Top 10 Things Only Adults Notice in Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

It’s been over a decade since the first “Puss in Boots” movie and the last “Shrek” film. For many kids in the audience, this may be their first exposure to the fairy tale franchise. The callbacks to past movies will likely resonate more with their parents, who were bizarrely youngsters when the original “Shrek” came out in 2001. The cameos from Gingy and Pinocchio aren’t hard to miss. The same goes for the ending teasing a return to Far Far Away. Sneakier cameos include a witch minion from “Shrek Forever After” and Puss’ surrogate mother Imelda. In another blink-and-you’ll-miss-it reference, Shrek, Donkey, and Puss recreate a moment from “The Lion King.” With Death on his trail, Puss can no longer live by, “Hakuna Matata.”

Some kids don’t know the meaning of the word “retirement.” As for adults getting up there, some welcome the idea of moving to a senior living community while others dread the notion of winding up in a retirement home. Puss is among the latter, falling into a depressing routine when he reluctantly goes to live with Mama Luna and her countless other cats. Puss’ life is devoid of excitement until Goldilocks and the Three Bears come a-knockin’. Mama Bear picks out Puss in Boots among the legion of cats, although Goldi has a hard time believing that the “geriatric” cat before her is the dashing feline on the poster. Kids might not be familiar with such an advanced word, but granny and grandpa are.

Like Pinocchio’s Talking Cricket, the Ethical Bug serves as the angel on “Big” Jack Horner’s shoulder. This boy scout bug has his work cut out for him, though, finding that even the most dedicated conscious can’t redeem the horrible Horner. The Ethical Bug is voiced by Kevin McCann, a DreamWorks production supervisor. Although this is McCann’s first acting credit, adults may recognize the voice that he puts on. He sounds an awful lot like acting legend Jimmy Stewart, who was known for playing the ethical everyman. Somewhat similar to Jack’s dynamic with the Ethical Bug, Stewart’s George Bailey had a guardian angel in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The Ethical Bug’s voice also calls to mind comedian Don Knotts, who defined childhood for many young Boomers.

For a lot of kids, “The Last Wish” will be their introduction to certain actors who the adults are already acquainted with, including Oliva Coleman as Mama Bear and Ray Winstone as Papa Bear. Andrew has issues on “Big Mouth,” but hopefully he turns out better than John Mulaney’s Jack Horner. As intimidating as Wagner Moura’s portrayal of Pablo Escobar in “Narcos” was, his Wolf might be even more terrifying. Kids may know Florence Pugh from the MCU, but definitely not “Midsommar.” Speaking of which, “Midsommar” is often compared to 1973’s “The Wicker Man,” which got an infinitely meme-able remake starring a bear-suited Nicolas Cage. When Baby Bear (Samson Kayo) is attacked by bees, “The Last Wish” filmmakers couldn’t resist referencing an infamous Cage line: “Not the bees!”

Along with the “Deadpool” films, “Logan” is one “X-Men” spinoff that you’re not going to let the kids watch for a few years. Adults who can get into R-rated movies without being carded have noticed a surprising parallel between “The Last Wish” and Wolverine’s (sort-of) last stand. Both center on legendary heroes with sharp weapons who’ve repeatedly cheated death. As they become older and grow out their beards, they set out on a road trip against a hazardous western backdrop with a couple of companions and several antagonists on their trail. It all builds to a gritty final battle where the aging hero faces a seemingly unbeatable foe, forcing him to accept his mortality. Thankfully, Puss’ brush with Death isn’t nearly as bloody as Logan’s.

“The Last Wish” has a surprisingly high body count. We’re not just talking about Puss’ eight lost lives. Most of the casualties come courtesy of “Big” Jack Horner. In addition to turning one of his hired hands into gold, Jack is responsible for the Baker’s Dozen’s doom. Whether sending them into a valley of man-eating flowers, turning them into confetti with his bad aim, or letting them fall after using them to build a bridge, Jack possesses no regard for human (or animal) life. Kids can tell that Jack is a bad guy, but only adults can fathom just how messed up and psychotic his actions are. At least he’s given an appropriate demise in the spirit of “Terminator 2.” You know, another kid-friendly flick!

The sibling rivalry between Goldilocks and Baby Bear boils over as the two begin swapping insults. Goldilocks gets the better of her adoptive brother, calling him, among other things, a “dingleberry.” Kids won’t know this word’s meaning off-hand. To be fair, adults probably won’t either, but they can look it up. Merriam-Webster provides a couple of definitions, including “a foolish, stupid, or contemptible person.” There’s also the slang version, which means, “a piece of dried fecal matter clinging to the hair around the…” let’s say where the sun doesn’t shine. Based on the way Baby takes offense, we think the more graphic definition applies in this case. We also wouldn’t be surprised if “​​Dingleberry” is code for… well, something that Baby might be compensating for.

In addition to “dingleberry,” “The Last Wish” will teach the kiddies words like “hell” and “crap,” earning that “P” in “PG.” Don’t worry, parents. The words you really don’t want your kids repeating at Sunday school and synagogue are mostly bleeped. Who knew that Harvey Guillén’s Perrito had such a vast vocabulary? The bleep button is almost needed again when Perrito encourages Puss and Kitty to stop and smell the roses. Kitty struggles to smell the roses, but she picks up on the scent of bull… and that’s where she gets cut off. The little ones will wonder how Kitty was going to finish that sentence and their parents aren’t cluing them in. We’d say the word, but YouTube is also pretty PG these days.

Swearing and violence might contribute to the PG rating, but that’s not what makes “The Last Wish” such an “adult” film. It’s how the filmmakers explore mature themes like anxiety that make it just as much for grown-up viewers. You wouldn’t expect Puss in Boots of all characters to shine a spotlight on mental health. However, as the hairs raise on Puss’ arms and he clutches his racing heart, the film provides a surprisingly authentic depiction of panic attacks and PTSD. The film also touches upon how anxiety is linked to depression, preventing people from seizing the day. “The Last Wish” should be essential viewing for children developing signs of anxiety, helping them to understand these emotions and see that they aren’t alone.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Bedside Manner
A Term That the Kids Can Use the Next Time They Go to the Pediatrician

Kitty’s Therapy Line
To Be Fair, Everyone In This Movie Could Use Therapy

“Heaviest Cream” = “Heaviest Booze”
Puss Loses More Lives Drinking Like That

Most kids go about their days with little regard or understanding of death. Even adults can act as if they’re invincible, in denial that eventually their card will be punched. It might happen suddenly during an accident or shortly after the doctor shares some bad news. Either way, death comes for us all, including those with nine lives. “The Last Wish” tackles this inevitable truth with wisdom. It’s only natural to fear death as Puss does. Puss learns that you can’t beat death, but you can come to terms with it. He’s able to peacefully part with the Wolf, accepting that one day they’ll meet again. Although the film doesn’t sugarcoat this bleak concept, it ultimately encourages kids and adults to live their best life.