Wisely replacing Louis C.K.’s voice acting with Patton Oswalt, the main character Max is still the too tightly wound house pet from the origin story. The time his life is changed by the addition on a baby into the household and it is quite touching how he reacts to the changes.

The film splits the story into two as we follow Max, Duke (Eric Stonestreet) and humans on a trip out to the country while the city dwellers left behind have their own adventures to contend with. This includes a prison break from the circus, a visit to the crazy cat ladies apartment and the obligatory rock song backed montage (this time using La Grange by ZZ Top).

With the annual advancement in the CGI craft, the film looks great. Supplementing its improved visual presentation is a much more dimensional storyline and this proves to be a winner. It’s good to see a franchise get batter as it adds chapters and not dissipate its charms.

Rob Hudson
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Hart, who lends his voice to the larger than life Snowball a super hero pet bunny, returns to the popular franchise with Tiffany Haddish joining the cast for the very first time to voice new character Daisy an adorable Shih Tzu with attitude.

Illumination’s tenth animated feature, The Secret Life of Pets 2, is the highly anticipated sequel to the 2016 comedic blockbuster that had the biggest opening weekend ever for an original film, animated or otherwise.

Kevin and Tiffany will walk astroturf carpet at Hoyts Entertainment Quarter at the Australian Premiere of The Secret Life of Pets 2 in partnership with Sydney Film Festival on Thursday 6 June 2019 in Sydney. Tickets are on sale at www.sff.org.au

Packed with Illumination’s signature irreverence and subversive humor, this new chapter explores the emotional lives of our pets, the deep bond between them and the families that love them, and answers the question that has long intrigued every pet owner: What are your pets really doing when you’re not at home?

Terrier Max (Patton Oswalt) is coping with some major life changes. His owner (Ellie Kemper) is now married and has a toddler, Liam. Max is so worried about protecting the boy that he develops a nervous tic. On a family trip to a farm, Max and mutt Duke (Eric Stonestreet) encounter canine-intolerant cows, hostile foxes and a terrifying turkey, all of which only elevates Max’s anxiety. Luckily, Max gets some guidance from veteran farm dog Rooster (Harrison Ford, making his animated-film debut), who pushes Max to ditch his neuroses, find his inner alpha, and give Liam a little more freedom.

Meanwhile, while her owner is away, plucky Pomeranian Gidget (Jenny Slate) tries to rescue Max’s favorite toy from a cat-packed apartment with a little help from her feline friend, Chloe (Lake Bell), who has discovered the joys of catnip.

And crazy-but-cute bunny Snowball (Kevin Hart) gets delusions of grandeur that he’s an actual superhero after his owner Molly starts dressing him in superhero pajamas. But when Daisy (Tiffany Haddish), a fearless Shih Tzu, shows up to ask for Snowball’s help on a dangerous mission, he’ll have to summon the courage to become the hero he’s only been pretending to be.

Can Max, Snowball, Gidget and the rest of the gang find the inner courage to face their biggest fears?

The Secret Life of Pets 2 is produced by Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri and his longtime collaborator Janet Healy, the visionary team behind Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch and the Despicable Me and Minions franchise, and is written by returning Pets screenwriter Brian Lynch. The film is directed by returning filmmaker Chris Renaud, who also directed Illumination’s Despicable Me series and Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax.

The Secret Life of Pets 2 is in Australian cinemas 20 June 2019!
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Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri and his longtime collaborator Janet Healy will produce the sequel to the comedy that had the best opening ever for an original film, animated or otherwise.

The Secret Life of Pets 2 will see the return of writer Brian Lynch (Minions) and once again be directed by Chris Renaud (Despicable Me series, Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax).

The Secret Life of Pets 2 arrives in cinemas June 20, 2019!
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The Secret Life of Pets 2 will follow 2016’s blockbuster about the lives our pets lead after we leave for work or school each day. Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri and his longtime collaborator Janet Healy will produce the sequel to the comedy that had the best opening ever for an original film, animated or otherwise.

The Secret Life of Pets 2 will see the return of writer Brian Lynch (Minions) and once again be directed by Chris Renaud (Despicable Me series, Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax).

The Secret Life of Pets 2 arrives in cinemas June 20, 2019!
www.facebook.com/SecretLifeofPetsAU