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The Preview Reel: Can Pets Neuter Mike and Dave?

Scott Davis
The Preview Reel

Welcome to another “Preview Reel” column, where we look at the week’s upcoming wide release movies. For the past three weeks, Finding Dory has dominated the box office despite going up some pretty big blockbusters. The Disney/Pixar sequel faces its toughest challenge this week, however, in the form of another animated flick, The Secret Life of Pets. This week also features the R-rated comedy Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates hitting the big screen, so let’s preview both to see if either are worth your time.

 

The Secret Life of Pets

What we are excited about:
Illumination Entertainment is responsible for giving us the Despicable Me franchise, which has become one of the biggest powerhouse animated franchises of the past few years. Those films were able to connect with adults and kids as there were some subtle moral lessons sprinkled throughout while also plenty of hi-jinx. This film looks no different as all of the animals look adorable and the premise looks like it could be full of deeper lessons. The trailers have been very funny, and in a summer that has featured some pretty dark blockbusters, this brightly colored, original animated movie could be exactly what this summer called for.

What we are worried about:
It looks exactly like Toy Story. That classic Pixar film featured toys coming to life when humans were not looking, plus a new toy potentially getting in the way of Woody and Andy’s relationship, and then the two toys have to find their way back home. The Secret Life of Pets features animals acting in a completely different way when humans are not around, a new dog potentially getting in the way of the protagonist’s relationship with his owner, and them having to find their way home. It looks very cute and funny, but original it is not.

The Buzz:
People seem to be very excited about it and it has premiered to pretty solid reviews. The trailers have been mostly well received, and the marketing has been strong as of late. Most critics are saying that the film features a lot of hi-jinx that kids are sure to enjoy, even if it doesn’t reach the same emotional heights as other animated films. With the strong buzz and families looking for something new to see besides Finding Dory or The BFG, The Secret Life of Pets should perform very well at the box office and finish in the $70 million range for its opening weekend.

Final thoughts:
Finding Dory has been able to dominate the box office because of its appeal to both adults and children, and while The Secret Life of Pets won’t have as big of an appeal, it should be able to find a big audience. The trailers have been bright, colorful, funny, and well received despite it looking similar to other animated films. It should be one of the best received family films of the year and seems perfect for children.

Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates

What we are excited about:
The cast is nothing short of stellar. Featuring the talents of Zac Efron, Anna Kendrick, Adam Devine, and Aubrey Plaza, this a young comedic showcase that could be elevated if they show they have great chemistry together. The trailers have been very funny so far and feature plenty of R-rated shenanigans that will hopefully be even funnier in the film.

What we are worried about:
The film does seem to be taking some notes from Wedding Crashers, as it features two single guys who try to change their wild ways with a wedding as the backdrop. Not only that, but Efron’s comedy track record outside of Neighbors has been shaky at best as Dirty Grandpa wasn’t exactly a comedic masterpiece. Hopefully Efron taps into what made him special in the Neighbors films and delivers a funny performance.

The Buzz:
The trailers have been well received, but there does not seem to be much buzz online over this film. There are no reviews available as of yet, but there is usually more chatter around a good R-rated comedy than this in its week of release. Because of the lack of buzz and stiff competition, look for Mike and Dave to finish in the $15-20 million range on opening weekend.

Final thoughts:
This looks like it could go one of two ways: Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates could be a really funny R-rated farce or a forgettable raunchy misfire. Trailers seem to indicate the former, but the lack of enthusiasm around the movie is a little concerning. Either way, it looks like it could be a better option for adults who are not feeling the need to see The Secret Life of Pets this weekend.

Scott Davis

Scott Davis is a recent graduate of Oakland University where he earned a degree in journalism. He worked for the student newspaper on campus, The Oakland Post, where he became the paper's managing editor. He also earned a minor in Cinema Studies at OU. Scott enjoys all things film and TV related, especially the blockbuster kind. He might be the biggest Christopher Nolan fan you know.
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