★★★
Strays offers a unique movie watching experience, blending humor, heartfelt moments, and a distinctive canine perspective. Directed by Josh Greenbaum, this film holds the title of being the first live-action dog movie to earn an R rating. The story unfolds around Reggie (Will Ferrell), a Border Terrier left abandoned on the streets by his heartless owner Doug (Will Forte), a dog-hating pothead who never truly cared for him. Determined not to be a victim, Reggie forms an unlikely team with other strays including the street-smart Boston Terrier Bug (Jamie Foxx). Together, they embark on a journey of friendship and revenge against Doug.
The plotlines reflect the movie’s attempt to blend humor and heart. The premise is genuinely refreshing, but the initial half of the film struggles to find the balance between humor and genuine laughs, possibly due to the challenge of portraying adult-oriented comedy with talking dogs. However, as the movie progresses, it evolves into a more self-aware narrative, making fun of the dog film genre and allowing the humor to mature beyond simple gags.
The film’s voice acting, particularly the voice performances by Will Ferrell and Jamie Foxx, is a notable highlight. Ferrell and Foxx manage to animate their characters through their voices alone, injecting them with personality and emotion. This achievement is crucial, as the movie’s success hinges on the audience’s connection to the dogs. These two accomplished actors effectively carry this challenging aspect of the film, making it easier to overlook its limitations.
Digging deeper, Strays offers commentary on companionship and the bonds between humans and animals. The film subtly portrays the unconditional love dogs offer, juxtaposed against the human neglect that sometimes forces them into unfortunate situations. It also touches on the theme of resilience, as the dogs navigate challenges while maintaining their loyalty to each other. On a more lighthearted note, the film makes nods to societal perceptions of typical dog movies, as demonstrated by a Labrador who narrates his owner’s story rather than speaking like other dogs.
In the larger context of film genres and history, Strays takes up a unique space as a live-action dog movie tailored for adults. While it doesn’t break significant cinematic barriers, it successfully experiments with a distinctive approach to storytelling. The film bears a resemblance to the live action Pixar movies which catered to adult audiences, while presenting a narrative centered on animals.
Strays stands as a fun experiment in crafting an adult-oriented dog movie. While the initial comedic efforts might feel slightly forced, the film gains momentum as it embraces its self-awareness, cleverly poking fun at the dog film genre itself. Through skillful voice acting by talents like Will Ferrell and Jamie Foxx, the characters come to life, weaving an emotional connection felt beyond the screen. Aside from its poop jokes and canine antics, the movie manages to tug at heartstrings in surprising ways, especially for those with a deep affection for our furry companions.
