The Secret Life of Pets (2016)

Release Date:

2016

Movie Rating:

PG

Runtime:

1h 27m

Release Date:

2016

Movie Rating:

PG

Runtime:

1h 27m

The Secret Life of Pets (2016) - Vertical Movie Poster

Synopsis:

The Secret Life of Pets takes us into the bustling world of New York City, where a terrier named Max enjoys a comfortable life with his owner, Katie. However, Max's world is turned upside down when Katie brings home a new dog, Duke, a large and unruly canine. The two dogs struggle to get along, leading to a series of misadventures. During a walk, they encounter a group of alley cats and end up lost in the city. As they try to find their way home, they cross paths with a rebellious bunny named Snowball, who leads a gang of abandoned pets. Max and Duke must navigate the city and its challenges, all while trying to avoid Snowball's crew and make it back to Katie. Along the way, they discover unexpected friendships and the true meaning of home.

IMDb logo
6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes Logo
71%
Metacritic Logo
61/100
IMDb logo
6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes Logo
71%
Metacritic Logo
61/100

The Secret Life of Pets, released in 2016, is an animated comedy film that falls under the genre of family and adventure. It's a movie for kids, rated PG, and generally receives positive feedback from parents for its humor and engaging storyline. The film is praised for its vibrant animation and the way it captures the secret lives of pets, making it a delightful watch for children, though some parents note minor concerns about certain scenes.

Why Kids Should Watch The Secret Life of Pets

The movie is celebrated for its entertaining and heartwarming portrayal of pet adventures.

  • Promotes themes of friendship and loyalty among pets.
  • Features a strong character arc with Max learning to accept and work with Duke.
  • Visually appealing with colorful animation that captivates young audiences.
  • Includes humorous moments that are enjoyable for both kids and adults.

Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Secret Life of Pets

Some parents express concerns about the film's occasional intense scenes.

  • Contains moments of peril that might be intense for very young children.
  • Scenes involving animal control may be frightening or unsettling.
  • Some slapstick violence that, while comedic, might be confusing for kids.

Verdict: Parent Approved

Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers humor, positive messages about friendship, and engaging animation.

What Parents Should Know About The Secret Life of Pets

Question Answer
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? Yes, Max and Duke eventually learn to work together and form a friendship, showing cooperation and acceptance.
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? The scenes where pets are captured by animal control can be intense and may require parental guidance.
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? Yes, characters who act selfishly or recklessly face challenges that teach them to change their ways.
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? Yes, the pets work together to overcome obstacles, highlighting the importance of teamwork and friendship.
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? The core message is about the value of friendship and accepting others, delivered through the pets' adventures.

The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback

The Secret Life of Pets is widely appreciated for its humor, vibrant animation, and positive messages about friendship and teamwork. While some scenes may be intense for very young viewers, most parents find it suitable for children with minor guidance. Engaging with your child during the movie can enhance their understanding of the themes. For those seeking similar films, consider other animated adventures like Zootopia or Finding Dory.

Official The Secret Life of Pets Trailer

The Secret Life of Pets, released in 2016, is an animated comedy film that falls under the genre of family and adventure. It's a movie for kids, rated PG, and generally receives positive feedback from parents for its humor and engaging storyline. The film is praised for its vibrant animation and the way it captures the secret lives of pets, making it a delightful watch for children, though some parents note minor concerns about certain scenes.

Why Kids Should Watch The Secret Life of Pets

The movie is celebrated for its entertaining and heartwarming portrayal of pet adventures.

  • Promotes themes of friendship and loyalty among pets.
  • Features a strong character arc with Max learning to accept and work with Duke.
  • Visually appealing with colorful animation that captivates young audiences.
  • Includes humorous moments that are enjoyable for both kids and adults.

Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Secret Life of Pets

Some parents express concerns about the film's occasional intense scenes.

  • Contains moments of peril that might be intense for very young children.
  • Scenes involving animal control may be frightening or unsettling.
  • Some slapstick violence that, while comedic, might be confusing for kids.

Verdict: Parent Approved

Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers humor, positive messages about friendship, and engaging animation.

What Parents Should Know About The Secret Life of Pets

Question Answer
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? Yes, Max and Duke eventually learn to work together and form a friendship, showing cooperation and acceptance.
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? The scenes where pets are captured by animal control can be intense and may require parental guidance.
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? Yes, characters who act selfishly or recklessly face challenges that teach them to change their ways.
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? Yes, the pets work together to overcome obstacles, highlighting the importance of teamwork and friendship.
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? The core message is about the value of friendship and accepting others, delivered through the pets' adventures.

The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback

The Secret Life of Pets is widely appreciated for its humor, vibrant animation, and positive messages about friendship and teamwork. While some scenes may be intense for very young viewers, most parents find it suitable for children with minor guidance. Engaging with your child during the movie can enhance their understanding of the themes. For those seeking similar films, consider other animated adventures like Zootopia or Finding Dory.

Official The Secret Life of Pets Trailer


The Core Values Learned From The Secret Life of Pets

The Secret Life of Pets's most common core values include Friendship, Teamwork, and Loyalty. Throughout the movie, kids see how Friendship is formed between unlikely characters, like Max and Duke, who must learn to rely on each other despite their differences. Teamwork is highlighted as the pets band together to overcome obstacles, showing children the importance of working with others to solve problems.

Loyalty is a key theme as the pets demonstrate unwavering dedication to their owners and each other, teaching kids the value of standing by those they care about. For example, Max and Duke's journey through the city showcases their growing bond and commitment to helping each other, emphasizing these core values in a way that children can understand and appreciate.

Other Core Values Explored: Courage | Empathy | Acceptance | Being a good friend | Being a good neighbor | Helping others | Self-discovery | Adventure | Problem-solving | Resilience | Compassion | Determination | Emotional growth | Trust | Making friends | Valuing diversity

The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From The Secret Life of Pets

Building Friendships: In the secret life of pets, kids learn about building friendships as Max and Duke, initially at odds, gradually form a bond. Their journey through the city teaches children the importance of getting to know others and finding common ground, even with those who seem different at first.

Embracing Differences: The movie shows kids how embracing differences can lead to unexpected friendships. Max and Duke, despite their contrasting personalities, learn to appreciate each other's unique qualities, teaching children the value of diversity and acceptance.

Finding Courage: Children see examples of finding courage when Max and Duke face various challenges in the city. Their bravery in confronting dangers and standing up for each other highlights the importance of being courageous in difficult situations.

Practicing Loyalty: Loyalty is a key lesson as Max and Duke demonstrate unwavering support for each other. Their commitment to staying together and helping one another through tough times shows kids the significance of being loyal to friends.

Working as a Team: The movie emphasizes working as a team when Max, Duke, and their new friends collaborate to overcome obstacles. This teamwork teaches children the power of cooperation and how working together can lead to success.

Other Lessons Learned: Supporting Your Friends

Why Kids Love The Secret Life of Pets

The Secret Life of Pets is a whirlwind of fun and excitement, where kids dive into a bustling cityscape filled with talking animals and hilarious antics. Max and Duke, two dogs with clashing personalities, embark on a wild adventure that keeps kids on the edge of their seats. The movie is brimming with slapstick comedy and silly jokes, as the duo encounters mischievous alley cats and a rebellious bunny named Snowball. Fast-paced action and thrilling chase scenes add to the excitement, while funny disguises and outrageous stunts bring laughter and joy.

Kids will be captivated by the unexpected friendships and teamwork that unfold as Max and Duke navigate the city's challenges. The vibrant world of New York City becomes a playground of cartoon-style chaos, where funny sound effects and near misses keep the energy high. With its mix of humor, adventure, and lovable animal characters, The Secret Life of Pets is a delightful experience that keeps kids entertained and engaged from start to finish.