Puss in Boots

Movie review by Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media
Puss in Boots Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 6+

Swashbuckling adventure features irresistible warrior cat.

PG 2011 90 minutes
Rate movie

Parents say

age 8+

Based on 37 reviews

Kids say

age 6+

Based on 77 reviews

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate movie

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

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.

Community Reviews

txfab
txfab Adult
January 23, 2022
age 8+

Not exactly valuable

I agree with as lot of others who are mildly critical: definitely way too much adult sexual innuendo (or aftermath: Puss sneaking out on his "conquest") that's completely unnecessary, and too much violence for small children (though I know many parents around me are completely desensitized to that and don't worry about it). That said, my 9yo loved it, watched it like 5 times over the course of a month, and then got into the animated series (sigh). The good news is that the sex references seem to have gone totally over her head - or maybe the questions are still gestating. Younger kids are likely to ignore it all. I guess on the plus side it could open up opportunities to talk about one's values as related to sex - just be ready for it.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
3 people found this helpful.
Will loves movies
Will loves movies Adult
June 1, 2013
age 9+

Pray for mercy.

Puss in Boots, the spin-off from the Shrek movies, is a great family movie. The positve messages are that of redemption, and that as Puss says: "it is never too late to do the right thing." The sexual content in the movie are as follows: in the beginning of the movie, it is strongly implied that Puss spent the night with a female cat as there are some empty milk bottles and fish bones. He also gets dressed and leaves. Puss and Kitty Softpaws do flirt and eventually kiss at the end. Not a lot of violence but it is a bit intense at the end. There is one scene in a bar with men drinking. If you like Shrek and was a big fan of Puss in Boots, then you are going to love this movie. Thanks for reading.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
1 person found this helpful.
See all 37 parent reviews

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • 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?

Movie Details

Our Editors Recommend

  • Shrek Poster Image

    Shrek

    Gross-out laughs meet a marvelous fairy tale mix.

    age 6+
  • Shrek 2 Poster Image

    Shrek 2

    Just as much fairy tale fun as the first one.

    age 6+
  • Shrek the Third Poster Image

    Shrek the Third

    Cute but not as fun as past movies; some cartoon violence.

    age 6+
  • Shrek Forever After Poster Image

    Shrek Forever After

    Fiona's fierce, Shrek's lovable in still-funny 4th movie.

    age 6+
  • Shrek the Halls Poster Image

    Shrek the Halls

    Christmas in the swamp is great family fun.

    age 6+

Themes & Topics

Browse titles with similar subject matter.

  • Cartoon picture of luggage and a map
    Adventures
    See all
  • Cartoon image of a microphone
    Music and Sing-Along
    See all

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate