The Secret Life of Pets - Netflix

(Image credit: © Universal Pictures)

Animals do the funniest things in this bright animation about two rival dogs who end up having to work together

Animals do the funniest things in this bright animation about two rival dogs who end up having to work together.

The premise of this lively animated action comedy is familiar as rival dogs, cuddly eager-to-please Jack Russell Max (voiced by comedian Louis CK) and lumbering Newfoundland Duke (Eric Stonestreet) vie for the affections of owner Katie (Ellie Kemper).

Naturally, they have to put their rivalry aside and team up after they end up on the streets, at risk from relentless dogcatchers and from an army of sewer-dwelling animals led by a rabble-rousing rabbit revolutionary (a surprisingly good fit for motor-mouth comic Kevin Hart).

What ensues is basically one long, frenetic chase, but kids will enjoy the slapstick silliness while pet owners will find themselves chuckling in recognition, or possibly even cringing, at many of the gags.