Cats are so much fun. Especially when they multiply. One becomes three, three sadly reduces to two, a stray third wins the
heart, three may as
well be four,
four begets a fifth, and there won't be a sixth. One falls ill, two loves daddy and despises mommy, three hates all, four loves
belly rubs, five finds
trouble, one recovers to become a raving mad lunatic with a ravenous appetite, and three settles into a split personality that's
two parts love and
one part
Satan. Then there's using the area beside the litter box as the litter box, vomiting on the tax returns, climbing on counters,
shredding furniture,
playfully or deliberately scratching
humans (ahem, three), hiding when company arrives, beating on the bedroom door at all hours of the night, peeing on the
bed when they're let in,
running through open doors, begging for food, and always looking far too cute. Puss in Boots is the latest from
DreamWorks Animation, and
it's a cat lover's dream come true, whether for single cat families, multiple cat families, or anyone who loves cutting edge
animation. It captures the
heart of cat-dom with remarkable efficiency, but that's about the only time it's truly great. Puss in Boots is otherwise
a fun but only
serviceable animated movie that doesn't look or sound rushed, but its story plays as if a rough version of a primary draft.
The end result is a movie
that
looks and sounds as good as anything out there and that plays with fine ideas that are spread a bit too thin even as the movie
clocks in at a mere 80
minutes in length
(minus credits). It should have been more, could have been less, but it won't leave many viewers purring with endless
delight when it's all said and
done.
Three ways to love me in 3D.
At the spectacular Festíval del Fuego, the heroic feline Puss (voiced by Antonio Banderas) learns that a pair of larger-
than-life outlaws -- Jack
and Jill (voiced by Billy Bob Thornton and Amy Sedaris) -- have come into possession of magic beans, supposedly the same
beans for which he has
been searching half his life. It seems like a simple enough snatch-and-grab operation. Puss skillfully enters the Jack and Jill
residence but his
plans are thwarted by the arrival of a second cat burglar, a mysterious masked feline with moves to match Puss' and a
cunning that knows no
bounds. The operation is a failure; neither cat captures the beans and both barely escape with their lives. Puss learns that
his rival is...a girl. She's
Kitty
Softpaws (voiced by Salma Hayek), a feline as devious as she is sexy. Puss is further surprised to learn that she's in cahoots
with none other than
Humpty Alexander Dumpty (voiced by Zach Galifianakis), his old schoolmate, once best friend, and long-ago traitor. Both see
fault in the other
following their last run-in with the law, but Humpty convinces Puss to join him and Softpaws on an adventure to not only steal
the beans, but to
plant them, climb the beanstalk into the clouds, and recover the golden goose to set themselves up for life. Can Puss trust
his former blood brother?
Is there really something atop the mythical beanstalk? Can they overpower the much larger and devious Jack and Jill? It's a
good thing Puss has
nine lives with which to find out.
It's a spinoff of the Shrek universe of films, so it's no surprise that
Puss in Boots
looks and sounds much like Shrek. Its animation is superb, on the same level as the amazing Shrek Forever After, that film pretty much the
standard for non-Pixar
digital moviemaking and, frankly, just as good as anything the "Big P" has ever put out. Indeed, Puss in Boots looks
astonishing. There's a
level of detail, scope, and authenticity that's nothing short of spectacular. Yet unlike Shrek Forever After -- or most
any of those scenes
from that series in which Puss appears -- Puss in Boots never really takes off, perhaps signaling that the character is
best left to a supporting
role rather than the center of his own feature film. That's not to say there isn't a lot to like about Puss in Boots --
there most certainly is --
but the end result feels rather sloppy, unable to walk that fine line so expertly traversed by the Shrek films whereby
the plot is made largely
of overused cliché but given new life through the eyes of unique characters plucked almost at random from the world of fairy
tales. The primary plot
elements in
Puss in Boots feel largely tossed together with only little attention to flow or purpose. The movie aims for grand
adventure and spectacle
rather
than a more cohesive story. Certainly the character development and humor are both strong, but all elements never quite
come together as they
should.
Indeed, the characters are what drives Puss in Boots. Puss is certainly a wide appeal sort, combining family-friendly
"harmless" ferocity with
his charming feline antics and an undeniable cuteness. A smooth talker and a Zorro-lite by trade with a knack for getting into
and out of trouble, a
reputation as a lady's man, and every bit the adventure hero his style suggests, the character is truly special and at home
dueling with a foe or
drinking milk, flashing his claws or getting what he wants with his wide-eyed kitty cat charm. Humpty Dumpty's character arc
doesn't, at first, seem
to
lend itself all that well to the rotund shape that looks like an advanced version of the old "Sheldon" character from "U.S.
Acres;" it's clear the
filmmakers were aiming for something out of the ordinary, unassuming, unexpected to take on what is the most complex part
in the movie, and for
as odd as the character looks they've largely succeeded. Galifianakis' voice fits the character very well, though he sometimes
sound a bit like Seth
Rogen. The Jack and Jill characters are the biggest surprise, appearing not as children but rather a cross between adult
humans and ogres (to keep
on with
the Shrek connections) who aren't remarkably developed but who at least appear menacing on the surface
and somewhat goofy
and funny behind the scenes as they're just as concerned about starting a family and caring for their pigs as they are battling
Puss and keeping a
firm grasp on the magic seeds. The hybrid Bond Girl/Batman Kitty Softpaws is something of a weak point, though, a fair
character but not enjoying
the purpose of a Humpty or the memorable cuteness of a Puss. The background characters share that same peasant "torch
and pitchfork" rough
and tumble look to them which, along with the movie's general design and feel, does help cement this as an extension of the
Shrek
universe rather
than merely a standalone sideshow.
Though strongly-realized the characters may be, Puss in Boots stumbles through some slow stretches, unimaginative
action, and flat
humor. The jokes are best when in direct reference to the feline world; they're hit-or-miss, at best, elsewhere. The action is
kinetic but
largely
replaceable, nothing audiences haven't seen before, even if the film does work in the whole beanstalk thing, Puss in
Boots' representation
thereof probably the best on-screen adaptation of that entity yet. The major plot twist comes as no surprise and is in fact
absolutely predictable
once the characters' histories are established, and indeed the entire plot arc is largely linear and by-the-book, the picture
obviously counting on the
characters, humor, and animation to sell the story rather than offer any sort of meaningful themes. Nevertheless, that
absence of originality need
be
weighed against the fact that a movie like Puss in Boots is meant to be an entertaining vehicle for a particular
audience. It will definitely
entertain the kids, earn a few laughs from parents, and find some favor with cat people, but it lacks the subtle adult wit of
Shrek or the
universality of the average Pixar film. It's still a solid movie from start to finish, but chances are many will be left wanting a
little bit more.
DreamWorks scratches out a very strong Blu-ray 3D transfer for Puss in Boots. Needless to say, this presentation
mimics all of the goodness
from the 2D-only release, itself a spectacular triumph of Blu-ray
video. Though as is
sometimes
the case, the 3D transfer loses just a touch in exchange for the added depth, which is true here. Fine detailing is
extraordinary, but not quite
as
immediately recognizable as perfect. While textures like Puss' leathery hat, wood and stone, and Humpty's body retain the
same intricate levels of
digital craftsmanship, the image proves a hair darker in spots -- particularly in the already dimly-lit early sequences --
compared to the 2D version and,
occasionally, those details become a little masked, maybe a touch muddled. Still, the image passes for extraordinary, with cat
fur, desert terrain, and
the like immaculately presented, the brighter scenes losing almost nothing to the 3D process. Likewise, colors are bold and
steady, with Puss' orange
fur
coat, golden eggs, metallic armor, yellow chicks, and all sorts of earth tones appearing gorgeously balanced and true. Scant
banding appears in trace
amounts, not enough to cause alarm. Puss in Boots excels here, but how are the 3D elements?
Fortunately, Puss in Boots looks fantastic in 3D, and the movie plays nicely with the added dimension. Surely, the
sense of true depth is the
real key here, as it usually is with any good Blu-ray 3D release. There's a natural sense of space in just about all shots, save
for the very darkest;
whether across the room or across a sprawling desert, audiences will enjoy a firmer grasp on just where the characters are and
how they're situated
within their environments. Character size and volume are true as well, easily evidenced by every scene featuring the rotund
Humpty, the egg-shaped
character appearing perfectly round in three dimensions throughout the film. Many other shots prove spectacular. There are
several low flyovers of
terrain where the ground seems to stretch well beyond the back of the television, nearly giving the viewer the sensation of
actually flying over it while
looking into the distance. The film doesn't play with too many gimmick effects, but an assortment of gold coins flying about in
slow motion in chapter
eight, rain appearing to fall out of the screen on the way up the beanstalk, or a flying dagger that seems to start its journey
outside of the screen and
wind up inside of it will all dazzle. Unfortunately, crosstalk is a rather constant problem, but one that's not excessively
intrusive. Mostly, it seems
objects not the center of attention in any given scene are most susceptible. Overall, however, this is a glorious presentation
that's amongst the better
of the current Blu-ray 3D transfers on the market.
Puss in Boots purrs up a storm with a high quality Dolby TrueHD 7.1 lossless soundtrack. DreamWorks' audio
presentation offers rich, lively
music that plays with fantastic spacing, seamless clarity, and an immersive surround element. The track rarely fails to dazzle
in all areas, music being
only one. Natural ambience is precise and aids greatly in pulling the audience into the adventure. Whether chatter at a pub,
light echoing, reverberating
footsteps, crickets, or other subtle elements, this track proves capable of placing everything precisely and with attention to
detail to match exactly the
on- and off-screen action alike. Cat meows, purrs, and hisses are done very well and authentically. Action scenes are
wondrously spaced and absolutely
immersive, the track making fine use of the entire stage. Cannon fire, crumbling rocks, and other chaotic elements are
handled crisply and with great
clarity. The only downside is that bass lacks a heavier punch in a few instances, failing to provide that last little bit of oomph to
truly make the effects
more pronounced and
dangerous. Otherwise, the track is immensely impressive, rounded out by clear and accurate dialogue.
Puss in Boots' Blu-ray 3D release contains all of the extras available on the standalone 2D release, all appearing on
this set's 2D-only disc.
The 3D disc includes Puss in Boots: The
Three Diablos and a trailer for Madagascar 3, both, of course, in 3D.
Puss in Boots: The Three Diablos (1080p, Dolby TrueHD 7.1, 1.78:1, 13:05): A short Puss in
Boots-inspired adventure.
A DreamWorks Fairy Tale (1080p, Blu-ray exclusive): A fun little interactive feature in which users can create
their own "character
rhymes" by selecting
from a predetermined list of words. For example, "Little Boy Blue, come roar your guitar. Puss is in the meadow, Jill is in the
corn; where is that cat
who
looks after the cupcakes? Under the haystack fast asleep. Will you wake him? Oh no, Not I."
Puss' Paw Pouncing Challenge (1080p, Blu-ray exclusive): Players can help Puss pounce on the light by
controlling his paws with the
remote control.
The Animators' Corner: Director Chris Miller and Producers Joe Aguilar and Latifa Ouaou host an enthralling
picture-in-picture feature
that contains looks at storyboards and animation tests and features cast and crew explaining in some detail the animation
process, the process of
creating environments and
characters, the ironing out the plot, voicing the characters, the attention paid to even the most subtle elements to round the
movie into shape,
character
design, resizing Puss from Shrek to the world of Puss in Boots, and much more. This supplement sheds an
amazing amount of light
on the story and the creative process behind it. This is a must-watch.
Trivia Track (Blu-ray exclusive): A small banner at the bottom of the screen provides viewers with a wealth of
information about the
movie, cats, and more. It even keeps track of the number of "Meows" heard in the film.
Previews (1080p): Madagascar 3, How to Train Your Dragon
Arena Spectacular,
DreamWorks Dragons: The Television Series, Puss in Boots THQ Game, and The Adventures of Tintin.
Purr-Fect Pairing: The Voices Behind the Legend (1080p, 9:21): A close look at the work of Antonio Banderas,
Salma Hayek, Zach
Galifianakis, and Billy Bob Thornton.
Deleted Scenes (1080p, 7:27): Humpty Plots with Jack & Jill (Test), Humpty Repays His Accomplices (Test),
and Puss in
Boots Fights the Giant (Test).
Kitten to Cat (1080p, 12:01): Cast and crew talk up the Puss in Boots character, his story, and his visual
progression beginning with the
Shrek films and on through Puss in Boots.
Glitter Box Dance Off! (1080p, 5:01): Human dancers demonstrate the dance choreography as seen in the film.
Klepto Kitty (1080p, 3:42): Viewers are introduced to "Dusty," a real-life "cat burglar."
Kitty Keyboard (1080p): Viewers are "treated" to feline keyboard renditions of 3 Blind Mice, Humpty Dumpty,
Jack and Jill, and
Little Boy Blue.
Fairytale Pop-Up Book (1080p): Viewers may watch "Memorable Moments" from, hear "Favorite Lines" spoken
by, view a "Gallery"
containing artist renditions of, and learn more about the backgrounds of Puss in Boots, Kitty Softpaws, Humpty Dumpty, and
Jack and Jill.
Kitty Strikes Again (1080p): Viewers are challenged to find the differences between nearly-identical pictures.
Puss in Boots is a solid but slightly disappointing Shrek spinoff. The animation rocks and the characters are
largely excellent, but the
storyline is a bit thin and the jokes are at their best when playing on cat-isms, proving hit-or-miss otherwise. Still, it's a good,
relatively clean, fun ride
that should entertain the target audience and at least keep mom and dad halfway interested. This is best enjoyed as raw eye
candy above all else;
check out Shrek Forever After for a far more well-rounded fairy tale-gone-haywire animated adventure and for a movie
that doesn't merely
lump
all its best moments into the trailer. DreamWorks' Blu-ray 3D release of
Puss in Boots contains the same spectacular 7.1 lossless soundtrack and fun array of supplements both found on the
2D-only release, adding
the
short film and a trailer in 3D. The Blu-ray 3D transfer is superb, too, marred only by a bit of crosstalk. This is one of the
better overall release of the
year to date, even if the movie comes up a bit short of expectations. Recommended!
Next month, Paramount Home Entertainment and Dreamworks will bring Puss in Boots to Blu-ray. This Shrek spin-off focuses on feline rogue Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas, The Skin I Live In) as he plans a daring heist to steal magic beans from Jack and Jill (Billy ...
Amazon is offering a special $5 off coupon for Puss in Boots. This promotional
discount applies to the two-disc Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy combo pack as well as the three-
disc 3D Blu-ray edition; the coupon is available until January 15th, 2012.
All countries
