KYLE M. JOHNSON
PRIDE STAFF WRITER

With “Shrek the Third” and “Shrek Forever After” being unnecessary contributions to a once great film series, it was hard to imagine that “Puss in Boots” would be anything more than yet another addition of overkill to the series. However, the spin-off prequel does just the opposite.

Long before Puss meets Shrek, “Puss in Boots” tells the story of the titular feline as he reunites with his childhood friend and fellow outcast Humpty Dumpty as they search for magic beans. With the help of Kitty Softpaws, a cat with an expertise in thievery, they set out to find the magic beans so they can grow a beanstalk in order to steal the golden eggs from the golden goose in the giant’s castle in the clouds.

The story is elaborate and intertwines several fairy tales by mixing and substituting the traditional, well-known plot elements. But that is half the fun here, as Jack and Jill now possess the beans, while the former Jack who once possessed them now goes by Andy Beanstalk.

It’s not just because his character’s name is in the title that Antonio Banderas owns this movie with his voice work as Puss. He is once again hilarious, over the top, heroic and seductive, balancing out all characteristics perfectly. Salma Hayek’s character Kitty Softpaws presents herself as a fun counterpart for Puss. In fact, as strange as it may be to say, Banderas and Hayek’s chemistry is a little too good, a majorly uncommon accomplishment for animated films.

Zach Galifianakis lends his voice to Humpty Dumpty. With Humpty being such a misunderstood character, he unfortunately doesn’t give room to Galifianakis for his usual comedic potential.

Seeing the film in 3D is not absolutely recommended unless you want to pay a few more dollars to see the occasional gimmick. However, children are likely to get much amusement out of the use of 3D.

“Puss in Boots” is a surprisingly good movie, returning to the charm and wit that made “Shrek” and “Shrek 2” so great. If more sequels are to come in this new series, we can only hope that the successors of this film are just as rewarding.

“Puss in Boots” opens in theatres Friday, Oct. 28.