From beloved classics like Lassie and Rin Tin Tin to modern favorites such as 101 Dalmatians, Old Yeller, and A Dog’s Purpose, Hollywood has always had a soft spot for canine movies. But now, get ready for a wild and raunchy ride with the irreverent and hilarious film, Strays. This is definitely not your typical family-friendly fare, but I have a feeling even kids would secretly love it, despite the adult humor and constant crude jokes.
Credit must be given to Universal Pictures for taking a risk and bringing us not only the upcoming Cocaine Bear, but also this outrageous pack of lovable and foul-mouthed dogs who aren’t afraid to hump anything in sight or drop a few four-letter words. Strays is as raunchy as Ted or any Seth Rogen film, but what sets it apart is its big heart. And at the center of it all are a group of real and remarkable dogs who steal the show, along with a perfectly chosen voice cast that brings them to life.
The story begins with Reggie, a sweet and optimistic Border Terrier who believes his owner, Doug, loves him despite his mistreatment. Doug, however, is a total loser who repeatedly tries to get rid of Reggie. He abandons him in desolate areas, hoping he’ll never find his way back. But Reggie always does, until one day when Doug leaves him in an abandoned building miles away. Suddenly, Reggie is a confused stray in the city, until he meets Bug, a street-smart Boston Terrier who believes humans are the problem, not dogs like Reggie. Bug sets Reggie straight and introduces him to a new life with his friends, including a smart and sexy Australian Shepherd and a nervous Great Dane named Hunter.
Bug convinces Reggie to join them on an incredible journey back to Doug’s, with the ultimate goal of Reggie biting off Doug’s penis. Yes, that’s the plot, and along the way, there are outrageous and hilarious sequences that will have you laughing and on the edge of your seat. Poop and dick jokes are abundant, but the talented canine stars make it all believable and highly entertaining. The animal trainers, led by Mark Forbes, deliver wonderful performances from their furry cast, and the VFX team, led by Charlie Iturriaga, ensures the safety of the animals during riskier scenes.
Writer Dan Perrault doesn’t hold back in delivering gutter humor and outrageous situations, but he also doesn’t forget the heart of the story. We genuinely root for these four-legged friends to find happiness and their forever homes. The only mean character in Strays is Doug, played disgustingly well by Will Forte, and he definitely gets what he deserves in the end.
Director Josh Greenbaum and his production team deserve applause for their technical expertise in making the dogs the stars of the show for the entire 93 minutes of this fast-paced comedy. The voice work by Will Ferrell and Jamie Foxx is pitch perfect, but it’s Isla Fisher and Randall Park who steal the scenes with their vocal performances. Brett Gelman as Willy, an animal control officer, is appropriately pathetic, and there are other notable voices along the way, including Josh Gad, Harvey Guillen, Jamie Demetriou, and Sofia Vergara (yes, as a couch for humping!). Keep an eye out for a hilarious cameo from a certain A Dog’s Purpose star.
Strays is produced by a talented team including Phil Lord, Chris Miller, Erik Feig, Aditya Sood, Louis Letterier, and Dan Perrault. With a release date of August 18, 2023, and distributed by Universal Pictures, this R-rated comedy is sure to be a wild and unforgettable ride. Strap in and get ready to laugh, cringe, and fall in love with these mischievous and lovable Strays.
