Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is a vibrant animated adventure-comedy that delves into deeper themes of mortality and self-discovery, serving as a sequel within the beloved Shrek universe. The film follows the titular swashbuckling cat, Puss, as he embarks on a quest for a mythical Wishing Star to restore his lost lives after realizing he is down to his last. Accompanied by his former flame Kitty Softpaws and a new canine friend Perrito, Puss faces formidable foes, including a terrifying personification of Death, while confronting his own fears. Targeting a broad family audience, the movie balances its comedic and action-packed elements with a surprisingly mature narrative, prompting reflection on life's value and the importance of relationships. Its distinct animation style and poignant storytelling have garnered acclaim, making it an engaging viewing experience for children aged eight and older, with parental guidance suggested for younger viewers due to some intense and scary sequences.
Concerns
Scary & Intense Content
HighThe movie contains significant scary and intense content, primarily stemming from the menacing presence of the Wolf, who is the physical manifestation of Death. This 'Grim Reaper' figure is consistently frightening and drives Puss's existential fear. The film also explores themes of mortality and features Puss experiencing a panic attack.
1. The Wolf, personifying Death, is a constant, terrifying antagonist with a deep, unsettling voice and relentless pursuit of Puss, making scenes with him "pretty dark" and very frightening for younger audiences. 2. Puss in Boots experiences a vivid panic attack in the Dark Forest, a scene designed to convey intense fear and vulnerability, highlighting the film's exploration of mature themes like mortality and anxiety.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumExplicit LGBTQ+ characters, themes, or gender identity discussions are not identified within the film's narrative. However, the film has been reviewed by LGBTQ+ critics and analyzed through a "queer centric" lens, often for its universal themes of self-acceptance and finding chosen family, which resonate with diverse audiences. These discussions do not indicate direct LGBTQ+ content in the movie itself.
1. The film was recognized in the "Dorian Awards: Everything Everywhere All at Once Sweeps LGBTQ Critics' Prizes" by The Hollywood Reporter, indicating review by LGBTQ+ critics rather than explicit LGBTQ+ narrative content. 2. A "Queer Centric" review discusses the film as a "meditation on life, death, and legacy" and its profound messages about "friendship, belonging, and measuring a life well lived," interpreting its universal themes from an LGBTQ+ perspective without detailing explicit in-film LGBTQ+ representation.
Violence
MediumThe movie features frequent animated fight scenes, including sword fighting and various forms of cartoon mayhem. While often played for laughs, the villain Big Jack Horner demonstrates a ruthless disregard for life, and the central antagonist, Death, is a formidable and physically threatening figure. Puss's eight previous deaths are shown in a comedic montage.
1. Big Jack Horner is depicted as a "psychopathic killer" who "regularly kills his own men to further his goals" and lets them fall to their death. 2. Puss in Boots engages in numerous sword fights with various characters, including his intense duels with Death, which involve sharp weapons and aggressive confrontations.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumThe film contains mild romantic tension and flirting between Puss in Boots and Kitty Softpaws, who have a complicated history involving a past engagement. There is no explicit sexual activity or graphic nudity, but there are isolated instances of implied suggestive content.
1. Puss and Kitty Softpaws rekindle their romance throughout the film, revisiting their past relationship which included Puss abandoning Kitty at the altar. Their interactions include flirting and eventual declarations of mutual love and dedication. 2. There are brief, implied suggestive scenes, such as two quick scenes of a man in his underwear and one quick disturbing scene of a person (inferred nakedness) in a bathtub with a cat, though nothing explicit is shown.
Profanity
MediumThe movie includes some coarse language and mild expletives. There are also instances where stronger language is bleeped out for comedic effect, implying the use of profanity without explicitly uttering it.
1. Mild curse words such as "crap" and "hell" are used in the dialogue. Other terms like "bugger" and "shut up" also appear. 2. During a scene, Perrito delivers a "playful series of insults" to Goldi and the bears, which is characterized by a "Cluster *Bleep*-Bomb" where numerous curse words are censored with bleeps.
Witchcraft & Occult
MediumThe core plot revolves around finding a magical Wishing Star in a 'Dark Forest,' centralizing fantasy magic as a plot device. The primary antagonist, Death, is a literal personification of the Grim Reaper, a supernatural entity actively pursuing Puss. Big Jack Horner also seeks the Wishing Star to control magic.
1. The entire narrative is driven by the quest for the mythical Wishing Star, which grants a single wish and is housed in a fantastical Dark Forest that manifests illusions. 2. The Wolf character is revealed to be Death itself, a supernatural entity wielding sickles and personifying Puss's mortality, making his presence a constant occult/supernatural threat.
Substance Use
MediumThe film features mild depictions of alcohol consumption and implied intoxication. Puss also gets an "energetic buzz" from drinking espresso. One of Puss's lost lives is attributed to getting "Drunk on Milk."
1. There are scenes where characters are shown "acting 'drunk,' holding a beer stein, and stumbling around," indicating mild alcohol use and its effects. 2. Puss recounts losing one of his nine lives after he "got Drunk on Milk" and attempted a dangerous stunt, presented comically.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumWhile the film ultimately promotes positive values, several characters initially display rebellious and disrespectful behaviors. Goldilocks and the Three Bears are portrayed as a criminal gang, and Big Jack Horner is depicted as a megalomaniacal villain with no regard for others. Puss himself starts as an arrogant and selfish character whose journey involves overcoming these traits.
1. Goldilocks and the Three Bears operate as a notorious "crime family," engaging in thievery and initially aiming to use the Wishing Star for selfish gain, demonstrating rebellious actions against societal norms. 2. Big Jack Horner exhibits extreme disrespect for life and authority, regularly killing his own henchmen and showing a complete lack of empathy in his pursuit of magical power.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe film does not contain any anti-Christian themes or content. On the contrary, several Christian reviews highlight a strong moral worldview, with themes of selflessness, humility, and the importance of relationships. The narrative can be seen to align with Christian values, and there is a mention of a priest and church within the story.
1. Movieguide identifies a "strong Christian, moral worldview" centered on Puss learning to be less selfish and more selfless, even noting a priest character and a reference to a church. 2. The film's journey is compared to 'Pilgrim's Progress,' where characters confront their sins and worries, and themes of overcoming fear and choosing love are seen as central to Christian life and 'Theology of the Body.'
Other Notes
Target Demographic
The film is rated PG for "action/violence, rude humor, language and some scary moments". Due to the intense themes, particularly the persistent and frightening depiction of Death, and elements of cartoon violence, it is recommended for children aged 8 and above. Parental guidance is strongly advised for children aged 6-8, as some scenes may be too frightening or complex for younger viewers.
Additional Notes
The animation style of 'Puss in Boots: The Last Wish' is notably inspired by 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,' offering a unique visual experience with varied frame rates and a painterly aesthetic. The movie stands out for its mature exploration of existential themes like mortality, fear, and the appreciation of life, which are deeper than typically found in animated family films. While challenging, these themes contribute to a rich narrative that can spark meaningful discussions with older children and adolescents.
Related Reviews
Is Puss in Boots: The Last Wish right for your family?
These concerns are a starting point — what many Christian parents care about. Want to screen for other themes? Define your own concerns.
Screen any book, movie, or show — even titles no one else has reviewed.
“StoryScanner gives us clarity and confidence. It's become our go-to for checking books at the library and movies on family night.”
— Cristi & Brian, Dallas TX
“StoryScanner has been such a BLESSING for researching books for our children. You can set filters for your concerns, enter a book title, and it lets you know what's present.”
— Christian Book Reviews for Families (Facebook)
No credit card required