When we last saw the Secret Life of Pets crew in 2016, all of them were contented indeed. Doggies Max and Duke had learned to happily co-exist, Gidget the Pomeranian continued to dream of marrying Max, Pops retired, Snowball the anarchist rabbit was happily adopted, and pampered feline Chloe presumably busied herself packing on a few more pounds. However, after grossing $363 million domestically ($875 million worldwide), it was certain that the pet’s secret lives would be busy once again. Frankly, it’s good to have them back.
Consistency and continuity greatly helped this film. Director Chris Renaud, who directed the first film, is back on board for the sequel, aided by co-director Jonathan del Val. Both are Illumination veterans who worked extensively on the Despicable Me and Minions franchises. Also returning is a majority of the original voice cast. Illumination is becoming Pixar’s closest rival in well-produced franchise properties, and Pets 2 cements that growing reputation.
The film eschews straightforward narrative this time, instead focusing on episodic, alternating storylines that do not come together until the brief third act. The first act showcases Max and Duke’s new family (including toddler Liam) as they vacation at a family-owned farm. It’s a difficult trip for Max, who obsesses over Liam’s safety to the point of a nervous breakdown. Things change dramatically when farm dog Rooster teaches Max the meaning of bravery. The second storyline details the efforts of puffy Pomeranian Gidget to guard Max’s favorite toy while he’s away. When the bee-shaped ball is (inevitably) lost, it’s up to Gidget to retrieve it from an apartment where an elderly cat lady houses dozens of tough, nasty cats. Not until she learns “the way of the cat” from Chloe will she be ready. The final storyline features Snowball, whose owner dresses him as a superhero. The delusional rabbit comes to believe that he is one. When Cocker Spaniel Daisy implores him to rescue an abused tiger cub from a cruel circus owner, they team up to free the helpless animal. This pits them against a pack of trained wolves and their evil master.
Some funny and imaginative scenes enliven the film. When Max’ owner takes him to a vet for relief of his anxiety, Max finds himself in a waiting room filled with neurotic pets that make his problem seem trivial. Snowball is the star of his own fantasy superhero sequence, portrayed in traditional animation reminiscent of the stylings of Bob Kane. Gidget dreams up a homey, cliché vision of married life with Max, complete with pups. Max undertakes a thrilling rescue of a mindless sheep at the direction of Rooster. An improbable but highly entertaining chase sequence involving a train is also a fast-paced winner.
Pets 2 features the best animation Illumination has ever produced. Animation director Patrick Delage, layout director Damien Bapst, and Production Designer Colin Stimpson (among many others) turn in a fantastic job: even among today’s sophisticated CGI animated features, this film shines. Many times I found myself admiring the backgrounds, props, and settings. The apartments featured have a lived-in look complete with chips, cracks, and stains, and the farm scenes are detailed with bucolic perfection.
The voice cast has not lost a beat since 2016. Patton Oswalt (taking over the role originated by Louis C.K. in the first film) and Eric Stonestreet make a fine pair as Max and Duke respectively. Jenny Slate’s yappy Gidget is a treat, and and Dana Carvey’s grandfatherly growl as Pops is still perfect for his character. Best of all is Kevin Hart’s reprise of the hyperkinetic, overconfident rabbit Snowball. (during the credits Snowball suddenly reappears as a rapper. I wonder if that scene was in his contract). As for the newcomers, Harrison Ford’s voice is too recognizable as Rooster; he could be identified if uncredited. On the other hand, stand-up comic Tiffany Haddish is a real find as cheeky, resolute Cocker Spaniel Daisy. I was disappointed to see Lake Bell’s Chloe receive so little screen time, but she does have one great scene where she lolls about high on catnip to the strains of Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit” and imitates the Cheshire Cat.
Toy Story 4 has yet to debut, but Secret Life of Pets 2 is the best animated film to hit mainstream theaters in 2019 thus far. If the film performs as expected—and it likely will—then the secret is out about these pets; I for one would welcome a third installment.
