I’m trying to see as many of the summer films as possible, but I’m missing several. My family went to see The Secret Life of Pets though and had a fun time at the movies. The film isn’t revolutionary, but manages to include enough to keep entertained. I give The Secret Life of Pets the Decent Watch rating.
The Secret Life of Pets is a fun family movie
Max (Louis C.K.) has a great situation at home with his owner. That is until his quiet life is upended when his owner takes in Duke (Eric Stonestreet), a stray whom Max instantly dislikes.
The film has some really solid voice acting with Kevin Hart, Jenny Slate, Ellie Kemper, Albert Brooks, Lake Bell, Dana Carvey, Hannibal Buress, and Bobby Moynihan. The film is definitely an ensemble cast with time spent with basically three sets of characters. Max and Duke get lost and have to find their way home. Snowball (Hart) and his crew of human hating animals act as the antagonists. Then Gidget (Slate) and the other pets from Max’s apartment building act as a search party. The film moves through these groups as they interact and separate keeping the pacing quite kinetic.
Co-directed by Yarrow Cheney and Chris Renaud who worked together with Despicable Me. The film’s characters are likable and Max is easily lovable. The film is pretty straightforward, but I managed to find lots to enjoy about it. Quirky comedy, cute animals, and silly situations. It’s definitely geared towards the younger audience and it keeps things simple. The love story is kind of just stated. The bad guy is bad because he was wronged. Duke and Max don’t get along, but if they are going to get home they’ll need each other.
The film works and if you have a family you should definitely check it out. It’s fun and timed right at just under an hour and a half. The film won’t revolutionize animated movies, but don’t be surprised if the lovable animals end up everywhere!
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