The Secret Life of Pets 2 – Movie Reviews by Ry!

The Secret Life of Pets 2 – Behind the Animal Scenes … Again

Sequels are always a hit and miss.  You will either get a lovable continuation or a feeling that there shouldn’t have been another story.  No matter what, you are intrigued at the prospect of seeing ‘the next part’.  This animated sequel brings us the further adventures of our lovable pets in New York.  When new situations arise, the pets find themselves with more struggles to overcome.  With multiple storylines, comical situations and genuine details of the heart, The Secret Life of Pets 2 brings another adventure of animals and fun.   

The film follows Max and his friends in their further adventures when their owners aren’t around.  The plot intertwines 3 storylines, each having distinct thematic detail:

  1. Max and Duke go on vacation on a farm (Character study)
  2. Gidget protects Max’s toy (Comedic)
  3. Snowball goes on animal saving mission (Comic Book Action)

As the pets navigate their journey, they are faced with conflicts that present obstacles of personal struggle.  From Max finding courage, Gidget personal growth to Snowball finding his inner purpose, the endearment is genuine even within predictable animated tropes.  The flow between each storyline are infused with bombastic situations, genuine moments and comical hijinks with a delicate balance.  There is enough wit and charm to push the sequel formula to something different and enjoyable.

Once the storylines come together, the character’s struggles bring about a challenge of true worh.  As Max, Gidget and Snowball face the ultimate evil, it leads to character reflections of where true courage, strength and personality comes from.  This creates a climax that is obvious but creates a true ‘full circle’ moment.  Once in the epilogue, it is a truly wholesome moment that brings fulfilment to all the pets of the neighborhood.  The Secret Life of Pets 2 is a sequel that progress the characters to a point of true fulfillment.  With a lot of fun and enjoyment, this is a good time for the family.  Check it out at theaters as a matinee.

Full Score – 3.5 out of 5 (Matinee)

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