Puss in Boots: The Last Wish If you want to smile and feel jaunty, this is for you

As this is my last day in the UK with Rob, our RunPee correspondent over there, and I was excited to see a relaxing, soothing movie with himself and Alice (his cute granddaughter). I was thrilled with Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.

After a stream of somewhat disappointing movies over my UK journey (The Fabelmans, The Banshees of Inisherin, Magic Mike’s Last Dance, Plane, and even Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania) I was so happy to settle into this Puss in Boots standalone story, full of heart — and a clear love for the franchise. I was smiling the whole time. (I can attest to this; Jilly was, quite literally, dancing out of the auditorium! – Rob) You will too. It’s gentle and creative.

What Would You Wish Upon a Star?

What perils in the Dark Forest would YOU see if you had the magic wish map in your hands? I wasn’t surprised at Perro’s map reveal. If you’ve ever had a dog, you’ll understand: they are pure.

What would you wish for? Do you already have it and don’t know it? Can you find what you need now if you try without magic? I have to give this some thought myself.

Ask yourself this. What is your heart’s desire?

RunPee Sis gave this a B+, which is a nice grade, but I would bump it up to A- because it made me very happy. Not once did I feel bored or restless, and the story was super fun. The chihuahua was exactly what I expected: I used to own one named Frodo, and he was the ringbearer at my wedding ceremony. Like Frodo, Perro was also relentlessly optimistic. I think we could use some optimism in the world right now.

See this if you’re feeling out of sorts or lonely

I don’t think you need to see this one on the big screen per se, but it has beautiful visuals if you do, and super jaunty music to bop along to. Highly recommended to see this one now if you feel remotely sad or dispirited, because it’s fun, funny, sweet, and doesn’t talk down to adults. Kids in my theater liked it, and grownups had a good time too.

This is a solid movie where you don’t miss Shrek and Co at all, and do appreciate Soft Paws and Perro — and even the villains! They definitely make their own stamp on the fairyland map.

My favorite moment was when Perro didn’t know how to help Puss and just laid his head on his chest while Puss’ heartrate slowed down. This is the instinctual beauty of a dog and how they love you. They don’t even have to be smart. It is a dog. And sometimes a cat.

In the theater or at home: Recommended!

Movie Grade: A-