In the hilarious comedy Strays, there’s a clever gag involving a “narrator dog” who shares their owner’s love life through voiceover. This playful jab at dog movies like A Dog’s Purpose emphasizes an undeniable truth about our furry friends: no matter how terrible we are, our dogs will always love us.
Doug (played by Will Forte), the owner in question, is an absolutely awful person. He’s a mean-spirited stoner who constantly mistreats and neglects his loyal Border Terrier, Reggie. However, Reggie couldn’t care less. The adorable dog, voiced by Will Ferrell, narrates his owner’s greatness in the opening montage, even though Doug’s actions say otherwise.
After several unsuccessful attempts to abandon Reggie, Doug manages to leave him in an unfamiliar city, far away from home. Here, Reggie meets Bug (played by Jamie Foxx), a street-smart Boston Terrier who introduces him to the ways of stray life. He also befriends Hunter (Randall Park), a kind-hearted Great Dane and Maggie (Isla Fisher), a highly skilled Australian Shepherd whose owner has moved on to a new puppy.
Strays is an R-rated spoof of family-friendly talking-dog movies like Homeward Bound. It goes all-in on its ribald humor, featuring gross gags and adult content. Screenwriter Dan Perrault, known for his work on American Vandal, delivers a barrage of crude jokes that add to the film’s edginess. Director Josh Greenbaum brings his naughtier side to this comedy, filled with random, outrageous antics. Although these moments, like a wild mushroom trip and a cameo by Dennis Quaid, may not be as funny as the clever jabs at dog behavior, they still contribute to the overall hilarity.
While Strays pokes fun at the clichés of feel-good movies, it doesn’t shy away from incorporating life lessons into its story. Will Reggie free himself from his abusive relationship with Doug? Will Hunter find the courage to express his love for Maggie? Will Bug overcome his own abandonment issues? The film intertwines these character arcs with humor, creating a comedic self-help seminar that is expected in modern Hollywood comedies.
In the end, Strays delivers its blend of comedy and heart. As a true parody, it affectionately satirizes the genre while also making us care for the characters. Josh Greenbaum pays homage to dog movies by featuring real trained dogs, enhanced with CGI to create the illusion of talking dogs. Amidst the jokes and laughter, Strays reminds us of the special bond between pets and their owners, warming our hearts in the process.