“The Secret Life of Pets” Is Perfect for All Ages

Thirty minutes later, and my chest still hurts. Why, do you ask? Well, it’s not indigestion from the popcorn…it’s from the uproarious laughter that was sparked by the brilliant minds and voices behind The Secret Life of Pets.

Max (Louis C.K.) is a terrier who has a special bond with his owner, Katie (Ellie Kemper). They are thick as thieves…except when Katie mysteriously disappears every day. Max is left home alone, wondering if she’ll ever return. He is kept company by a ragtag group of other left-at-home pets who hang out while their owners are gone. Then one day, Katie doesn’t come home alone. Suddenly Max has a new brother, Duke (Eric Stonestreet). Neither dog is particularly pleased by the situation, but things get really hairy after a walk in the park goes awry.

Written by Cinco Paul, Ken Daurio, and Brian Lynch, The Secret Life of Pets takes you on a wild ride through New York as Max and his friends go on some amazing adventures while their owners remain blissfully unaware. This film has something for everyone, with pets of all types and sizes. With laughter and tears, the movie gives you a glimpse into the life that we never get to see: the life of our pets while we’re away.

By far the biggest scene-stealer of the film is Snowball (Kevin Hart). His homicidal rabbit hops away with the most laughs out of any of the characters, and he helps move the plot along with just the right mix of fluffy and frightening, though not scary enough to terrify the little ones.

There are a few moments of sadness in this otherwise delightful romp, but not so much as to take away from the overall lighthearted feel of the movie. It’s a fun, furry peek into the lives of our pets when we’re not home.