When you watch a lot of movies, you start to notice patterns and familiar themes. “The Secret Life of Pets” (PG, 1:30) immediately brings to mind other animated classics, and that’s not necessarily a criticism. In fact, it borrows some great ideas from films like “Toy Story” and “Zootopia,” but carves out its own entertaining path, largely thanks to its stellar Movie Pets Cast.
The premise might sound familiar: pets have secret lives when their owners are away. These anthropomorphic animals form their own societies and friendships. Introduce a newcomer, and jealousy ensues, leading to misadventures in the outside world, requiring a daring rescue mission from their friends. This setup is strikingly similar to both “Toy Story” and even elements of “Zootopia.” You could almost call it “Pet Story” or “The Secret Life of Toys.” However, “The Secret Life of Pets” distinguishes itself through its focus on the unique personalities and quirks of domestic animals, brought vividly to life by a fantastic voice cast.
But what exactly is “The Secret Life of Pets” about? At its heart is Max, a loyal terrier mix voiced by Louis C.K. (in the original release). Max’s world revolves around his owner, Katie (Ellie Kemper). While Katie is at work, Max anxiously awaits her return. Unbeknownst to Katie, the building is teeming with pet activity. We meet Chloe, a cynical tabby cat (Lake Bell), Mel, an excitable bulldog (Bobby Moynihan), Buddy, a laid-back dachshund (Hannibal Buress), Sweet Pea, a cheerful canary (Tara Strong), and Gidget, a fluffy Pomeranian with a crush on Max, voiced by Jenny Slate. This ensemble of talented voice actors truly embodies their animated counterparts, making each pet distinct and memorable.
Max’s comfortable routine is disrupted when Katie brings home Duke (Eric Stonestreet), a large, boisterous Newfoundland from the pound. Duke’s arrival throws Max’s life into chaos as they compete for space and affection. A mishap during a walk in the park sends Max and Duke on an unexpected journey through the city. When Gidget realizes Max is missing, she rallies their friends, including Tiberius, a hawk with a soft side (Albert Brooks), and Pops, an aging Basset Hound (Dana Carvey), to embark on a rescue mission. Meanwhile, Max and Duke must evade animal control, a menacing alley cat named Ozone (Steve Coogan), and Snowball (Kevin Hart), a vengeful bunny leading the Flushed Pets, a gang of abandoned animals plotting against humanity. Kevin Hart’s energetic performance as Snowball is a particular highlight, adding a layer of hilarious villainy to the movie.
“The Secret Life of Pets” delivers on the promise of its trailers and concept. The writers, Cinco Paul, Ken Daurio, and Brian Lynch, cleverly play on familiar pet behaviors, giving each character a unique and relatable personality. The narrative is engaging without being overly complex, allowing the movie pets cast to shine. Directors Chris Renaud and Yarrow Cheney maintain a brisk pace and effectively bring the script to life. The animation is vibrant and expressive, perfectly complementing the voice performances. The visual gags and character designs are top-notch, making it a visually appealing film for all ages.
While the movie is largely successful, a subplot involving Duke’s backstory feels somewhat out of place, and a dream sequence is a bit bizarre. Furthermore, while entertaining, the film could benefit from a touch more originality in its overall narrative structure, given its clear inspirations. However, these are minor quibbles. Ultimately, “The Secret Life of Pets” is a well-crafted, genuinely funny, and heartwarming animated adventure. The strength of “The Secret Life of Pets” lies in its charming characters and the voice actors who bring them to life. The movie pets cast delivers exceptional performances, making this film a delightful experience for families and pet lovers alike. It’s a solid “A-” movie, boosted by its memorable characters and the talented actors behind them.
