We always worry when a movie is super-hyped, setting expectations high, and resulting in disappointment.

Fortunately, this is not the case with the delightful “The Secret Life of Pets,” a true family cartoon feature that will please people of all ages.

We sat among them in a sold-out matinee, where children’s giggles could be heard frequently. If the lights were on, we’re sure we would have seen lots of smiling adult faces.

The funniest scenes that will make pet owners look at their animals differently give us different perspectives of what pets just might be doing when their owners walk out the front door. From a dachshund scratching his back with an electric mixer to a poodle listening to rock music on the radio, the imaginative writers have created a hilarious fantasy world.

Max (voice of Louis C.K.) is some kind of terrier, living the good life in a New York City apartment with his owner Katie. Watching him wait at the door for her return is a gem.

Katie brings home a gigantic mutt, saving him from the pound, and thinking that it will be good for Max to have a companion. The two quickly become enemies, as they fight for Katie’s attention.

While strolling through Central Park with their dogwalker, the two rivals get separated from the pack, are caught by animal control, and then “liberated” by a really mean-looking bunny (Kevin Hart), and brought to his sewer headquarters, where they are joined by a wide variety of liberated pets.

Meanwhile, back at the apartment building, Gidget, the cute little dog next door who is secretly in love with Max, and Chloe, a typical nonchalant fat cat, team up with other pets to find Max, only to encounter some mean street animals.

Eventually, everyone comes together for a common cause, giving the kids a great lesson in working together and showing us that peace can come regardless of who you are and where you’re from.

There are more interesting animals that we’ll let you discover along the way. The movie turns into a chase movie, which usually separates the kids from the adults in terms of interest, but this one is so funny and innovative that you’ll be right with them, cheering for the pets.

“The Secret Lives of Pets” is a nonstop hour and a half of pure fun. Don’t miss it. And don’t rush out of the theatre too soon and miss a cute little post-script. And arrive early to catch a hysterical Minions short.

Rated PG, with absolutely nothing to worry about.