The Secret Life of Pets 2: Film Review

Synopsis

They're back! Max (Patton Oswalt), Gidget (Jenny Slate), Duke (Eric Stonestreet), Snowball (Kevin Hart), and more are back in this second examination of pets' secret lives when their owners (and kids now) leave for work (and school).

Review

First, a positive. This film is funny. While not as funny as its predecessor, it provides some laughs to which kids and adults will be susceptible. This film provides the kind of mindless, aimless, and innocuous humor that Illumination provides and children love. Now, a negative. In this film, there are three different, somewhat incohesive storylines. To its fault, the different storylines made it seem like three different movies.The film is ultimately aimless. It doesn’t know which way to go (that’s why there are different storylines). Thankfully, the three storylines, while scattered, are at least interesting. The plot ultimately doesn't make any sense, but, like I previously mentioned, its mindless, diverting humor. That is not to say that the film is without laughs. It is charming and has an ending that can’t make you do anything but smile. I cop out to chuckling every time Snow ball (Kevin Hart) and Daisy (Tiffany Haddish) interact. The film is also beautifully animated, as per usual with Illumination flicks. As an aside, Harrison Ford makes a "cameo" in the film (in quotes because its more of an essential character, but no so much to the point where he matters). While pointless, he is a great addition to the cast. Also, Patton Oswalt was a barely noticeable change from recently disgraced comedian Louis C.K. The film is essentially a 90 minute diversion that kids will enjoy more than parents (that is not to say that parents won't enjoy it at least a little). It's really a forgettable film, for kids and adults to be honest. Alas, as with most sequels, the original was better.