Puss In Boots (2011)

The notorious feline outlaw Puss In Boots (Antonio Banderas) is conned by his childhood friend Humpty Dumpty (Zach Galifianakis) into stealing some magic beans from two pig lovin' outlaws (Billy Bob Thornton, Amy Sedaris) and, like Jack in the fairy tale, climbing the beanstalk and stealing the goose that lays golden eggs. This Oscar nominated (best animated film) prequel to SHREK 2 where Banderas' Puss In Boots was first introduced is a mixed bag. It looks great and when it sticks to cats, it's often amusing. But too much time is wasted on Galifianakis' whining rotten (literally) egg. It's unclear what the demographics for a film like this is. Ostensibly, it's for the kids but some of the humor surely wasn't intended for children. Example: when Puss is caught with catnip, he pleads, "It's for my glaucoma", how many kiddies will get that joke? Banderas' Puss stole SHREK 2 (though nothing could save SHREK 3) and fans of the character were waiting for an entire movie devoted to him. And this was the best they could come up with? Still, as much of a patchwork as it is, its assets outweigh the liabilities and there are some inspired bits. Directed by SHREK's director Chris Miller. The lively score is by Henry Jackman. With Salma Hayek as Kitty Softpaw and Constance Marie.