A commodity in my life in very short supply is free time. So when
the opportunity arises to just sit back and enjoy it with the family, I jump at the chance. The other night we settled into
the family room to watch the latest fully animated feature-film collaboration by Illumination Entertainment and the Hollywood
heavyweights at Universal Pictures. The Secret Life of Pets is a hilarious comedy surrounding the lives and antics
of a group of run of the mill house pets and what happens when their owners leave for work or school.
Have you ever left the house wondering what your little critters were up
to? I, for one, will definitely look at my pets differently when I go out. This movie shows you all the craziness that ensues
while we are away from home. I always thought they just slept on the couch...
The films producers hired some of the industry's finest comedians to play
the characters of Max, voiced by Louis C.K., a very loyal and happy terrier living his perfectly happy existence until that
fateful day when owner, Katie (Ellie Kemper) arrives at the door with Duke (Eric Stonestreet), who my youngest described as
a big furry bully. Duke's size is rather intimidating to Max; that is until he outsmarts Duke into following his lead. Duke
seems to have lived a hard life as he exudes street smarts and a boisterous attitude. A series of comical events unfold that
has Max and Duke wandering the mean streets of the city and coming into contact with some very terrifying cats.
The setting of the movie takes place in the urban jungle that is New York. My
favourite character is the lovable little bunny rabbit, Snowball, voiced by the one of a kind Kevin Hart. The professionals
at animal control are challenged throughout the movie as a rebel band of abandoned pets meet up with Max and Duke. Snowball,
is definitely in need of a hug as he is somewhat unhinged and is the leader of an underground movement of pets who are intent
on taking on the establishment that is house pets and their owners.
There are too many other funny characters to name, all of which play integral parts in the storyline of getting Max
and Duke back home to Katie. Leonard, the standard poodle has an affinity for hard rock music; Chloe, an overweight Persian
cat with an attitude; and Gidget, the fluffy Pomeranian who has a secret love for Max all play an integral part in making
things fall into place.
For those of you who are looking for
family friendly light humour, The Secret Life of Pets is just the ticket. It has everything the kids need to keep them interested
as well as enough adult subliminal comedy to entertain the grown ups too.
The movie release comes complete with Blu-Ray + DVD + Digital HD copies for whatever your home system requires.
An abundance of bonus features includes 3 mini-movies, Animals can talk vignette, where you get to meet the actors who portray
your favourite character and much more. On the Blu-Ray disc there is also a "How to make an animated film" tutorial.
The release date is set for December 6th and is sure to be a hot commodity this
holiday season. Make sure to pick up your copy for a fun family movie night.
