Puss In Boots Review

Now this one is indeed a rarity. Seldom does one come across a film which actually tells the back story of a secondary character belonging to a hit franchise. However that indeed happens here in case of 'Puss In Boots', a memorable character from the 'Shrek' series which has it's own story to tell. Not many would have really braved themselves to take this step but the makers (DreamWorks) need to be credited here for indeed following a path that is unique in it's own way. This also means that with 'Puss In Boots' back in action, it is also time to bring ever-so-loveable Antonio Banderas back in the recording studio and let the action begin.

As was always expected from this animation film, the narrative retains its simplicity. Ok, now a word of caution here - Don't expect it to have as much depth as a 'Shrek' here and you won't return home disappointed. Reason being that at the end of it all, 'Puss In Boots' plays as a standalone film that does work in it's own way but that's about it. This means that if one is indeed looking at something which is extraordinary, out of the world or edge of the seat then this one doesn't quite go all the way. However if an idea is to make that quick family visit to a film and let those 90 minutes pass by in a jiffy then 'Puss In Boots' isn't really a bad bargain.

The story is set in the time when 'Puss In Boots' was, well just a 'Puss' which didn't quite come with 'Boots'. Forever with his friend Humpty Dumpty (Zach Galifianakis), he is in search for the magic beans only to forget that dream after being adopted by the township where he was honoured with the boots, the sword and the hat. Though Humpty has it's own plans, Puss wants to bring out the goodness in him. Trusting his friend to take the righteous path, Puss is all set for a grand adventure that involves Jack & Jill, the goose that laid the golden eggs, the grand castle in the air, Jack and the Beanstalk and not to forget, the Kitty (Salma Hayek)!

Of course with a set up like this one does expect a roller coaster ride that won't have a single dull moment. Well, this indeed turns out to be the case of 'Puss In Boots' and though as an audience you are interested in knowing what happens next, the edge of the seat excitement is sorely missing. Also, the twists and turns are far and few while the solitary major twist isn't as high impact either. Moreover animation, though quite good, doesn't quite fit into the path breaking variety, something that one would have expected with this newest offering from the animation house.

There are some sequences of genuine exhilaration though which are appealing to adults and kids alike. The chase atop the mountains for the magic beans, the journey to the castle in the air and the escape that follow are well done. No, neither is there any adrenalin pumping here nor does it tickle your funny bone but still as standalone pieces, they do go contribute to the 3D format of the film. What also works immensely is the dance sequence between Puss and Kitty with funny dialogues intact that do add on to the humour as well as the romantic quotient.

However one does miss the kind of climactic moment one would have really desired with the arrival of Terror, the mother of Golden Goose. It seems a little rushed while the tension is clearly missing in the action sequence atop a broken bridge. The supreme sacrifice that follows next has predictability written all over it as well which makes one feel a tad dissatisfied with the lack of imagination here.

What still makes the film a reasonably good one time watch experience is the quality of animation that fills the screen with abundance of colours that are quite a handful, especially for the young ones. On the other hand for grown ups out there, Banderas, Hayek and Galifianakis bring the kind of energy which was much needed to compliment the film's flavour.

Rating: ***