 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Puss in Boots
- Review Date: October 28, 2011
- PG
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2011
Common Sense Media says
Swashbuckling adventure features irresistible warrior cat.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
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.
What's the story?
In this Shrek prequel, audiences meet "outlaw" cat Puss in Boots (voiced by Antonio Banderas), who was once his small town's hero (having earned his signature boots as a thank you for saving the town from catastrophe) but is branded a criminal after unwittingly participating in a heist with his orphanage bosom friend, Humpty Dumpty (Zach Galifianakis). The two friends meet via Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek), a cat burglar whom Puss is instantly attracted to, and team up to steal three magic beans from the scheming Jack (Billy Bob Thornton) and Jill (Amy Sedaris) in order to plant the tree and access the golden goose and her magical golden eggs. But once the goose is secured, Puss realizes Humpty has ulterior motives, and Kitty must choose between her agreed-upon caper and her heart.
Is it any good?
This extremely enjoyable animated adventure boasts a purr-fect leading performance by Banderas. Unlike Shrek, which is more of an ensemble with a cast of zany fairy tale supporting characters, PUSS IN BOOTS is definitely Puss' story, with the occasional zinger from the secondary players. The in joke of reuniting Desperado costars Banderas and Hayek, who have chemistry even in animated feline form, is a bonus treat for their fans, as is the hilarious dialogue between the frighteningly unattractive Jack and Jill -- voiced with smoky Southern drawls by Thorton and Sedaris.
Puss is known for rendering foes and friends speechless with his adorably huge eyes, and that's pretty much how this entire movie feels -- that kitty is irresistible with his charms, whether you're a fetching animated feline or a rapt audience member. Milking his Spanish accent for all it's worth, Banderas has created a lovable character who, like Zorro, is roguish but righteous, sexy but sweet, and completely unforgettable. Although there aren't as many fresh fairy tale characters here as in the Far Far Away tales, this spin-off stands on its own paws with an entertaining and endearing adventure that both kids and grown-ups will enjoy.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
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?
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Parent of 10 and 12 year old
October 28, 2011
AGE
Fun adventure flick with no crass humor
There was some mild innuendo, although much less than the Shrek movies. There wasn't a fart joke in the entire movie so that was refreshing. Several scenes set in bars, although Puss always drinks milk. A human shown drinking from a brown bottle and a champagne bottle features in an escape scene. A joke about Puss using catnip I wish they'd have cut.
I could have done without the constant references to him being a lover but other than dancing and rubbing noses there's no romance in the movie.
Many of the main characters start out as double-crossers but in the end they realize the importance of loyalty and redeem themselves. I wouldn't say the movie has a good message but it's more of a rollicking adventure (with adorable kitties!) than a morality play. Lots of dramatic tension and close escapes which may make very young ones anxious. Lots of cute cat touches in the animation. A good time and enjoyable for adults without making you squirm about the idea of your kid repeating a line later. Thankfully, Donkey doesn't make any cameos.
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Parent
November 7, 2011
AGE
OK, but not for kids
WOW: My review gets deleted when it was top of the list, thanks "Common Sense". Obviously, my review was the top for one reason, it made sense. I stand the same on my opinion, and have absolutely no clue as to why it would get removed, because me and obviously a lot of other people thought it was helpful. I am re-posting it again:
.......................................................................
The name is perverted, and is meant to be. There's so much thrown in jokes about sex and stuff its overkill. They try and hide it in to keep it PG rated, but its completely apparent. Puss calls himself a lover all throughout the movie. I didnt let my kids see it after i saw it, and neither should you. Of coarse, (as i stated before) this is MY opnion. The movie is really aimed toward older people, but they make it animated so kids will want to see it. They party a lot. They drink a lot. Someone dies (i dont want to spoil who). I stand as i did before, iffy for 12.
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Parent of 2 and 8 year old
November 3, 2011
AGE
Too much sexual content
Took 8 year old and 2 year old to see. Kids loved but too much sexual content. My 8 year old liked the movie, but she didn't like all the kissing.
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Kid, 11 years old
October 30, 2011
AGE
Hillarious
It is VERY feline. It is very hilarious. But does have some semi dark scenes. has a few back stores, (very cute) i would recommend it to anyone who likes shrek and talking animals. Jack And Jill can be scary to young ones in this movie.
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Teen, 14 years old
November 5, 2011
AGE
Lame and Boring, Kids Won't Get Plot
I am not sure why everyone liked this movie; it was too short and rather boring. My brother pointed out to me as well that they did not do a very good job introducing the characters, and I personally do not think that kids would follow along with the plot very well. It's a little complicated for 5 & 6 yr olds. The innuendo was mild, but fairly unecessary, and I was hoping they would make it a bit more funny. The only reason why I saw it was because it had Antonio Banderas in it, who is SPICY!!!!!!! It doesn't live up to Shrek at all. 3D movies are very costly to make, and these companies should focus more on making good movies as opposed to moneymaking ones. Very dissapointing.
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Kid, 10 years old
October 28, 2011
AGE
Puss In Boots 3D
Puss In Boots Is An Amazing Spin off To The Original Ogre Shrek Series.The Movie Is Very Nice In 3D And Makes A Good Impression For Young And Older People. But The Movie Does Not Have The Same Entertainment As The Shrek Series.Overall Puss In Boots Is A Great Spin off For The Ogre Series.
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Parent
October 29, 2011
AGE
Loved it!
Excellent film! I loved all 4 Shrek's and this was just as exciting. Great for the entire family. Really cute movie.
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Parent
October 28, 2011
AGE
Worth it.
Great movie for kids and cat lovers.
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Teen, 17 years old
November 8, 2011
AGE
Not for kids under 13
Very inappropriate he drinks and uses bad words not good for little kids...
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Teen, 15 years old
October 29, 2011
AGE
Puss In Boots rules
I love it just love it go see it
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| Topics: | adventures, music and sing-along |
| Studio: | DreamWorks Animation |
| Director: | Chris Miller |
| Cast: | Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 90 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | October 28, 2011 |
| DVD release date: | February 24, 2012 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | some adventure action and mild rude humor |
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