OK for kids 6+
Swashbuckling adventure features irresistible warrior cat.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this spin-off of the popular Shrek franchise has some mild innuendo, cartoonish violence, and one character death. Tense/perilous scenes include several duels, an elaborate "dance off," a cannon/gun fight, a "monster" chase, and a character who willingly plummets to their death. There are a couple of double-meaning jokes and a repeated mention that Puss is a "lover," as well as a funny conversation about starting a family between the villainous Jack and Jill. Overall this animated adventure is aimed at kids young and old, although families with adopted children should note that (once again) the main character is an orphan. The 3-D factor makes a couple of scenes slightly more intense, but it's nothing overly dramatic, so you won't miss out if you catch it in 2D.
- Families can talk about the movie's message that it's our choices who make us who we are -- not whether we're labeled as "good," "bad," or even "wanted" by the law. How do Puss and Humpty change throughout the movie? What is their friendship's lesson about revenge and honesty?
- Do you need to be familiar with the Shrek movies to enjoy this spin-off? Do you think there should be more Puss adventures, or should there be another spin-off from the original Shrek flicks?
- Shrek products are available everywhere, so Puss in Boots is likely to be featured on everything from pajamas to video games. If you like Puss and his pals, does seeing him on merchandise make you want to buy them more? How can you avoid getting sucked into the commercial aspect of a movie?
The good stuff
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Educational value: Kids will learn some words in Spanish that Puss repeats again and again. The relationship between Puss and Humpty will remind children of how peer pressure can go wrong and ruin a friendship.
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Messages: The movie's positive messages include the power of redemption, the importance of unconditional friendship and the love between mother and child, and how everyone has a choice to make the right decision.
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Role models: Most of the characters -- Puss included -- are rather ambiguous from a moral/ethical perspective: They're outlaws or they're hiding something from others. At least Puss and Humpty's adoptive mother, Imelda -- who never stops missing or loving her sons -- are consistently steadfast. And in the end, Puss, Kitty, and Humpty all redeem themselves in different ways.
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: A few characters are injured (and shown later hilariously bandaged up), and one character decides to let go of another character who plummets to their death. As with all of the Shrek movies, there's peril that features sword play and occasional gun/cannon violence. One tense scene involves characters being pursued by a mysterious monster, who ends up being less scary than anticipated. None of the violence is bloody, but it might upset younger or more sensitive viewers. The main characters are also orphans, which, while practically ubiquitous in animated movies, disturbs some children.
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Sexy stuff: Puss calls himself a "lover" and in the opening sequence is shown tip-toeing out of a female cat's house (he "dresses" with a belt, hat, and his signature boots). The female cat sighs as he leaves. Later Puss and Kitty Softpaws dance, flirt, and rub noses. At a nightclub full of cats, Puss flirts with the lady cats. Jack and Jill are a couple and are shown in bed together. At one point Jack and Jill discuss the subject of starting a family, and they agree to practice on their little pet pigs.
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Language: Mild insults include the puns "rotten egg" in reference to Humpty Dumpty, "bad kitty," and Jack and Jill jokes.
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Consumerism: As a spin-off of the Shrek franchise, this movie has a built-in system of merchandise that includes apparel, toys, video games and more.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Some scenes are set in a pub, where men have steins in front of them, but the only drink viewers see poured or consumed is milk (leche).
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Cute for kids by ndlover4
This was pretty cute. The kids loved it and it still had some adult inuendos in it to keep it funny for the adults. This is one that I'll probably purchase to add to the "Shrek" collection - although it doesn't have any relation to Shrek, except for the character, Puss.
4
Lives up to Shrek saga style fun and humor by iandyli
Puss in Boots is great entertainment for everyone. It's fun, funny, and entertaining throughout most of movie. Like many recent animation movies, CGI is spectacular. Characters are lovable and story is good. I'd give it a 8/10. Go see!
5
Love this movie!!! by alekatkid
One of the best movies for kids and adults alike. I predict it will become a classic! I did not see the 3D version which I assume is even better. This is one to add to your collection at home.
4
Good for all ages by Whitfox
We took our almost-3 year old girl and we all loved it. There is a lot of adult humor so it was entertaining for us adults. It kept my daughter's attention the whole time - didn't hear a peep from her. I highly recommend it - another good movie in the Shrek series.
4
good movie by blimon8
I thought it was gonna be more like SHREK with some good adult humor; there was little but more for kids to see. the storyline didn't make sense...but overall I liked it since my kids really enjoyed it
5
Lots of Kitty Fun by CelluloidLassy
Very cute, especially if you love cats, and even if you don't! The first fight/dance scene is a bit long but the rest is well-animated and lots of fun.
3
Delightfully charming & full of fun, fuzzy frolics. by ChicGeekette
This is a movie that you could really wait until it's out on DVD but either way, I enjoyed it. There were definitely some memorable moments - especially since Puss is just awesome. Go see it in theaters if you're lacking an activity on a lazy afternoon or need something to do with your friends. :)
4
A nice return from an old friend... by jirwin69
My boys (almost 4 and 2.5) wanted to see this movie because they thought Shrek would also be in it, so I wasn't sure if they would like it as much when they realized he wasn't going to be in it. No worries! They loved it! Sat through the entire movie without even one potty break:-) I've come to judge a kid's movie by the "sit-still" factor, i.e., how long my 2 yr old will sit still and watch. This one's a keeper for us!
I liked it too...:-)
4
5 stars by FinnSailor1000
Very nicely and tastefully done. Very appropriate family movie without a single corny punch line. Movie never overreaches but proceeds at a steady clip nonetheless. Solid entertainment for young & old. Please produce more movies of this type!
4
Puss in Boots-Cat tastic! by oeida
Puss is the definitive feline whose onscreen antics are the Cat's Meow. Somehow I found Humpty Dumpty's character very disturbing to watch and wished to have seen less of him, but Puss and his newfound friend Kitty Softpaws are the pick of the litter!