Strays

In this live-action “tail”, talking dog Reggie (Will Ferrell) is abandoned by his owner, Doug (Will Forte), far from home. Thinking his master is playing a game, the Border Terrier attempts to find his way back. In doing so, he meets up with four other dogs: a Boston Terrier (Jamie Foxx), an Australian Shepherd (Isla Fisher), and a Great Dane (Randall Park). It sounds like a heartwarming picture in the vein of The Incredible Journey. However, this is no family film but rather a vulgar comedy with lots of jokes meant for adults. It’s rated R by the MPAA.

The objective of the story is to be outrageous and offensive. Depending on your threshold, it should cross the line at some point during this account. For me, it was Reggie’s human caretaker who does a lot of gross and despicable things. I’ll spare you the details, but trust me, Doug is disgusting. Director Josh Greenbaum (Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar) and screenwriter Dan Perrault (TV series American Vandal) are creating the justification for Reggie’s eventual revenge.

R-rated comedies are struggling at the box office as of late. Strays came out three weeks ago and flopped in theaters. [$21 million in the U.S. on a budget of $46 million]. I can understand why. The movie isn’t good. However, I didn’t hate it. There were moments when I chuckled. The best jokes are based on the natural things dogs do. They despise the mail carrier, are scared by fireworks, and when they see themselves in the mirror, they think their reflection is a rival dog. Those observations are funny. Also, the dogs look cute, and their friendship presents a supportive camaraderie that I found captivating. It’s just that they use a lot of incongruous profanity when they talk, so you have to find that funny. Granted, it’s a lowbrow enjoyment.

08-29-23