In search of his next score, Puss (Antonio Banderas) discovers that the 'magic beans' he's been searching for are actually real - and sets out to steal them from the clutches of the dastardly Jack and Jill (Billy Bob Thornton and Amy Sedaris, respectively). He's not a bad guy, he doesn't steal from churches or orphanages, but has no problem stealing from other baddies just for a shot of leche (milk). The Puss in Boots story takes place before the character's introduction in Shrek 2, with the swashbuckling feline acting as more of a legendary thief and less like the legendary hero audiences have come to embrace. Salma Hayek as Kitty Softpaws in 'Puss in Boots' The narrative jumps around quite a bit and some characters aren't as fun to watch (or interesting) as they could have been, but Puss in Boots is a step up for the franchise - one that will surely resonate with families and moviegoers who are looking for a simple but silly movie adventure. While there are still an abundance of recognizable fairy tale characters and pop culture gags, the story has a competent, but simple, throughline that keeps things moving and prevents the movie from getting bogged down by overzealous attempts at being clever. Has DreamWorks injected Puss' solo venture with the same care and comedy smarts as the earlier Shrek installments - or is the movie little more than one last cash grab in the fading fairy tale franchise?įortunately Puss in Boots is a much more linear (and less convoluted) film when compared to the last few Shrek installments. As a result, it wasn't particularly surprising when DreamWorks Animation announced that they intended to produce a spinoff centered around fan-favorite feline swordsman, Puss in Boots.

Softpaw winter fun