THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS (7 out of 10) Directed by Yarrow Cheney, Chris Renaud; Written by Cinco Paul, Ken Daurio, Brian Lynch; Starring Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet, Kevin Hart, Jenny Slate, Ellie Kemper, Albert Brooks, Lake Bell, Dana Carvey, Hannibal Buress; Rated PG for action and some rude humor; Running time 90 minutes; In wide release July 8, 2016.
This is the greatest and simplest idea in all of filmmaking. Because we all know our dogs and cats are having adventures when we’re not looking, right? Oh, but you didn’t know about secret underground societies dedicated to overthrowing human masters led by the cutest little bunny ever? Then you really need to see this.
Our story revolves around a cute little dog named Max (Louis CK) who lives in a Manhattan apartment with Katie (Ellie Kemper). Everything is great in their life, and then one day Katie brings home another dog, Max (Eric Stonestreet). And he’s big and territorial– so, of course, these two play “Odd Couple” with each other, until their rivarly ends up getting them lost and chased by animal control. And wackiness ensues. Of course, the rest of the building’s animals then band together to try to rescue them. And then there’s the homicidal bunny rabbit and his underground of rebellious former pets.
You have not enjoyed one of the best movie characters of the year until you’ve seen little white bunny Snowball (Kevin Hart). Equal parts cute and scary, kids are going to go absolutely nuts over Snowball. Which begs the question. . . when are we getting the Snowball movie?
And herein lies the major flaw with The Secret Life of Pets. While it is beautifully animated, funny, and bound to entertain both kids and adults, its side characters and side plots are far more entertaining than the main storyline. And with nearly a dozen individual pets, each with their own character, agenda, and story arc, it’s a little bit thin for each of them. And the main story is relatively formulaic and predictable. But, hey, it’s a kids’ movie.
Those complaints aside, this is a fun family-friendly film. While it faces stiff competition from Finding Dory and The BFG, this is still something you don’t want to miss. If only for Snowball.
7 out of 10