The calibre and quality of animated films has risen steadily with several of them recently being considered for Oscar nominations. As such expectations are elevated. We used to let a lot slide when it came to animated films as they were thought of as just for kids. Now they are seen as for all ages. So weak storylines are no longer tolerated.
A follow up to the original film out of the Illumination/Universal animation stable, The Secret Lives of Pets 2 cashes in on the engaging and hilarious idea of getting an inside look at what our pets are thinking and feeling. The bond between humans and their pets is a strong one. One in which people will pay money to watch on the big screen their hijinx.
Not as good as the first yet still I had a good time watching it. Plenty of cute one liners, silly situations and astute observations about animals and the way they behave. Plus there is so much comedic talent here it is almost an embarrassment of riches. Kevin Hart, Ellie Kemper, Patton Oswalt, Eric Stonestreet, Tiffany Haddish, Jenny Slate, Dana Carvey, Hannibal Burress, Bobby Moynihan, Lake Bell, Nick Kroll, and even Harrison Ford all provide voices here.
Every day when humans leave their homes to go to school, work or just out, it leaves their pets behind…alone. Finally able to do as they wish and talk amongst themselves. Live their lives as they wish. This is their story.
A big change has happened in the life of Max the terrier (voiced by Patton Oswalt). His owner Katie (voiced by Ellie Kemper) has gotten married. Plus had a baby. Now he is being taken on a road trip to the countryside. There he meets a farm dog named Rooster (voiced by Harrison Ford). The two dogs realize they have something in common – fears.
Meanwhile, back in the city plenty is happening. Gidget (voiced by Jenny Slate) is trying to get Max’s favourite toy back from an apartment overrun with cats. Snowball (voiced by Kevin Hart), who now thinks he is a superhero, puts in his mind…or maybe Daisy (voiced by Tiffany Haddish) does, that he is going to rescue a white tiger from the circus.
Facing your fears is the big message here. Being courageous is the path to overcoming them.
Special Features:
-Digital Copy
-Mini-Movies
-The Making of the Mini-Movies
-Deleted Scenes
-A Tapestry of a Tail – The Making of
-How to Draw
-Frame by Frame – How to Make a Flip Book
-Character Pods
-My Buddy and Me
-The Further Adventures of Captain Snowball
-Pets with Jobs – A Documentary
-A Party Fit for a Pet
-Relax the Cat: The Secret Life of Pet Massage
-Pops’ Puppy Training School with Kevin Hart
-Production Pets
-Pet’s Yule Log
-Lyric Videos
