and the goose of the legendary golden eggs.

Eventually teaming up with another like-minded adventurer, the light fingered 'Cat-woman' Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek), Puss determines to try and capture the beans and locate the fabulous goose. Humpty reappears on the scene given a second chance, and rather like Dorothy in Oz they set off to find their fortune in a strange land. First having to overcome the fearsome Jack and Jill and steal their beans, already a daunting prospect. Puss, a hero at heart trying to repay his debt to society and clear his tarnished reputation. Exciting but stressful times lie ahead for the three protagonists, enhanced by well employed 3D technology.

Action is fast and furious as the plot unwinds so the kids won't get bored, while plenty of tongue-in-cheek jokes for adults and references to other movies will keep the buffs happy. Swift tracking shots in 3D gives you a real sense of movement, as Henry Jackman's zippy score keeps the brisk pace. Leone's film music, Spanish bullfight fanfares, and flamenco are all in the mix. A highlight is the crazy dance routine with Puss and Kitty. Cat lovers will appreciate the wonderfully feline movements of the excellent animation.

Vibrant direction with plenty of oomph by Chris Miller (Shrek the Third) takes a lot of credit for the success of Puss in Boots, and you can fairly bet on a sequel. The witty, satirical script comes from Brian Lynch,  Tom Wheeler and Will Davies. They’re all on their toes here, with inspiration from Charles Perrault, the Man with No Name, and (drawing a long bow) Humphrey Bogart. You'll have to think about that one. Perrault wrote the original Mother Goose stories in 1697.

Antonio Banderas (The Skin I Live In) enjoys making the most of his feisty self important cat, and wins some splendid lines. Equally at home in this medium, Salma Hayek (Once upon a time in Mexico) gives a cheeky portrayal of the seductive Kitty, while Billy Bob Thornton (Faster) and Amy Sedaris (Chicken Little) are a riot as the obnoxious Jack and Jill. Special mention should be made of Zach Galifianakis (Hangover 2) as the shrewd and manipulative Humpty. Omnipresent Guillermo del Toro voices the Comandate, also presiding over the picture as executive producer - he’s busy these days with his many projects.           .

Again vast numbers of technical folk appear on the endless credit lists for these animated films, you  wonder why we need to know the dozens of human resource people and legal advisers who extend the list for no good reason. Even Roman Polanski gets a mention somewhere, can’t imagine why.

Bottom line: Puss in Boots can be rated very good holiday family fodder. 

John Bale