There’s nothing quite like a feel-good family film and according to reviews this animated movie ticks all of the right boxes – but there are just days left until it’s axed from BBC iPlayer.
The sequel, The Secret Life of Pets 2, has struck a chord with many viewers for its “wholesome” story and familiar characters that kids can’t get enough of. Released in 2019, as the follow-up to The Secret Life of Pets, the second instalment sees the fun-loving characters go on an entirely new adventure, this time, seeing Max overcome his fears.
At the heart of the story is the tumultuous relationship between a terrier dog named Max, who is undoubtedly spoilt, and an unruly dog called Duke, while also following other pets along the way. Viewers watch on as we see what these pets truly get up to when their owners aren’t home for the day and are full of “hilarious” moments.
One family member took to Rotten Tomatoes to write: “Hilarious, exciting, warm, and sweet as can be, Secret Life of Pets 2 is perfectly wholesome entertainment with just enough adventure to keep it popping. The affections of the characters and the willingness they have to help each other in hilarious ways make a great escape from reality.”
Another review reads: “The sequel is bright and ultra-positive; it has new locations and new heroes, but this does not negate the fact that we are faced with a very lazy and secondary screenplay that deserves only small screens. I think the first part has already said everything that can be said in its time and does not need a sequel.”
The characters are voiced by a stellar cast made up of Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet, Jenny Slate, Kevin Hart, Ellie Kemper, Dana Carvey, Hannibal Buress and Steve Coogan. It was this that helped give the film a big box office boom, with the initial film in the series going on to become the sixth-highest-grossing film of 2016.
In Life of Pets 2, we see Max dealing with his anxieties about his owner Katie having a new addition to the family, baby Liam, as we watch him overcome his fears. It also shows the crazy adventures of the other pets as Gidget is faced with the task of retrieving Max’s favourite toy from his worst enemies in a cat-filled apartment, and Snowball is on a risky mission to help a tiger escape from a circus.
“A delightful film for those young at heart”, one viewer wrote. They added: “Brings back memories of superhero costumes, acting with friends and defeating evil villains. Characters are well drawn out, and the plot moves briskly along.”
Others have claimed that the film is an absolute “must-watch” for the entire family. Some reviews even say that the Secret Life of Pets 2 characters are “better than ever”.
One review says: “A little bit inconsistent, true (feel sorry for Snowball), but it’s funny almost all the time. Max now is really the main character, and Gidget and Chloe are better than ever!
“And Rooster is Harrison Ford in his essence, the best of the new characters! My family had a lot of fun watching!”
For those looking for their next pick-me-up movie fit for all the family, there are just days left to catch The Secret Life of Pets 2 on BBC iPlayer before it leaves on July 8.