The Secret Life of Pets
2016 · Directed by Chris Renaud
Original language: English
- animation
- comedy
- family
- adventure
The story
The quiet life of a terrier named Max is upended when his owner takes in Duke, a stray whom Max instantly dislikes.
What it’s like
Bright, saturated 3D animation with a sunny, cartoonish palette: Manhattan rendered as a busy playground of sunlit apartment hallways, rooftop skies and the dim, rattling sewers below. The camera moves with brisk energy, sweeping through crowded city blocks and tracking chases through dog runs and parks, with slapstick timing that stays light and breezy. The score is pop-heavy and bouncy, full of recognizable songs that keep the mood buoyant. Vibe: bright, zany and warm, with a whiff of city chaos. It suits a lazy weekend afternoon, a family movie night, or a comfort watch when you want something upbeat that doesn't ask much. Pacing is quick and episodic, with a rivalry between two pets softening into an affectionate friendship over the course of an adventure. Intensity is mild: some peril, a few scuffles and animal-on-animal slapstick, plus a jolt of menace from a villainous bunny, but no gore and no real cruelty. Made for families and anyone who wants cheerful, gentle animation with plenty of laughs.
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