“The Secret Life of Pets” comes at a very unfortunate time in animation, where Pixar is winning just about every time it puts out a movie. They’re constantly changing the way we see animation, winning our hearts over and over again, while also ensuring us that we’ll be crying by the end. It’s a formula that works time and time again, and it’s no surprise that other animation companies have been struggling to meet the same wonders that Pixar has.
However, “the Secret Life of Pets” is fine enough because it takes what is, essentially the plot line to “Toy Story,” switches out the toys, and puts in pets. That’s basically it. Although the story goes that Max (Louis C.K.), a spoiled and beloved dog, goes missing in the big city, it’s not entirely original, nor does it bring out the best ideas for the movie.
People who love their pets will go to this movie and most likely enjoy it, as will families and most especially, kids. However, those who have been learning to expect more with animation, based solely on what Pixar has been bringing to the table, will walk away feeling disappointed, pet-lover or not.
2 out of 5 starsDan O’Neill is currently a journalism student at Temple University. He can be reached at tuf73940@temple.edu.
