Shrek, Donkey and Princess Fiona are hardly missed in “Puss in Boots,” the “Shrek” spin-off featuring Antonio Banderas as the cunning feline hero. It doesn’t match the wit of the first two “Shrek” movies, but there’s enough fresh humor and colorful action for it to overtake “Shrek the Third” and “Shrek Forever After” in the franchise.

Taking place before his appearance in the “Shrek” movies, Puss in Boots (Banderas) is a suave kitty with a criminal past. Flashbacks of the adorable kitten show him getting into trouble with classmate Humpty Dumpty (Zach Galifianakis). The rotten egg has dreams of uncovering magic beans that lead to a castle in the clouds and a goose that lays golden eggs. Puss would probably settle for a glass of warm milk. (more…)