Puss In Boots

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The best film featuring a Shrek character since the first sequel, Puss in Boots is an action packed, charming and funny spin-off that will keep the kids and parents entertained for the entirety of its running time. The plot gets increasingly convoluted as it moves along, but the plan was obviously to inject more adventure into proceedings and move away from the fairytale elements of the series that spawned it - which it achieves unequivocally.

We meet Puss (voiced by a hilariously game Antonio Banderas again) just as he's reuniting with childhood pal, Humpty Dumpty (a fairly nondescript Zach Galifianakis). We learn that the two have a history from their orphanage days, and became firm pals when both were social outcasts. But despite some early thieving, Puss was a heroic sort deep down, and couldn't help but show his true colours - which made young Humpty jealous. Agreeing to team up again, Humpty has a plan that could see both of them become rich and they bring along Salma Hayek's enigmatic Kitty Softpaws for the ride.

Puss in Boots harkens back to the first two Shrek's when the majority of the funniest moments came from subtle touches. The three biggest laughs in 'Boots' may be repetitive, but it's that good a gag you can help but laugh the third time it happens. It also helps that Banderas really embraces the silliness - keeping the chuckles coming. His dulcet tones ripe for mocking.

Where it fails somewhat is the supporting characters. Humpty Dumpty is incredibly creepy looking (it's an egg with a face for Christ sake!), and Galifianakis is never really given the right material to be funny. Same with Hayek's Kitty; they're merely there to give Puss an excuse to partake in some daring swashbuckling. Granted, the kids probably won't care about that, and you'll be too impressed with the slick animation and solid comedic moments to care.

A fun ninety minutes at the cinema. You could do a lot worse over the holiday season.