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The Secret Life of Pets 2

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The Secret Life of Pets 2
In front of a nightly view of New York City, various pets sit on top of a rooftop water tank with the dogs howling at the moon above.
Theatrical release poster
Directed byChris Renaud
Written byBrian Lynch
Produced by
Starring
Edited byTiffany Hillkurtz
Music byAlexandre Desplat[1]
Production
companies
Distributed byUniversal Pictures[2]
Release dates
  • May 24, 2019 (2019-05-24) (United Kingdom)
  • June 7, 2019 (2019-06-07) (United States)
Running time
86 minutes[3]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$80 million[4]
Box office$431.1 million[4][5]

The Secret Life of Pets 2 is a 2019 American animated comedy film produced by Universal Pictures and Illumination, and distributed by Universal. It is the sequel to The Secret Life of Pets (2016), and the second feature film in the franchise. It was directed by Chris Renaud, co-directed by Jonathan del Val (in his feature directorial debut), produced by Chris Meledandri and Janet Healy, and written by Brian Lynch. The film features the voices of Patton Oswalt, Eric Stonestreet, Jenny Slate, Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish, Lake Bell, Nick Kroll, Dana Carvey, Ellie Kemper, Renaud, Hannibal Buress, Bobby Moynihan, and Harrison Ford.

The Secret Life of Pets 2 was theatrically released in the United States on June 7, 2019. Critics praised the animation and humor but criticized the plot. It grossed $431 million worldwide against its production budget of $80 million, making less than its predecessor,[4] but still turning a profit.[6] A third film is in development.

Plot

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Following the events of the first film, Max and Duke's owner Katie has married a man named Chuck and had a son, Liam. Max's resentful, then overprotective, feelings for Liam develop into an itch that leads Katie to get him a humiliating dog cone from the veterinarian, but his luck changes when Duke reveals the family is going on a road trip.

Before Max leaves, he entrusts his favorite toy, Busy Bee, to his friend Gidget. However, Gidget loses Busy Bee in a cat-infested apartment owned by a cat lady, so she gets "cat lessons" from Chloe in order to sneak into the apartment. With help from Norman, she unintentionally causes the cats to hail her as their "queen", allowing her to retrieve Busy Bee.

When Max, Duke and their family reach a farm owned by Chuck's uncle, Max is initially unaccustomed to its way of life. Local Welsh Sheepdog Rooster tells him to get over his insecurities about Liam and ditches his dog cone. After Max tries and fails to emulate Rooster's herding skills, Rooster enlists him to find Cotton, a lost lamb. Rooster's advice about overcoming fear helps Max to rescue Cotton from a falling tree, earning Rooster's respect.

Meanwhile Snowball, who dreams of being a superhero, meets Shih Tzu Daisy, who explains that she needs help to rescue Hu, a white tiger being held captive by abusive circus owner Sergei. Daisy and Snowball sneak into the circus, and evade Sergei's pack of wolves to free Hu. However, during the escape, Daisy loses her flower clip, which the wolves use to track her down.

Daisy and Snowball take Hu to Pops' apartment first; Pops reluctantly lets Hu stay, but after he makes a mess, he is relocated to Max and Duke's apartment. Sergei and his wolves track Daisy there and capture her and Hu, fleeing on a train. With Duke and Max home from their trip, the latter helps Snowball and Norman go after Sergei and contacts Gidget for assistance. Gidget, Max's friends, and the cats trick the cat lady into pursuing the train in her car.

Max takes out the wolves, and Snowball fires Sergei's pet monkey out of a cannon while freeing Daisy. The monkey lands on Max, knocking him off the train; remembering Rooster’s encouraging words and using his newfound bravery, he jumps back onto the train from the top of a tunnel. The other pets free Hu and kick Sergei out of the train but before they can escape, Sergei holds them at gunpoint and plans to kill them. Gidget and the cats arrive just in time, knocking him out with the cat lady's car and offering the others a ride home. Life resumes as normal, with Hu finding a new home with the cat lady, and Max letting go of his anxiety for Liam while sending him off to preschool.

Cast

[edit]
Harrison Ford joins the cast as the voice of Rooster.[7]

Production

[edit]

Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment announced a sequel to the original The Secret Life of Pets in 2016 with director Chris Renaud and writer Brian Lynch returning,[11] and Chris Meledandri and Janet Healy producing.[12] The Oatmeal writer Matthew Inman worked on the film as a creative consultant.[13]

Louis C.K. was planned to reprise his role as Max, but after being accused of and later admitting to sexual misconduct with several women in November 2017, C.K. was dropped from the sequel.[14] Patton Oswalt took over for C.K. as Max the following year in April, while Jenny Slate, Kevin Hart, Eric Stonestreet, Ellie Kemper, Lake Bell, Dana Carvey, Tara Strong, Hannibal Buress, and Bobby Moynihan reprised their roles. Additional casting includes Tiffany Haddish, Nick Kroll, Harrison Ford and Pete Holmes.[15]

Music

[edit]
Main article: The Secret Life of Pets 2 (soundtrack)

Alexandre Desplat, who composed the score of the first film, returned for the sequel.[1] The soundtrack was released by Back Lot Music on May 31, 2019, featuring three cover versions of Bill Withers' "Lovely Day", Paul Simon's "Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard" and Desiigner's "Panda". The songs were performed by LunchMoney Lewis, Aminé, Jack Antonoff and Kevin Hart.[16]

Release

[edit]
Kevin Hart at the film's premiere.

The Secret Life of Pets 2 was released in the United States on June 7, 2019 by Universal Pictures.[17] It was previously set for a July 13, 2018 release,[11] and then July 3, 2019.[12] The film was released in the United Kingdom two weeks earlier on May 24.[18]

Home media

[edit]

The film was released on digital on August 13, 2019 by Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, with Ultra HD Blu-ray, Blu-ray and DVD releases following on August 27. It includes two mini-movies: Super Gidget, and Minion Scouts.[19] The 4K Ultra HD version was also Universal's first release to use the HDR10+ format.[20]

Reception

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Box office

[edit]

The Secret Life of Pets 2 grossed $159 million in the United States and Canada, and $287.2 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $446.2 million, against a production budget of $80 million.[4][5] Deadline Hollywood calculated the net profit of the film to be $118 million, when factoring together all expenses and revenues.[6]

In the United States and Canada, the film was released alongside Dark Phoenix and was initially projected to gross around $60 million in its opening weekend. The film played in 4,561 theaters, the second-widest release ever at the time.[21] After making $17.4 million on its first day (including $2.2 million from Thursday night previews, down from the first film's $5.3 million), estimates were lowered to $46 million. It went on to debut to $46.7 million,[22] less than half the opening of the first film, but still finishing first at the weekend box office.[23][24] In its second weekend, the film made $24.4 million, finishing second behind newcomer Men in Black: International,[25] and then made $10.3 million in its third weekend, finishing in fifth place.[26]

In the United Kingdom, the film debuted to $4.1 million from 613 theaters on the May 24 weekend.[27] A week later, the film expanded to Russia and added a combined $17.2 million from the two countries.[28]

Critical response

[edit]

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 60% based on 164 reviews with an average rating of 5.8/10. The site's critical consensus reads: "The Secret Life of Pets 2 doesn't teach its animated stars any new narrative tricks -- but for fans of the original, this funny, energetic sequel should still satisfy."[29] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 55 out of 100, based on 26 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[30] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A−" on an A+ to F scale, the same score as the first film, while those at PostTrak gave it an average 4.5 out of 5 stars.[23]

Courtney Howard of Variety magazine wrote: "It's unusual for a typical Illumination broad comedy to include a heartrending message that makes parents feel less alone in their very real, visceral struggles. It's just cloaked in a shenanigans-soaked romp about what pets do when humans aren't looking."[31] James Berardinelli gave the film 2.5 out of 4 stars but called the film "a perfect example of what can happen when a sequel exists simply because its predecessor made a lot of money". He called it "a disappointingly mediocre effort that doesn't have a lot to offer potential viewers over age 10" saying it was unfocused and "essentially three separate shorts connected only by the presence of returning characters".[32]

Emily Davison of UK Film Review called it "a much more enjoyable outing" and said the "voice cast is also strong all around".[33]

Accolades

[edit]

At the 47th Annie Awards, The Secret Life of Pets 2 received nominations for Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in a Feature Production (Slate) and Outstanding Achievement for Editorial in a Feature Production (Tiffany Hillkurtz).[34] It was nominated in three categories at the 2021 Golden Trailer Awards: "Panda" (Inside Job) for Best Animation/Family TV Spot, "Rooftop" (Lindeman & Associates) for Best Animation/Family Movie Poster, and "Graffiti" (Lindeman & Associates) for Best Wildposts.[35] The film, and the performances of Hart and Haddish, each received a Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award and a People's Choice Award nomination.[36][37]

Sequel

[edit]

In March 2022, in an interview on the podcast The Gary and Kenny Show, Meledandri stated that a third film is in development.[38]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Alexandre Desplat to Return for 'The Secret Life of Pets 2' - Film Music Reporter". Archived from the original on April 16, 2019. Retrieved August 30, 2018.
  2. ^ a b c "Film releases". Variety Insight. Archived from the original on September 3, 2018. Retrieved June 9, 2018.
  3. ^ "THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS 2". British Board of Film Classification. Archived from the original on August 5, 2020. Retrieved August 21, 2019.
  4. ^ a b c d "The Secret Life of Pets 2 (2019)". Box Office Mojo. Archived from the original on June 13, 2019. Retrieved December 22, 2023.
  5. ^ a b "The Secret Life of Pets 2 (2019)". The Numbers. Archived from the original on July 26, 2021. Retrieved December 22, 2023.
  6. ^ a b D'Alessandro, Anthony (April 17, 2020). "'The Secret Life Of Pets 2' Meows Moola At No. 14 On Deadline's 2019 Most Valuable Blockbuster Tournament". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on April 18, 2020. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
  7. ^ Truitt, Brian (June 5, 2019). "Harrison Ford is cool with being a dog in 'The Secret Life of Pets 2': 'I don't like cats'". USA Today. Archived from the original on June 30, 2019. Retrieved June 30, 2019.
  8. ^ Verniere, James (June 6, 2019). "'Secret Life of Pets 2' is near purr-fect". Boston Herald. Archived from the original on June 10, 2019. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
  9. ^ Meredith Salenger [@MeredthSalenger] (April 11, 2019). "I hope so!!!!!!! I'm used to voicing cute young things! The little ol' lady was a first for me! Thank you!!!!!!! Xoxoxoxox" (Tweet). Retrieved December 24, 2019 – via Twitter.
  10. ^ Brian Lynch [@BrianLynch] (May 28, 2019). "#TheSecretLifeOfPets2 Fun Fact: The Hamster at the pet therapist who is frustrated that running in his wheel doesn't actually GET HIM ANYWHERE is a joke I've had in my head for about 20 years. And he's voiced by SING/SON OF RAMBOW/HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE director Garth Jennings" (Tweet). Retrieved December 24, 2019 – via Twitter.
  11. ^ a b McNary, Dave (August 2, 2016). "'Secret Life of Pets 2' in the Works, Set for 2018 Release". Variety. Archived from the original on August 2, 2016. Retrieved August 2, 2016.
  12. ^ a b "Minions 2 and Sing 2 Announced, Pets 2 Pushed Back a Year". ComingSoon.net. January 25, 2017. Archived from the original on January 26, 2017. Retrieved January 26, 2017.
  13. ^ "The Secret Life of Matt". Archived from the original on June 7, 2019. Retrieved June 7, 2019.
  14. ^ Busch, Anita (November 10, 2017). "Universal Pictures, Illumination Parts Ways With Louis C.K. On 'Secret Life Of Pets 2'". Deadline. Archived from the original on November 11, 2017. Retrieved November 11, 2017.
  15. ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (April 25, 2018). "Harrison Ford Takes First Animated Role, In Illumination's 'The Secret Life Of Pets 2'". Deadline. Archived from the original on November 9, 2020. Retrieved April 25, 2018.
  16. ^ "The Secret Life of Pets 2 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Alexandre Desplat". May 31, 2019. Archived from the original on June 26, 2019. Retrieved June 8, 2019.
  17. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (August 15, 2017). "'The Secret Life Of Pets 2' Will Be Unleashed A Month Earlier". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on October 1, 2017. Retrieved October 1, 2017.
  18. ^ "'The Secret Life of Pets 2' In UK Cinemas 27 May 2019". Filmoria.co.uk. November 20, 2018. Archived from the original on June 26, 2019. Retrieved November 20, 2018.
  19. ^ "'The Secret Life of Pets 2' Coming to Digital Aug. 13, Disc Aug. 27 From Universal". mediaplaynews.com. July 19, 2019. Archived from the original on August 9, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
  20. ^ Archer, John (July 17, 2019). "HDR Format War Update: Now Universal Goes Dual Format Too". Forbes. Archived from the original on December 6, 2019. Retrieved November 12, 2019.
  21. ^ Fuster, Jeremy (June 4, 2019). "'Secret Life of Pets 2' and 'Dark Phoenix' Vie for Top Spot in Crowded Box Office". TheWrap. Archived from the original on June 4, 2019. Retrieved June 4, 2019.
  22. ^ "Weekend Actuals: The Secret Life of Pets 2 Barks Up $46.6M at No. 1; Runner-Up Dark Phoenix Disappoints w/ $32.8M". June 9, 2019. Archived from the original on April 8, 2024. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  23. ^ a b Anthony D'Alessandro (June 9, 2019). "Sequelitis Scorches Franchises To Box Office Lows: 'Secret Life Of Pets 2' $46M+, 'Dark Phoenix' Burnt To A Crisp With $33M+". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on June 14, 2019. Retrieved June 9, 2019.
  24. ^ Hailey Waller (June 9, 2019). "'Secret Life of Pets 2' Tops Poorly Received 'Dark Phoenix'". Bloomberg News. Archived from the original on June 20, 2019. Retrieved June 20, 2019.
  25. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (June 16, 2019). "'Men In Black: International' Domestic Passport Revoked With $26M Opening, 'Shaft' Drops His Gun With $7M+: Summer Sequelitis, Here We Go Again". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on June 16, 2019. Retrieved June 16, 2019.
  26. ^ "'Toy Story 4' $121 Million Debut Falls Short of Estimates". Bloomberg.com. Bloomberg. June 23, 2019. Archived from the original on June 25, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
  27. ^ Nancy Tartaglione (May 28, 2019). "'Aladdin' Takes Princely $207M Global Bow; 'Rocketman' Blasts Off In UK – International Box Office". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on May 26, 2019. Retrieved May 28, 2019.
  28. ^ Nancy Tartaglione (June 2, 2019). "'Godzilla: King Of The Monsters' '$130M Overseas Bow Is #1, But Not Royal; 'Aladdin' Still A Prince & 'Rocketman' Electric – International Box Office". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on June 1, 2019. Retrieved June 4, 2019.
  29. ^ "The Secret Life of Pets 2 (2019)". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Archived from the original on May 23, 2019. Retrieved October 10, 2021.
  30. ^ "The Secret Life of Pets 2 Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Archived from the original on May 23, 2019. Retrieved August 8, 2019.
  31. ^ Howard, Courtney (May 23, 2019). "Film Review: 'The Secret Life of Pets 2'". Variety. Archived from the original on June 19, 2019. Retrieved August 9, 2019.
  32. ^ Berardinelli, James (June 7, 2019). "Secret Life of Pets 2, The". Reelviews Movie Reviews. Archived from the original on August 26, 2019. Retrieved August 26, 2019.
  33. ^ Davison, Emily (May 30, 2021). "The Secret Life of Pets 2 (2019) Film Review". Archived from the original on June 3, 2021. Retrieved June 3, 2021.
  34. ^ "Klaus Wins Big at Annie Awards for Animation". The Hollywood Reporter. January 25, 2020. Archived from the original on January 26, 2020. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
  35. ^ Crist, Allison; Perez, Lexy (July 22, 2021). "Golden Trailer Awards: A Quiet Place: Part II, Black Widow Among Winners". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on August 13, 2021. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
  36. ^ Gennis, Sadie (May 3, 2020). "Kids Choice Awards 2020: Full Winners List". TV Guide. Archived from the original on February 21, 2021. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
  37. ^ Nordyke, Kimberly; Howard, Annie (November 10, 2019). "People's Choice Awards: Avengers: Endgame Named Best Movie". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on November 11, 2019. Retrieved September 9, 2023.
  38. ^ "The Not Despicable Producer of Despicable Me". The Gary and Kenny Show (Podcast). Archived from the original on September 20, 2022. Retrieved September 16, 2022.
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