Parents' Guide to

Puss in Boots

By Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

Swashbuckling adventure features irresistible warrior cat.

Movie PG 2011 90 minutes
Puss in Boots Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

  • 2:02
  • Puss in Boots Movie: Scene #1
  • Puss in Boots Movie: Scene #2

Community Reviews

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age 8+

Based on 41 parent reviews

txfab
txfab Parent
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.
Trishia G.
Trishia G. Parent of 6-year-old
March 11, 2023
age 15+

Rough language for a kids movie

I'm surprised there's no mention of the rough language. At one point a character says "what the hell". The word "crap" is frequently in the dialogue and they use beeping over curse words like it's funny. Add in the sexual references and it's just not appropriate for younger kids.
See all 41 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?

Our review:
Parents say (41 ):
Kids say (80 ):

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?

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