Read Positive User Reviews for The Secret Life of Pets

7

Natedogg0310Jul 14, 2016

The Secret Life of Pets has some good things going for it, such as the characters and how they perfectly matched the personalitites of the animals, but the story sometimes doesn't flow right and they try to add a touchy subject, and thenThe Secret Life of Pets has some good things going for it, such as the characters and how they perfectly matched the personalitites of the animals, but the story sometimes doesn't flow right and they try to add a touchy subject, and then completely ignore it seconds later. In the end, Secret Life of Pets is a one time fun ride, but the movie doesn't leave a impact like Illumination has done in the past.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

All this user's reviews

8

CarFan1999Aug 13, 2016

The Secret Life of Pets is insane, but in a fun way. First, I'll say the problems I had with this movie. For one, it's too noisy in places. There is a lot of screaming from the characters and the action is non- stop. There is never a quietThe Secret Life of Pets is insane, but in a fun way. First, I'll say the problems I had with this movie. For one, it's too noisy in places. There is a lot of screaming from the characters and the action is non- stop. There is never a quiet moment, just constant noise. The pacing is also too fast, which doesn't allow for full character development. In addition, it makes the emotional moments not as emotional or deep as they could have been. But that's about it, now to the fun stuff.

What makes up for the lack of character development is the vocal performances. The celebrity voice actors all do a great job of giving life to the characters. Louis C.K., Jenny Slate, and Bobby Moynihan all do a fine job. And despite yelling a bit too much, Kevin Hart also does a good job. As far as the story goes; yes; it's like Toy Story in the beginning and ending. Also that the whole premise of "what your pets do when you're not around" is also like Toy Story. But this is thrown out the window after just the first two minutes, devolving ultimately into a series of chases for 90 minutes. Frankly, that's fine. The biggest pleasure I had watching this was the amount of sheer craziness that happens. Not only is it fun, but it goes far beyond anything Disney or Pixar would ever do. Some themes (like death) are presented in an even more blunt manner then Disney or Pixar. The jokes and Looney Tunes- esque comedy work, thanks to good writing and timing. Pets isn't necessarily a funny film, but it is fun and will put you in a good mood. What makes something like this work for Pets, but not for something like Angry Birds, is the characters. Thanks to the voice work, most of the characters here are lovable and memorable. Max and Duke are fine main characters, Snowball and Gidget are fine secondary characters, and even the large supporting cast is fine. Thanks to the large cast, it allows the film's subplots to all work and support the standard main plot. While the main plot is basically Toy Story or Garfield, it's where the emotion comes from. Snowball's subplot about revolution is interesting and original. The other subplot about the others rescuing Max and Duke is where the comedy comes from. All together, it works out. Not to mention the awesome jazzy soundtrack by Alexandre Desplat.

Making all the physical comedy work is thanks to the animation. While a bit basic, I love the unique stylization this goes for. All the pets have big bodies, but very skinny legs. New York City looks the way a tourist would see it, clean and gleaming. The fast movements, the variety of pets, the cuteness of the pets, and the many different settings keep the animation interesting.

Overall, The Secret Life of Pets was surprisingly a great movie. It doesn't pander to the audience with over cuteness, pop culture gags, or bathroom based jokes. Instead, thanks to wonderful writing, slapstick like Looney Tunes, subplots that nicely support the main plot, and lovable characters, makes Pets is a very good movie. As a pet owner myself; specifically a cat owner; I can say that the stereotypes depicted here about all the various pets are hilariously accurate. Pets is a bit too loud and fast at times, but simply is a fun and heartwarming experience.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

All this user's reviews

7

BiasSep 10, 2016

Heartwarming movie with cute animals and stuff. Extra points if you are a dog person. Nicely done puppetry. It's a kids movie, but as per usual, there's something there for the adults. Or is there? I can't remember. Apparently, deep downHeartwarming movie with cute animals and stuff. Extra points if you are a dog person. Nicely done puppetry. It's a kids movie, but as per usual, there's something there for the adults. Or is there? I can't remember. Apparently, deep down inside all the wild and surly animals just want to be pets, but when I was a kid I had a rabbit and it escaped. True story.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

All this user's reviews

10

loki-sfJul 10, 2016

This movie had our whole family, ages five, eight, twelve, fourteen, laughing from beginning to end. There are so many dynamic/comic details that keep you engaged, even if you are not focused on the main characters.

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

All this user's reviews

7

MordoReviewerJul 20, 2016

I was ready to hate this movie
But actually i enjoyed it
Illumination has proved to be one of the best recent animated studios
Not great but still its a lot of fun

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

All this user's reviews

7

shiftworkerAug 22, 2016

It's not Up and it's not Inside Out, but it is a bit like Finding Nemo only with dogs. There's plenty to keep the kids entertained, maybe even on a second viewing. Boo the baddies, cheer the team of heros and even have the odd laugh. It won'tIt's not Up and it's not Inside Out, but it is a bit like Finding Nemo only with dogs. There's plenty to keep the kids entertained, maybe even on a second viewing. Boo the baddies, cheer the team of heros and even have the odd laugh. It won't change your mind or even your memory, but it is cute and family-friendly.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

All this user's reviews

8

btoney19Sep 13, 2016

I found this movie to be cute and refreshing! It was nice to sit down and watch a movie with the whole family and laugh. The instantly fall in love with the character's personalities and imagine how your own pet behaves while you're gone.I found this movie to be cute and refreshing! It was nice to sit down and watch a movie with the whole family and laugh. The instantly fall in love with the character's personalities and imagine how your own pet behaves while you're gone. It's not exactly as memorable as other Disney movies that have come out in the past, but I would definitely watch it again for the laughs.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

All this user's reviews

7

LeZeeNov 23, 2016

Street pets versus the house pets! A day adventure in a big city!

Animation films always fascinate me, because of its varieties. Even animals can be the heroes and villains. So this kind of new story perspective, including technology, whatStreet pets versus the house pets! A day adventure in a big city!

Animation films always fascinate me, because of its varieties. Even animals can be the heroes and villains. So this kind of new story perspective, including technology, what makes adults too can enjoy them like the kids does. This is now in the list of top 50 highest grossing films of all time and top 10 of the year 2016. Moreover, it is the highest grossing non Disney and non Pixar animation film. This is a very enjoyable family flick that directed by the 'Despicable Me' famed filmmaker.

Kind of similar to 'Bolt', but totally a different experience. This story happens in just one day. It follows a young dog named Max, one day when his owner brings another pet dog, he thinks she does not love him anymore. So to keep his position safe in the house, he strikes a deal by blackmailing his new housemate, Duke. As a revenge act, when Duke tries to get him back, something goes wrong and they get stranded on the street. So getting back to home is their biggest challenge and it should be done before the sun sets. The rest is the Max and Duke's a day adventure in the New York City.

I was not expecting a masterpiece, just the last week I saw one, 'Finding Dory'. This is a good entertainer, that has some great names in the voice-over cast. Particularly you will love Kevin Hart like I did. But watch out for his impolite dialogues, if you are watching with your kids. Though there's nothing seriously affecting, just a typical Kevin Hart, but awesome. A simple story, a simple adventure, but very likable characters and screen presentation.

From the pets' perspective about during the daytime when their owners and the kids left for the work and school, respectively, how they make their day is what's revealed in this. So the 'Secret Life' means, theirs secret get together and do whatever they want to. But an unexpected clash takes place between the two gangs, the house pets and the street pets. In so many ways, it was better than I anticipated. There are lots of untold stuffs, especially the Duke's past which might be covered in the sequel which is officially announced now. So I'm waiting for the 2018 summer. Meanwhile, watch it if you haven't yet, particularly if you like animation.

7/10… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

8

AcaciaJul 26, 2016

This is a very fun movie, even if you are not a kid. The theater was full when I went and the adults were enjoying the movie as much as the kids. There are lots of laughs and the characters are fun to watch. Some parts may be a bit intenseThis is a very fun movie, even if you are not a kid. The theater was full when I went and the adults were enjoying the movie as much as the kids. There are lots of laughs and the characters are fun to watch. Some parts may be a bit intense for small children, but all in all, the kids in the theater were loving it. You don't have to take a child to see this movie. Plenty of adults without kids were there. I generally don't like to go to kids' movies, but I very often enjoy them after I get to the theater. This was one of the best I have seen. Lots of heart and lots of laughs.… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

All this user's reviews

8

MadMaxFuryRoadAug 4, 2016

The Secret Life of Pets is nowhere as good as Zootopia and Finding Dory, but it is a cute film that children would love to see. It tries to be funny at times, and sometimes, does work. The cast was great and the trailer gave a briefThe Secret Life of Pets is nowhere as good as Zootopia and Finding Dory, but it is a cute film that children would love to see. It tries to be funny at times, and sometimes, does work. The cast was great and the trailer gave a brief introduction without spoiling too much. However, my biggest issue with this film is how the plot goes along and it just seemed too childish and long. However, The Secret Life of Pets is still overall enjoyable but some parents might fall asleep halfway through the film. (75/100)… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

All this user's reviews

10

ArthurSpoonerJul 9, 2016

Funny and fresh, The Secret Life of Pets is full of fun characters and one-liners that will keep you laughing for the whole film. Add on top of that an exciting and action-filled story line, along with a touch of dark humor, and you get aFunny and fresh, The Secret Life of Pets is full of fun characters and one-liners that will keep you laughing for the whole film. Add on top of that an exciting and action-filled story line, along with a touch of dark humor, and you get a perfect animated feature that will entertain kids, teenagers, and adults alike.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

All this user's reviews

10

Mommyandme7905Jul 9, 2016

I went to go see the secret life of pets. I was amazed at how funny it was . All the other people were laughing like non stop that was how funny it was.the pets were one of a kind . It was also very cute when they make the eyes really big .I went to go see the secret life of pets. I was amazed at how funny it was . All the other people were laughing like non stop that was how funny it was.the pets were one of a kind . It was also very cute when they make the eyes really big . Go see it you be amazed like I was.… Expand

6 of 12 users found this helpful66

All this user's reviews

7

TheQuietGamerJan 23, 2017

Ever wonder what your pets get into when you're not around? Well, it turns out their adventures are darker and more violent than you might expect. However the results are still plenty amusing. Plus it's got a high quality cast and inventiveEver wonder what your pets get into when you're not around? Well, it turns out their adventures are darker and more violent than you might expect. However the results are still plenty amusing. Plus it's got a high quality cast and inventive characters and scenarios.

The real problem with the movie is that it feels all to familiar to the Pixar classic Toy Story. The rivalry main characters Max and Duke have over their place in the world is very much akin to that of Buzz and Woody. Given that they feel so generic and just end up going through the familiar motion makes it hard to care about them. It's the side characters that really steal your heart.

Oh, and what supporting characters they are. Jenny Slate's Gidget has a quest that is far more compelling than the leads. Kevin Hart steals the show as the hilarious villain "Snowball." Every member of the voice cast does an incredible job and fit their character perfectly, but none are able to match Hart. His energy and performance are incredible. This is probably his best work yet. He really does deserve some awards for this.

For what Secret Life of Pets lacks in storytelling strength it more than makes up for in humor. There's a surprising originality to the gags and one-liners on display. Something that makes the movie feel like a fresh face in the ever growing crowd of animated movies. Some of it is questionable though. Particularly for kids.

With topics like death and violence sometimes sneaking their way in, this might not be the best choice for all kids. For more discerning parents though, the humor and characters could make this a darn fine option for family movie night. The storytelling woes are noticeable, but the humor usually does a fair job of compensating for it. Thankfully the movies lightning pace means there's always a fresh set of jokes waiting for you right around the next corner.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

7

Jim222001Jun 15, 2017

The movie is cute, funny and charming but pretty much Toy Story with dogs. Since you have a dog "like Woody" who is very happy with his owner and home until she gets another dog. While together they go on a long journey home after they areThe movie is cute, funny and charming but pretty much Toy Story with dogs. Since you have a dog "like Woody" who is very happy with his owner and home until she gets another dog. While together they go on a long journey home after they are caught by Animal Control.
The film isn't as original as trailers hinted since even the dog catcher thing and escaping the pound has been done how many times ? Otherwise the movie is fun with fine voice work nevertheless.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

7

KayVen17Aug 27, 2016

Deutsche Review - Kritik

Story: 13/25 Punkte
Charaktere: 22/25 Punkte
Technick/ Bildbearbeitung: 21/25 Punkte
Sound/ Voice: 18/25 Punkte

Gesamtpunktzahl

74/100 Punkte

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

8

BoatyMcBoatFaceJul 11, 2016

I couldn't really tell who the main character, the hero, and the enemy were. My prediction is that there is no main character, hero, or enemy, which makes no sense because without those three roles, the movie doesn't have any color per se. II couldn't really tell who the main character, the hero, and the enemy were. My prediction is that there is no main character, hero, or enemy, which makes no sense because without those three roles, the movie doesn't have any color per se. I would say that the voice actors were very consistent and played their roles perfectly!
It was hard for me what the meaning of the movie was, or what the director is trying to say to us. In all, this movie is great for kids and maybe even adults!… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

8

AlisaAistrupJul 18, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is an amazing movie for both children and adults, although children may enjoy it more. The plot was intriguing, the scenery design and the animation were astounding, and the character build left you feeling on edge when the characters were in the line of fire.

I personally went to see it with my family, and my younger sister didn't seem to mind that there were a few acts of violence involved. If you have a child younger than 5, some of the scenes may frighten or startle them. Make sure they are fine with tiny acts of violence, like hitting, grabbing, or fighting.

There is only one strange or weird scene in the entire movie, which involved the main character and his still bonding companion arriving at the sausage factory in an act of hunger. It will make older audiences uncomfortable, but do it for the kids if you have any. Older teens will not be mature, so please make an effort to place them farther away from the young, innocent ears.

Aside from that, this movie was fantastic. Highly recommend you take one-hour out of your day to see it with your family to teach them more about loving your pet.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

9

manningn15Jun 10, 2019

I love how original the concept of animals having their own lives when their owners aren't around. I thought this movie was pretty funny. The animation was terrific and I loved how colorful it was. I especially loved the excellent voice overI love how original the concept of animals having their own lives when their owners aren't around. I thought this movie was pretty funny. The animation was terrific and I loved how colorful it was. I especially loved the excellent voice over performances from Kevin Hart, Albert Brooks, Eric Stonestreet, Lake Bell, Dana Carvey, Louis C.K., Jenny Slate, Bobby Moynihan, and Chris Renaud. This is one of my favorite animated movies of all time.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

7

DukeJonAug 23, 2016

Decent film with great animation and some interesting characters. Plot was a bit thin, nothing more than a long chase sequence, and I left the theatre feeling I would forget all about seeing this film in not too long a time.