Film Review: Puss in Boots

Antonio Banderas as Puss in Boots. Photo / Supplied

Puss In Boots revisits one of the most popular characters from the Shrek franchise, with tummy tickling results. A love interest for Puss (Antonio Banderas) arrives in the form of svelte rival Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek), who is in league with a former comrade of Puss', Humpty Alexander Dumpty (Zach Galifianakis). Once Puss and Humpty resolve their differences, the trio try to steal the magic beans from Jack and Jill so they can scale the beanstalk and abscond with the Giant's magic goose.

The pace of the action is frenetic but not as dizzying as Kung Fu Panda and its ilk. The jokes are either subtle or deliberately clanging and avoid a preponderance of gags only adults will understand. It's very much a children's movie and the better for it.

The characters sparkle, particularly Humpty who looks hilarious in his golden egg suit. And the animation is stunning.

At times Banderas' Puss sounds like his Zorro, a character with whom Puss has much in common. There are even occasional nods to the crossover, though they don't interfere with the fun. It's simply good-humoured tomfoolery that blends shades of Top Cat, Hanna-Barbera and Shrek.

Puss is the only Shrek character in the film, though the fairytale element abounds. We may miss Donkey and the Gingerbread Man, but there's plenty here to keep kids happy and amused.

Rated PG; 90 minutes. Out now.