The Secret Life of Pets 2 (2019)

'The Secret Life of Pets 2' is even more chill and low stakes then its 2016 predecessor. Many of the characters here were set up in the first film and this very casual feature has the air of one of those Disney direct to video sequels form the 90's or early 2000's. Only this thing is better done then any of those were, I quite enjoyed it actually. There are three largely unrelated narratives going on that converge nicely at the end, and all teach the basic kid friendly message that sometimes you've got to learn to be brave. Patten Oswalt ably takes over voicing duties for Max from Louis C. K., whose not going to be doing children's films again for at least a good while. **1/2