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Thanks to the overwhelming success of 2010’s Despicable Me—along with the film’s sequel and spin-off, Illumination Entertainment could be called The House that Minions Built. But until next year’s release of Despicable Me 3, audiences can enjoy some of the same action and laughs in The Secret Life of Pets.
The Secret Life of Pets tells the story of Max (voiced by Louis C. K.), a lovable little dog who lives the perfect life in New York City with his owner, Katie (Ellie Kemper). But when Katie brings home a new dog—big, scruffy Duke (Eric Stonestreet)—Max’s whole existence is thrown off-balance. During a scuffle in the park, the two reluctant roommates are separated from their dog walker, which leads them on an adventure through the streets and sewers of the city. And as they try to make their way home, their friends set out to rescue them.
It may not be filled with lovably bumbling Minions—nor with eccentric super villains. It may not be especially smart or sophisticated, either. But this playful pet-centric comedy still has plenty of action and adventure—and loads of personality, too. The pets are all fun and quirky in their own ways—from relentlessly perky Gidget (Jenny Slate) to edgy sewer pig Tattoo (Michael Beattie). Each new scene seems to introduce a new character or two—as well as some kind of over-the-top new encounter.
More than a solid, cohesive adventure, though, the story here feels more like an animated road trip comedy with dogs—a random collection of one wacky mishap after another. Throughout the film, Max and Duke attempt to evade the dog catcher, stumble upon sausage heaven, and scuffle with one angry little bunny. At the same time, their friends attend parties and assemble an unlikely army of (mostly) domesticated creatures. Some of these scenes are silly, some are sweet, some are surprisingly dark, and some seem completely out of place. But nothing here lasts long—so the good scenes don’t overstay their welcome, and the not-so-good ones are over soon enough.
Admittedly, the best part of the film is the beginning, as it introduces the different personalities while following the pets’ regular daytime shenanigans. The rest of the story is a little scattered, but the colorful animation and cute characters will still hold your attention through the less successful parts of the story.
The Secret Life of Pets certainly has its flaws, but it’s still silly, brainless fun for the family. And if you’re an animal lover, you’re sure to enjoy this journey through the city with this band of four-legged friends.
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
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