The Secret Life of Pets Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A pampered dog gets a new roommate, they hate each other, join a sewer gang led by a bunny, then become friends and also heroes… because reasons.

🍿 The Secret Life of Pets: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Max’s Perfect Life

Max, a Jack Russell Terrier, enjoys a comfortable life in a Manhattan apartment with his owner, Katie. He spends his days with his friends: Chloe the cat, Mel the pug, Buddy the dachshund, and Sweet Pea the budgie. Max relishes Katie’s attention and considers himself her protector.

The Arrival of Duke

Katie adopts Duke, a large Newfoundland mix, from the pound, much to Max’s dismay. Duke disrupts Max’s routine and quickly establishes dominance in the apartment. Max becomes jealous of the attention Katie gives to Duke, leading to escalating tensions between the two dogs.

Lost in the City

An attempt by Duke to abandon Max in an alley results in them both being collared and taken by Animal Control. Facing the possibility of being put down, Duke is terrified. They are rescued by Snowball, a rabbit leading the Flushed Pets, a group of abandoned animals seeking revenge on humans. Max and Duke must join forces to escape Snowball and navigate the dangers of New York City.

Gidget’s Rescue Mission

Gidget, a Pomeranian who harbors a secret crush on Max, discovers he is missing and organizes a rescue mission. She recruits a hawk named Tiberius, the cat Ozone, and the rest of Max’s friends to help her find him. Their search takes them through the city’s underbelly, leading to encounters with Snowball and his gang.

Duke’s Past

While lost, Duke reveals to Max that he once had a beloved owner named Fred, but got lost and was never reclaimed. They search for Fred, hoping for a reunion, but instead discover that Fred has passed away. This revelation leaves Duke heartbroken and bitter, causing further conflict between him and Max.

Bridge Rescue

After being captured by Animal Control again, Max and Duke find themselves trapped in a sinking van. Snowball, realizing the error of his ways, helps them escape. Gidget and her team arrive to assist, and together they rescue Max and Duke.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Max (Louis C.K.): A pampered terrier whose life is disrupted when his owner brings home a large, clumsy mutt.
• Duke (Eric Stonestreet): A large, shaggy Newfoundland mix who becomes Max’s reluctant housemate and eventually a friend.
• Snowball (Kevin Hart): A seemingly adorable bunny who is actually the leader of the Flushed Pets, a group of abandoned animals seeking revenge on humanity.
• Gidget (Jenny Slate): A fluffy white Pomeranian who has a secret crush on Max and bravely leads the rescue mission to find him.
• Chloe (Lake Bell): A cynical and overweight tabby cat who is part of Max’s friend group and reluctantly joins the rescue mission.
• Katie (Ellie Kemper): Max’s loving owner whose decision to adopt Duke sets the story in motion.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Snowball: “We are the Flushed Pets! Abandoned and forgotten! But now we are strong! We are legion!” – Snowball rallies the Flushed Pets, emphasizing their shared sense of abandonment and their resolve for revenge.
• Chloe: “Is there food in the fridge? I’m asking for a friend.” – Chloe, the cat, nonchalantly asks about food, showcasing her typical feline indifference and focus on self-interest.
• Gidget: “I’m gonna get my Maxie back!” – Gidget declares her determination to rescue Max, showing her hidden strength and unwavering love.
• Max: “She’s my person, and I’m her dog.” – Max explains his simple but deep bond with Katie.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $75,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $368,623,860
• Worldwide Gross: $875,698,161

💥 The Secret Life of Pets Reviews

Personal Review

I went into this movie expecting a light-hearted animated flick, and I got exactly that. The animation is colorful and expressive, and the voice acting is top-notch. Seeing how the different pets interacted with each other when their owners weren’t around was hilarious. Snowball was my favorite, Kevin Hart was an inspired casting choice. I can’t wait to watch it again.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Families with children”
  • “Pet lovers”
  • “Fans of animated comedies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some scenes may be intense for very young children”
  • “Mild cartoon violence”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “The Secret Life of Pets delivers a charming and energetic romp through the streets of New York, offering a playful peek into what our furry friends might be up to when we’re not around. While the plot is somewhat predictable, the engaging characters and vibrant animation make it a delightful family experience.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “While not groundbreaking, The Secret Life of Pets offers plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments. Kevin Hart’s performance as Snowball is a standout, injecting manic energy into the film. However, the story feels somewhat derivative, borrowing elements from other animated classics.

Audience Reactions

Snowball the bunny steals the show with his hilarious villainy.: Viewers loved the movie’s humor and the relatable depiction of pet personalities.

Gidget’s transformation into a tough heroine was unexpected and entertaining.: Many appreciated the fast-paced plot and vibrant animation style.

Overall Consensus: A fun and entertaining animated film, The Secret Life of Pets offers a light-hearted and humorous look at the secret lives of our beloved pets, though it may not break new ground in storytelling.

Awards

1. Kids’ Choice Awards (Favorite Animated Movie)- 2017

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The filmmakers consulted with a pet behaviorist to accurately portray the personalities and mannerisms of different animal species.”
• “Early concepts for the film explored various pet-owner relationships, but the focus shifted to the pets’ secret lives when their owners are away.”
• “The design of the Flushed Pets’ sewer hideout was inspired by real underground tunnels and forgotten spaces in New York City.”
• “Chris Renaud, one of the directors, also voiced the character of Norman the guinea pig, adding an extra layer of comedic timing to the role.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Secret Life of Pets?

The Secret Life of Pets is available to stream on platforms like Peacock and Fubo. You can also rent or purchase the movie on demand from services such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for television airings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Secret Life of Pets, you might like these similar films:

• Toy Story (1995): Explores the secret lives of toys when their owner is away, similar to how ‘The Secret Life of Pets’ explores what pets do.
• Oliver & Company (1988): Features a group of stray animals in New York City who band together for survival and adventure.
• Finding Nemo (2003): Involves a determined rescue mission across a vast landscape (the ocean) by a group of unlikely heroes.
• Pets United (2019): A more recent animated film about a group of pampered and stray pets who join forces to save their city from a robotic menace.
• Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993): Classic story of pets finding their way home against all odds. A thematic journey with the similar theme of loyalty.

🛒 The Secret Life of Pets Related Products

• The Secret Life of Pets 2 [Blu-ray]: Continue the adventure with Max and his friends in this sequel filled with more laughs and heartwarming moments. Includes bonus features and behind-the-scenes content.
• The Secret Life of Pets: Snowball Plush Toy: An adorable plush version of the hilariously evil bunny, Snowball. Perfect for cuddling or displaying, this plush captures all the charm (and craziness) of the character.
• The Secret Life of Pets: Official Movie Novelization: Relive the adventures of Max and his friends in this exciting novelization of the hit movie. Perfect for young readers and fans of all ages.
• The Secret Life of Pets Movie Poster: A vibrant and high-quality poster featuring the main characters from The Secret Life of Pets. Perfect for decorating a bedroom, playroom, or home theater.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Secret Life of Pets features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Welcome To New York” – performed by Taylor Swift
• “Lovely Day” – performed by Bill Withers

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Everything You Missed in Secret Life of Pets

Get ready to dive into the hidden world of Secret Life of Pets! This video uncovers all the easter eggs, cameos, and insider jokes that you might have missed. It’s like a treasure hunt for movie enthusiasts.

Watch Kevin Hart & Louis C.K. Mess with Each Other in Our ‘Secret Life of Pets’ Interview

Prepare for some hilarious entertainment! Join Kevin Hart and Louis C.K. as they share their funniest moments and behind-the-scenes stories from the making of Secret Life of Pets. Get ready to laugh out loud!

How To Draw Snowball From The Secret Life Of Pets

Calling all young artists! Unleash your creativity by learning how to draw the adorable Snowball from Secret Life of Pets. This step-by-step tutorial makes it easy for kids and adults alike to bring their favorite character to life.

The Secret Life of Pets: Gadget Conquers the Cat Clan with Red Dots

Get ready for some non-stop laughter! This video compiles the funniest moments from Secret Life of Pets, featuring the hilarious antics of our furry friends. You’ll be in stitches as you watch them get into all sorts of mischief.

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