The Secret Life of Pets Review

If you ever wondered what your pet(s) get up to when you’re not around, well, here’s your chance to find out.

Illumination’s latest animation brings a wonderful story that not only caters to animal lovers, but especially those who own pets. Bringing in the most popular animal led animation since Rio, The Secret Life of Pets borrows a familiar formula from one of the most popular animated films in cinematic history.

Featuring possibly over 100 pets (most of which are in the background), the main character is Max (Louis C.K. – Trumbo, Blue Jasmine), a terrier who was found by his owner Katie (Ellie Kemper – Bridesmaids, The Office) when he was just a pup. Heartbroken everyday when she leaves, Max is convinced they are soul mates (in the way dogs appear to behave). However his life turns upside down when Katie brings home enormously hairy and sloppy Duke (Eric Stonestreet – Modern Family, Identity Thief) who shares Katie’s attention. Upon realising this, Max and Duke quickly learn to dislike each other to the point that they get lost in the jungle that is New York. After getting lost they run into Snowball (Kevin Hart – Central Intelligence, Ride Along), a vengefully fluffy rabbit with a grudge against humans.  However Max’s friends and neighbours don’t take his appearance lightly and take it upon themselves to find him and Duke, led by Gidget (Jenny Slate – Zootropolis, The Lorax).

If you’re thinking that the whole concept of ‘a much loved partner who’s equilibrium is disrupted by a newcomer who shares the affection before they are forced into a crazy adventure together whilst the hero’s friends come to save them before the partner realises anything’s wrong’ sounds familiar, then you’d be right. As mentioned earlier, it follows the same narrative as the much-loved animated classic Toy Story, whereby Woody’s attention from Andy is stolen by Buzz, until they fight to the point they are forced into a dangerous world together whilst Bo-Peep (who has a crush on Woody, much like Gidget with Max) and the rest of the toys search for them before Andy finds out.  I only bring this up as an audience member who has seen and adored Toy Story for years, it was impossible to watch The Secret Life of Pets without subconsciously comparing the two. However as it was originally released in 1995, this will only be an issue for older audiences or children with great cinematic taste.

For a kids film it is full of laughs for children and adults alike, of which the ruder humour is directed in a way to go straight over the heads of younger audiences. A lot of the humour is typical banter thrown between cats and dogs in reference to their owners, much in the same way that owners do to each other, meaning that anyone who has owned a pet will be able to relate and enjoy it even more.

As is becoming popular nowadays with studios, there are recognisable moments of intertextuality and Easter-Eggs.  This has been a thing for many years now, especially with Disney, with examples from films as early as The Jungle Book (1967) such as the hidden Mickey symbols, as well as the popular Vultures based on the rock band The Beatles. Within this film however, the main focus of referencing was on Minions (from Despicable Me), who appear to be Illumination’s primary source of profit and marketing.

Despite the huge amount of characters within this film and the primary focus being on Max and Gidget, fluffily savage Snowball manages to steal the show. With his work beginning to take over the entertainment scene, Kevin Hart takes a break from his recently repetitive role as shown in Ride Along and Central Intelligence to play a hilariously messed up yet loyally adorable white rabbit that can have you supporting him, irrelevant of his morals. Whilst he is as crazy as is common for a child’s animated film, the situation of his origin and reference to animal cruelty causes you to sympathise for him, once again utilising an audiences love of animals to their advantage. When mixing this with his ‘gangsta’ and ring-leader style, you get a madly mischievous yet unforgettably show-stopping villain.

Perhaps the most effective aspect of The Secret Life of Pets is its metaphorical presence regarding the contemporary issue of equality and our treatment of ‘out-groups’.  This is not done through other species (i.e. cats and dogs), but also through class. The clearest portrayal of this is the most blatant, whereby the social balance is between Max and his group is present, until Duke (the out-group) arrives and throws things out of balance, causing Max to behave negatively towards him. However, as the course of the film progresses, they learn than snap-judgements and such treatment is not necessarily the correct reaction.

All of the cast members use their comedic experience to take this film as far as it can possibly go, ultimately driving this film further than it was written. Whilst it is a neatly laid out joy-ride, there are some moments that unnecessarily overstay their welcome, causing your attention to slightly drift until the narrative returns to its original designated direction.

Overall it is a treat for the entire family that not only explores the stereotypes and cultural beliefs of pets and their breeds, but also poses as a relevant metaphor for equality and our judgement of others. It is sure to survive the summer box-office as well as setting itself up as the children’s choice to watch. Even if you’re not anticipating much from it, it’s definitely worth a watch!

 

8/10

Watch the trailer here: