As a spin-off, Puss in Boots effectively manages to avoid most everything associated with the fledgling Shrek series.  Untethered by that particular universe and all its trappings, we're given a movie that is Puss's through and through -- and by the time it wraps, we've been treated to a compelling origin story, a grand, swashbuckling adventure, and a firmer understanding of the feisty feline's titular character.

The story tackles some pretty substantial themes --- brotherhood, treachery, revenge, redemption -- and in this quasi Johnston McCulley world of pulp action heroes and double crossing bandits, it works really well.  Voice acting is just about perfect; Banderas is in top form, providing the roguish quality and gravitas required to bring Puss and his backstory to life.  Salma Hayek makes terrific chemistry as co-conspirator and potential love interest Kitty Softpaws, and the 'Desperado' vibe between the two stars is delectably transparent.  Zach Galifianakis's Humpty Dumpty is easily one of the most interesting characters in the series to date.  To quote Drew McWeeny: "He's both repellent and hypnotic.  There is something profoundly wrong about him in general, but the performance by Galifianakis is so human and grounded and sincere that he comes across as one of the most genuinely alive animated characters in recent memory."  One thing you can say about DreamWorks these days: they aren't afraid to make some bold choices about where to take their animated characters.  Just take a look at Hiccup from How To Train Your Dragon and Po from Kung Fu Panda 2.  Humpty joins their ranks.

And then there's the action.  From spirited dance fights to edgy swordplay to gun-toting wagon chases, the movie makes no bones about its swashbuckling roots, and instead fully embraces them.  Added icing are the fairytale fantastical elements, including both an ascent and descent down a massive beanstalk, the infiltration of a magic castle, and a final showdown with "The Great Terror."

Visuals are excellent for the most part.  Both vistas and action choreography are top notch, and the anthropomorphic characters look and animate great.  (Cat lovers should especially take note; the felines steal the show.)  The only downside, as usual, are DreamWorks' generic looking human designs.  Music-wise, Henry Jackman offers up his best work of the year, a lively blend of traditional Latin, folk, and orchestra.  The Rodrigo y Gabriela musical contributions are at least heard in the film, unlike On Stranger Tides, and the sole featured licensed pop song is a pleasant addition indeed.

The great irony of Puss in Boots is that it was directed by Chris Miller.  Miller, who was responsible for what is arguably the worst Shrek (Shrek the Third), comes around by bringing us one of the best films in the DreamWorks Animation catalog.  The movie is shockingly well crafted in just about every regard -- and if Puss doesn't end up with his own franchise, I'd be perfectly happy knowing that they put all their effort into creating this one, singularly excellent film.