Puss in Boots

While Shrek's finally hit retirement, one of his supporting stars hasn't. It just so happens to be Puss in Boots, the Zorro-esque kitty cat voiced for four films straight by Antonio Banderas. The fourth, also called Puss in Boots, is here and it's in 3D. And no, I didn't see it in 3D.

Long before meeting that ogre guy, Puss was a champion of the innocent. And then his adoptive brother Humpty Dumpty betrayed him, turning Puss into an outlaw. Years later, Puss is coerced by a fellow feline named Kitty Softpaws into working with her and Humpty. Their mission, which Puss accepts, is to go after the outlaws Jack and Jill, who hold some magic beans. Only with those magic beans can they reach the castle in the sky and the Golden Goose who lives there.

Sounds easy. Of course, it actually isn't.

This is what happens when a spin-off prequel film is done right. Not bound by its predecessors, this film has its own sense of humor and fun. Even the Zorro spoofing Puss does is fresh and original with this new adventure. Then again, Puss was the best part of the last Shrek film, Shrek Forever After.

Even without the 3D, the film's effects are quite good. Seeing the beanstalk grow, and how it grew, was simply the highlight of the flatscreen experience. Other standout scenes include Puss's rooftop dash and his "Dance Fight" with Kitty Softpaws. So, whether or not you want to see it in 3D once again depends on if you want to see it in 3D.

If the filmmakers keep the freshness, then Puss's likely next adventures'll be as fun as this one. It really is a good start to the Holiday film season. And it's good that the Holidays came early.