Let's be candid: I was predisposed to like "Strays," given my fondness for Boston Terriers. Who hasn't wondered what their pooch would say if they could chat? So, when I heard Jamie Foxx would be voicing Bug, a savvy Boston Terrier with a penchant for swearing and odd behavior, my interest peaked.
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In essence, "Strays" centers around a singular gag but stretches it skillfully across its brief runtime to keep audiences engaged. It parodies traditional canine flicks, throwing curveballs that bring genuine laughs. Jamie Foxx and Will Ferrell establish a dynamic rapport that adds zest to the movie.
Josh Greenbaum, the director, excels in blending edgy comedy with an underlying sweetness. This is similar to his 2021 hit, "Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar." The script, penned by Dan Perrault, features adult humor, including expletives and bathroom jokes that aren’t strictly immature. While some viewers may find the wild antics a bit much, the movie also delves into themes like leaving harmful relationships and the power of friendships.
As I mentioned, I'm a sucker for this sort of thing. Your reaction could differ, but "Strays" offers a unique take on the pet adventure genre.
The movie starts with Ferrell narrating as Reggie. He is an optimistic Border terrier who is blissfully unaware of his owner's (Will Forte) loathing. Ferrell's portrayal echoes his role in "Elf," combining childlike wonder with sardonic wit. This time, Reggie’s mission, once abandoned, is quite shocking: to literally maim his owner.
Helping Reggie in his vengeful quest is Bug, voiced by Foxx. Bug believes he’s larger than life, even if he's just a small stray dog. They come together with Australian shepherd, Maggie (Isla Fisher), who has an incredible sense of smell, and Hunter (Randall Park), a Great Dane and former police dog now dedicated to therapy work.
As one can expect, the film has its share of hilarity and hijinks, some of which are already revealed in the trailers. However, there are enough unexpected turns to keep you engaged. While the visual effects are mostly smooth, there are moments where the CGI, especially for Bug, falls short. But let’s be honest, who’s expecting complete realism from a comedy about talking dogs?
The repetitive crude jokes might wear thin, but "Strays" manages to end on a positive note that doesn’t feel overly sentimental. It offers amusing glimpses into a dog’s view of the world, from their perspective on fireworks to mail carriers. And it might just leave you pondering what that posh Pomeranian in the designer sweater is really trying to tell you at the dog park.
