Greetings, fellow dog enthusiasts. Have you ever pondered the inner workings of your cherished canine companion’s mind? Undoubtedly, this question has crossed your thoughts more than once.
If only our furry friends could articulate their thoughts and feelings, the mysteries of their consciousness would be unveiled.
In the uproariously irreverent and occasionally genuinely amusing comedy “Strays,” brought to life by the comedic talents of Will Ferrell and Jamie Foxx, we are granted insight into the musings of our four-legged pals.
Astonishingly, it appears that our dogs are endlessly intrigued by the peculiar practice of collecting their excrement in small plastic bags.
They cannot help but wonder about the significance of this seemingly vital task. What purpose does it serve? Why do we constantly require more? This particular aspect of the film stands out as one of its more clever jokes, with Foxx’s portrayal of Bug, the Boston terrier, offering an opinion on the matter—albeit one that may be deemed somewhat repulsive.
Throughout the film’s 93-minute duration, a plethora of repugnant and explicit humor pervades the narrative.
The abundance of scatological and phallic jokes, both pertaining to dogs and humans, leaves an indelible mark on the viewer’s psyche, perhaps lingering for longer than desired.
“Strays,” a film expertly directed by Josh Greenbaum and written by Dan Perrault, opens with the charismatic Reggie, a border terrier exuding an infectiously positive outlook on life, proclaiming that “today is the best day ever – because every day is the best day ever!” This line may ring familiar, reminiscent of the iconic catchphrase from the beloved character Barbie.
However, any similarities between the two end there, as “Strays” embarks on a wholly unique and captivating journey.
Reggie, portrayed by Ferrell with an unwavering, puppy-like innocence, harbors an unwavering love for his owner, Doug. However, it becomes evident that Doug does not reciprocate these feelings.
It is worth noting that in this film, real dogs assume the roles of the four main canine characters – a commendable feat achieved through the tireless efforts of their dedicated trainers.
Humans, on the other hand, play supporting roles, with one notable celebrity cameo and Will Forte portraying the detestable dog owner, Doug.
Forte’s portrayal of Doug is particularly repugnant towards Reggie, as it was Reggie who unearthed (quite literally) incriminating evidence of Doug’s infidelity, resulting in his girlfriend’s departure.
Out of spite, Doug retained custody of her dog, never engaging in play or taking Reggie outside, except for a profanity-laden “game” in which Doug would drive Reggie to a location, toss a tennis ball, and promptly drive away, hoping that Reggie would not return. However, Reggie always did.
One fateful day, Doug takes Reggie on a journey far away from home, leaving the poor pooch disoriented and unable to find his way back.
In this gritty urban environment, Reggie crosses paths with a group of strays, led by the charismatic Bug, portrayed by Foxx.
While not exactly strays themselves, these dogs spend time on the streets for various reasons. Among them is the alluring Australian Shepherd, Maggie, brought to life by Isla Fisher, and Hunter, a Great Dane plagued by anxiety, played by Randall Park.
The group warmly welcomes Reggie, who yearns for nothing more than to find his way back home, and they introduce him to the exhilarating and unpredictable life of a stray.
The first rule they teach him is simple yet essential: if you wish to claim ownership over something, mark it as your own with a splash of urine. The other rules, however, are too risqué to divulge here.
In this heartwarming tale, Reggie’s unwavering loyalty and the bonds he forms with his newfound companions serve as a testament to the resilience and strength of the canine spirit.
As Reggie embarks on this unexpected adventure, he not only learns about survival on the streets but also discovers the power of friendship and the true meaning of home.
Reggie, portrayed by Ferrell with an unwavering, puppy-like innocence, harbors an unwavering love for his owner, Doug. However, it becomes evident that Doug does not reciprocate these feelings.
It is worth noting that in this film, real dogs assume the roles of the four main canine characters – a commendable feat achieved through the tireless efforts of their dedicated trainers.
Humans, on the other hand, play supporting roles, with one notable celebrity cameo and Will Forte portraying the detestable dog owner, Doug.
Forte’s portrayal of Doug is particularly repugnant towards Reggie, as it was Reggie who unearthed (quite literally) incriminating evidence of Doug’s infidelity, resulting in his girlfriend’s departure.
Out of spite, Doug retained custody of her dog, never engaging in play or taking Reggie outside, except for a profanity-laden “game” in which Doug would drive Reggie to a location, toss a tennis ball, and promptly drive away, hoping that Reggie would not return. However, Reggie always did.
One fateful day, Doug takes Reggie on a journey far away from home, leaving the poor pooch disoriented and unable to find his way back.
In this gritty urban environment, Reggie crosses paths with a group of strays, led by the charismatic Bug, portrayed by Foxx.
While not exactly strays themselves, these dogs spend time on the streets for various reasons. Among them is the alluring Australian Shepherd, Maggie, brought to life by Isla Fisher, and Hunter, a Great Dane plagued by anxiety, played by Randall Park.
The group warmly welcomes Reggie, who yearns for nothing more than to find his way back home, and they introduce him to the exhilarating and unpredictable life of a stray.
The first rule they teach him is simple yet essential: if you wish to claim ownership over something, mark it as your own with a splash of urine. The other rules, however, are too risqué to divulge here.
In this heartwarming tale, Reggie’s unwavering loyalty and the bonds he forms with his newfound companions serve as a testament to the resilience and strength of the canine spirit.
As Reggie embarks on this unexpected adventure, he not only learns about survival on the streets but also discovers the power of friendship and the true meaning of home.
The film beautifully captures the essence of Reggie’s journey, showcasing the hardships and triumphs he encounters along the way.
Through the masterful performances of the canine actors and the skillful direction, the audience is transported into Reggie’s world, feeling his longing for love and belonging.
The film’s success is also owed to the exceptional performances of the human actors, who bring depth and dimension to their supporting roles.
The notable celebrity cameo adds an element of surprise and excitement, while Will Forte’s portrayal of Doug is convincingly despicable.
Forte’s ability to evoke such strong emotions from the audience is a testament to his talent as an actor.
Furthermore, the dedication and hard work of the dog trainers should not go unnoticed. Their efforts in training the real dogs to perform complex tasks and convey emotions on screen are truly remarkable.
The seamless integration of the canine actors into the story is a testament to their expertise and passion for their craft.
In conclusion, this film is a heartwarming tale that explores themes of love, loyalty, and the power of friendship.
Through Reggie’s journey, the audience is reminded of the resilience and strength of the canine spirit. The performances of both the canine and human actors, along with the skillful direction and the dedication of the dog trainers, contribute to the film’s success.
This is a story that will leave audiences feeling uplifted and inspired, with a renewed appreciation for the bond between humans and their furry companions.
In the whimsical and unpredictable adventure that unfolds in “Strays,” audiences are taken on a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns.
Among the many captivating elements of this tale are the moments where Reggie and Bug find themselves soaring through the sky, carried by a colossal, computer-animated eagle.
As the story progresses, the characters encounter a forest teeming with psychedelic mushrooms, leading to a series of hallucinatory episodes where they indulge in their altered state, resulting in a rather peculiar encounter with innocent bunnies.
However, the plot takes an unforeseen turn when the group falls victim to the clutches of a dog-catcher, finding themselves confined in a pound.
It is here that Reggie, exhibiting an inspiring display of leadership, rallies his fellow captive canines with the unforgettable rallying cry of “Let’s all poop to freedom!”
What follows is a scene that may be considered quite repulsive, even by the most lenient of standards. Yet, this is only a precursor to the climactic and somewhat tonally imbalanced finale, a distressing sequence involving four dogs, one human, a baseball bat, and the haunting melody of Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball.” It is understandable if one chooses to skip this particular scene for a while, as it may be emotionally challenging to witness.
Beneath the surface of this unconventional narrative lies a profound moral that resonates particularly with our canine counterparts: the importance of family. However, the story imparts the notion that family can be found in the most unexpected of places.
While it encourages the love and loyalty towards one’s owner, it also cautions against unconditional devotion, as one’s owner may prove to be a deeply flawed individual.
Additionally, the tale serves as a cautionary reminder to steer clear of psychedelic mushrooms and raises intriguing questions surrounding the enigmatic nature of plastic poop bags.
“Strays,” a captivating release from Universal Studios, has been assigned an R rating by the Motion Picture Association, due to its pervasive use of language, crude and sexual content, as well as drug use.
Clocking in at a runtime of 93 minutes, this film has garnered a rating of two stars out of four, leaving viewers with a mixed impression of its overall quality.