Coluna Claquete – December, 16th 2011
Movie of the Week: “Puss in Boots”
One of the characters in the series “Shrek” that more pleased the public was Puss in Boots, which appeared in the second film of the brand, like the dangerous thug hired to kill the green ogre. A long time worthy of a solo film, by his personality half good guy half bad guy, and so seductive, finnally was his turn now, with the animation “Puss in Boots.”
The events depicted in the present film happens before the rest of the series, although here too there are the characters and situations abound in the universe of fairy tales – with lots of poetic liberties, of course.
The first differences are already present in the origin of the Cat. While in the original story he was French and the inheritance of a boy left by his father, here, the kitten is an orphan, somewhere in medieval Spain.
Cat (voiced by Antonio Banderas in the original version, and Alexandre Moreno in the brasilian one) grows up in an orphanage next to the speaker egg Humpty Dumpty, a character almost unknown in Brazil, but very common in children’s fables of the English-speaking countries .
The desire for adventure, and common origin makes them become friends since early childhood. As the cat is becoming famous for his exploits – he drops down an enraged bull, for example – Humpty’s getting relegated, and begins to grow a mixture of envy and desire for affirmation. When he robs a bank, and the cat tries to help him, Humpty is arrested and his friend becomes a wanted bandit, even though innocent of the coup.
Years later, the Cat is already famous as a dangerous criminal, and arrives in his hometown in search of a new plan. Their values are very well defined, because it refuses to assault the orphanage where he lived, even knowing there is gold there. His attention is aroused by the news that a couple of bad guys, Jack and Jill, has the magic beans that will help achieve the castle in the clouds, where lives the Goose that lays golden eggs.
When the Cat tries to steal the magic beans, he discovers he has competition: a cat mask, as skilled as himself. Thwarted the attack, he decides to follow the rival cat, to discover his identity.
Upon arriving at the hideout of the opponent, Cat discovers that he is she, in fact, Patamansa Kitty (Salma Hayek in the original, and Miriam Fisher in the Brazilian version), a street cat set on mischief, having plucked his claws in its childhood.
But the biggest surprise for the Cat was discover that Kitty’s boss was no other than Humpty Dumpty, his old comrade in the orphanage. Humpty suggests that the trio be united to steal the magic beans and bring the magic Goose. The Cat, still suspicious, accepts the deal.
In a audacious raid, they steal the beans, and must use all theirs skills to reach the castle in the clouds, and bring the magic goose, actually a young bird, but already produces the golden eggs.
When they return to the city, however, the Cat discovers that he has fooled by Humpty Dumpy, still dominated by rage against the cat and the City, whom he blamed for all his frustrations. While people rejoice with the golden eggs, the Cat is trapped in a dungeon, where he will stay there for life.
The ultimate goal is still to come, when a mysterious giant will come looking for the magic bird, and, according to Humpty’s plan, will destroy the city and everyone who lives there. Will the Cat escape from prison and save the ones he loves?
As usual in Hollywood, the characters coming from the literature are adapted and updated for the assimilation of new generations. Since their previous appearances in Shrek, Puss in Boots has little in common with the original tale, written by french writer Charles Perrault, and included in the book Les Contes de ma mère l’Oye, published in 1697. In it, the Cat was the inheritance for a boy, and showed to be the most valuable asset, because with his sagacity, he has brought great benefits to his master.
The Puss in Boots of Shrek series has all the qualities of the hero and some not very commendable attributes, such as the ability to steal, seduction as a weapon, and simulation to achieve their goals. Throughout the episodes, he begans to assume more the appearance of the hero, and it is with this image that was created the current movie.
It’s a pity we only have copies dubbed in Portuguese – irreproachable, by the way – This does not allow us to appreciate the voice of Antonio Banderas, who gave to the character a seductive and sarcastic tone. The same goes for Kitty Patamansa, the original version was voiced by – gorgeous – Salma Hayek.
The film quality is also excellent, and is one of the few films whose current 3D version allows the viewer the feeling of a three-dimensional environment. The scene in which the beanstalk grows vertiginouslly is spectacular.
Moreover, “Puss in Boots” is fun for the whole family, and even without the usual adult jokes of Shrek series, it keeps the audience’s attention thanks to a very neat and dynamic script. Check it out.