Movie Review: “The Secret Life of Pets 2” (PG) 2019

To my readers who enjoy my movie reviews, it’s been some weeks since I’ve last written a review for you.

This movie review is of a film that is oriented toward some of the kids – who during this time might be on vacation from their school, with time to see this one. “The Secret Life of Pets 2”, is the subject of this write up today.

Part of the draw to this movie, is the revealing of pets’ thoughts through the mind of the writer(s). As you are probably attuned to the style of the “Toy Story” movie series – toys are brought to life. The appeal is, personification of trait induced behavior; and interactions with humans.

“The Secret Life of Pets 2” is similar in such way (and also animated), however, showcasing pets and their adventures coupled with their comical routine living tendencies.

This one banks, with tender loving care, on the relationships and truths about owning a pet. Having missed “Pets 1”, I was glad to see that I could catch “Pets 2” this summer. Taking a bit of personal risk of being exposed to some anticipated and overt silliness [directed mainly at very young kids (ie. fart jokes and so forth)], I was curious to find out just how much of the film would be dumb down (if at all). And, to what degree might a parent find entertainment value in it.

When I reflect back at “Disney” movie classics – such as the animated films of the 1950’s (ie. “Bambi”), there were no cheap jokes in them. That is what perhaps immortalizes those. But, these more fluffy children movies are still of some value also.

Relying on great imaginative brainstorming (and good enough writing), the first 3rd of this movie (“Pets 2”) does a remarkable job of capturing adult interest and curiosity, through the personality and behaviors of the pets. With thinly layered writing, contemporary (and some older tunes’) soundtrack, and stellar computer animation – the audience can engage quickly and look forward to the journey. The detail is amazing.

I do appreciate kids’ films that mostly retain adult attention too, from its beginning to end. This movie had some hang-by-a-thread moments for me… where somewhere in the middle I forgot what the story is even about. And, I had to think about the plot that seemed elusive and not worth caring to follow.

Even in movies directed at kids, kids should be able to pick up some of life’s lessons through written works by adults. The lessons of this one? 1. Pets (like kids), need their “owners”. 2. Pets (like kids) teach and make life richer indeed for their parents and other adults. In this movie, pet characters are primarily a showcase of cuteness. The adults and the main character child are also gentle in behavior, and remain the focus of the story. The villain is suitably villainous. This film also points out relations in any community.

Only having seen the sequel, I find the most memorable and unique scene in this movie to be: the pets waiting in a behavioral science veterinarian’s office. This scene was well written and most entertaining for someone as I, somewhat familiar with the behavioral sciences. The movie exploits pet appearances and physiology. It jokes about some human psychological disorders in that scene… also rightly pointing out that they occur with our pets even!

With attention to detail (especially in the first 3rd of the movie), great imagination in its visual storyboard, silliness that I liken to Warner Bros.’ “Looney Tunes” (especially in the last 3rd of the movie), it likely will resonate with some kids.

For those of you who are sensitive to story thesis, it stayed loyal to primary message. It is a moral tale (believe it or not), which concludes with a brief monologue about courage and life change. Juxtaposing urban and rural setting mostly, certain characters are each put to the test in gaining courage. There is some subtle social messaging; commentary about heroism that adults will recognize.

That characters (all of them) are racially typecast, one could be justifiably critical. With a context likely not too offensive, there’s some exposure for young kids to form early impressions about differing races of people – not just animal species. You have to decide for yourself whether or not you find that context appropriate today, in racially sensitive times. With pets exemplifying their racial identity just as species of pets are identified, an observer might be right in criticizing this movie for it. In this film, the creators do get away with it, not attaching negative traits with any one race. And while it might be equal opportunistically offensive, have a talk with your kids about it. And, explain to them why the villain is not a villain due to his belonging to the race which he does. Also, explain that the heroes are not heroes as a product of their race either. This is just one story of what could be many.