DreamWorks Animation infamously lacks the consistent quality its rival, Pixar, predominately has in its films. However, DreamWorks has been at the top of its game lately with fantastic films like ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ and this summer’s ‘Kung Fu Panda 2‘. Their new feature film, ‘Puss in Boots’, is an unnecessary prequel to a franchise that’s run its course. However, the film is highly entertaining and adventurous, packed with fun new characters and plenty of jokes. Director Chris Miller redeems himself after the disastrous film that was ‘Shrek the Third’.

The origin of the film’s titular character, voiced by Antonio Banderas, is explored in ‘Puss in Boots’. A charming, sly, and adorable swashbuckling cat, Puss roams Spanish towns looking for trouble he can help fix. He’s technically an outlaw, but he’s really a hero at heart. When news comes up of the whereabouts of the magical beans that can lead to a goose that lays golden eggs, Puss takes this chance since he’s been searching for these beans practically his entire life.

The beans are in Jack and Jill’s hands, two horrifyingly murderous humans who also want the golden eggs. Puss’s adventure intertwines with that of Kitty Softpaws (voiced by Salma Hayek, from ‘Frido’), another crafty cat who’s basically a female version of Puss. Kitty is in cahoots with Humpty Dumpty (voiced by ‘The Hangover’s’ Zach Galifianakis), who has a history with Puss. The two used to live together at an orphanage when they were very young. There, Puss and Humpty became soul brothers and did everything together. Years later, after certain events unfold, Puss and Humpty’s relationship is destroyed and they haven’t seen each other since. That is, until now.

‘Puss in Boots’ is an origin story of its titular character, yes, but it’s also one for Humpty Dumpty. This companion-like origin story provides some entertaining, heartfelt, and helpful backstory to Puss and Humpty, but it can sometimes be distracting. This film was meant to be a “Puss in Boots” movie, but it plays more like an ensemble film where Puss is just another character among several new faces. The new additions of Kitty Softpaws, Humpty Dumpty, Jack and Jill, and even the goofy-looking golden goose are a treat, but the film should have focused more on Puss. Nevertheless, the film still provides solid entertainment throughout.

The film’s animation is gorgeous, which isn’t much of a surprise. The swashbuckling action is actually well-choreographed and fun, unlike the ones featured in the disappointing fourth installment to the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise, ‘On Stranger Tides‘. The humor and gags in ‘Puss in Boots’ are funny, but sometimes they can be very inappropriate for younger audiences, but that may be expected considering this film stems from the ‘Shrek’ film series.

‘Puss in Boots’ is a fun film that puts a character who’s usually in the background at center stage and does so with ease. The film is a nice companion to the ‘Shrek’ films and can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages.

Three out of four Kents.

Extra Notes:

• I love that cat who makes that “Oh no you didn’t” noise three times in the film!

• I don’t know if it’s intentional or not, but I really like that Batman-like reference in regards to Kitty’s burglary costume.