The Secret Life of Pets 2
The Secret Life of Pets 2 (2019) is an animated comedy that delves into the secret lives of household pets, expanding on the original film's premise. The narrative follows three main storylines: Max the terrier confronts new anxieties with the addition of a human baby and a farm visit, Gidget the Pomeranian embarks on a mission to retrieve Max's favorite toy, and Snowball the rabbit embraces a superhero persona to rescue a tiger cub from an abusive circus master. The film combines slapstick humor, action sequences, and heartwarming moments, exploring themes of courage, loyalty, and overcoming fears. Aimed at a family audience, the movie is rated PG, primarily due to animated action sequences and some rude humor. While it offers positive messages about friendship and bravery, parents should be aware of cartoon violence and peril, including threats from an antagonist with various weapons. There are also instances of mild coarse language and a scene depicting a cat under the influence of catnip, which may warrant discussion with younger viewers. The film generally provides entertainment suitable for children with parental guidance.
Concerns
Violence
MediumThe movie contains moderate animated violence and peril, including threats with various weapons, chase scenes, and characters being run over in a comedic context. While not graphic, some scenes could be frightening for very young children.
A sinister circus master, Sergei, threatens animals with a whip, electric prod, tranquilizer gun, cannon, and a revolver. Sergei also holds the animals at gunpoint with plans to kill them during the climax. The antagonist, Sergei, is humorously hit by a car twice without serious injury. Max the terrier is ambushed by wolves but manages to take them out during a chase scene.
Profanity
MediumThe film includes mild coarse language and insults commonly found in children's media, with one instance of a stronger, albeit not explicit, term noted by reviewers.
The character Pops loudly proclaims, 'Pickles is pissed!' which was noted as potentially objectionable and unnecessary by reviewers. Other terms used include 'butt,' 'heck,' 'idiot,' 'jerk,' 'stupid,' and 'rat turd.' The phrase 'holy cheese and crackers' is used, which is considered a minced oath.
Substance Use
MediumThe movie features a scene where a cat consumes catnip and exhibits behaviors commonly associated with being under the influence of drugs, which younger children may not understand.
There is a lengthy scene where the cat, Chloe, is given catnip and acts 'like a person high on drugs,' played for humor. This scene depicts altered behavior due to a substance, potentially glamorizing or normalizing such reactions without context for young viewers.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe film contains several intense and potentially frightening scenes for very young children, primarily involving a menacing human antagonist and perilous situations for the animal characters.
Scenes involve characters in peril from falling off cliffs, being chased by wolves, and facing a sinister circus master who uses various threatening weapons. Sergei, the circus master, holds the pets at gunpoint, intending to kill them, creating a high-stakes and intense moment.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumWhile not featuring overt rebellion from children towards parents, the narrative often portrays pets acting autonomously and without their owners' direct knowledge, sometimes due to a perceived lack of adequate parental supervision from the human characters.
The overarching plotlines involve pets embarking on significant adventures (Max overcoming fear for Liam, Gidget retrieving a toy, Snowball rescuing a tiger) completely independent of their human owners' awareness or direct permission. Reviewers note 'serious concerns about the levels of parental supervision in this world,' with 'Liam’s parents basically never look at the kid,' prompting Max's overprotective actions and autonomous journey.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
LowThe film contains minimal and brief content related to gender identity, specifically a male animal character dressed in traditionally feminine attire. No explicit LGBTQ representation or themes were found.
A male character, Snowball the rabbit, is briefly seen dressed as a princess by his human owner and appears to enjoy it. One reviewer noted this as a 'nod to cross-dressing at the end when the bunny gets a “makeover” and “loves it.”'
Romance and Sexual Content
LowRomantic content is minimal and innocent, limited to a pet's unrequited affection and a brief fantasy sequence. There is no explicit sexual content or nudity.
Gidget the dog has a blatant crush on Max and fantasizes about kissing him, which in reality is depicted as her licking the air. Captain Snowball, a rabbit, makes a brief, non-sexual comment about his 'shredded glutes.'
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThere is no content related to witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, or supernatural elements beyond the realm of fantasy pet adventures.
Christian parental reviews explicitly state that there is no occult content in the film. The narrative focuses on realistic (albeit anthropomorphic) animal behaviors and human-pet relationships without magical or supernatural plot devices.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe film does not contain explicit anti-Christian themes or mockery of Christian beliefs. Christian reviews highlight positive moral messages, though one notes a 'worldly solution' to fear rather than a spiritual one.
Christian reviews found that the film features 'many heartfelt themes that draw on Christian, biblical principles such as sacrifice, bravery, mentorship, and caring for others.' While some Christian perspectives critique the film for offering a 'worldly solution to the problem of anxiety and fear' rather than emphasizing trust in God, there are no direct anti-Christian messages or content.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Ages 6-7 and up, with parental guidance for very young or sensitive children due to some intense animated action, mild crude humor, and thematic elements.
Additional Notes
The film is rated PG for 'some action and rude humor.' Louis C.K., the original voice of Max, was replaced by Patton Oswalt for the sequel due to sexual misconduct allegations, a production-related change not impacting the film's content.
Related Reviews
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