Nobody was really asking for a “Puss in Boots” sequel a decade after the first one (and even longer after he was spun off from “Shrek”), but “The Last Wish” delivers an exciting, terrifying and gorgeously animated adventure.

Who exactly makes these sorts of decisions in Hollywood? Puss in Boots was a fun enough supporting character in a couple of the “Shrek” movies, and there wasn’t any harm in giving him a spin-off film way back in 2011. But now, after all these years, Dreamworks has released a sequel to that spin-off? It’s an odd choice, but hopefully one that pays off because “The Last Wish” is actually really, really good.

This movie has high-flying adventure, some spectacular animation, rich character development and some particularly gnarly villains. “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” is a quality film, enjoyable to both children and adults — though one of those villains might give your little ones nightmares.

After several lifetimes of adventures, the feline Puss in Boots (voiced by Antonio Banderas) is on the last of his nine lives. So he sets off with some allies to find the fabled wishing star to wish for them back — while being pursued by other classic fairy tale characters who want the wish for themselves and a villainous bounty hunter who is much more wicked than he appears.

“The Last Wish” is straight-up fun. Puss in Boots is an active character, performing death-defying stunts and swashbuckling against any foe in his path. The movie pushes this action to the extreme, introducing some really stylish animation effects that make everything feel more energetic and exciting. The movie does not lack for action.

But action is just the beginning. The movie also pays a lot of attention to character development, and not just with the main character. Puss gets a very fleshed-out, very engaging story about facing his own mortality and how his life affects other people. Then almost all of the supporting characters, from sidekicks to adversaries to villains, are treated similarly.

This movie makes great use of an expanded cast. I especially enjoyed Goldilocks (voiced by Florence Pugh) and the Three Bears.

The real standout character in the new film is the Big Bad Wolf (voiced by Wagner Moura), who is downright terrifying. From his design and those piercing red eyes to his voice and mannerisms, the designers of “The Last Wish” really went above and beyond in crafting this villain. Little children, be warned.

“Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” is the whole package. From story to character development to animation, every aspect of this film goes above and beyond. Hopefully it doesn’t get lost in all of the other movies released this holiday season.

“Puss in Boots: The Last Wish” is currently playing in theaters.

For more discussion on the film, tune in to the Sentinel Cinema podcast at www.romesentinel.com/podcasts.