Movie review
December 7, 2022 · 103 min · PG
Woke Score
Lower is better
Review
This 2022 DreamWorks animated sequel is a straightforward adventure about Puss facing his last life and chasing a wishing star with friends Kitty and Perrito. The core story hammers home universal lessons about fearing death, valuing one good life, and choosing friendship over ego or greed. No political lectures, no identity agendas, and no institutional takedowns—just classic fairy-tale fun with a darker mortality twist that feels pre-woke Hollywood. Casting is diverse but fits the Spanish-inspired animal world without pushing representation as the point.
Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.
Woke representation / casting
Diverse Latinx and queer actors in animal roles that match the established Shrek-universe style; incidental and never framed as a diversity statement.
Woke political dialogue
None present; story stays focused on adventure and personal growth.
Identity-driven story themes
Light chosen-family friendship beats, but the narrative engine is purely about mortality and living fully—no identity politics.
Western institutional / cultural critique
No critique whatsoever; celebrates bonds and contentment without attacking traditions.
Woke character or canon changes
Not relevant
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
Negligible; backlash is absent and conservative outlets called it non-woke.
Creator track record context
All key creatives from mainstream family animation; no activist pattern.
Production
