A scene from the film “Strays” shows (left) Bug and (right) Reggie standing in the forest. Released to theaters on Aug. 18, the film provided dark and mature humor through serious scenarios. “Although the comedy shows real-world issues such as animal cruelty, the mood of the movie deescalates the situations into dark humor,” Viewpoints Staffer Samaya Ellis wrote. Photo fair use of Universal Pictures
On Aug. 18, the movie “Strays,” centered around stray pets and directed by Josh Greenbaum, was released to theaters.
“Strays,” a hilarious rendition of the secret life of (stray) pets, is cinema’s newest dog story nationwide.
Viewers follow the thrilling experience of Reggie (voiced by Will Ferrell), a newly stray dog, and his journey with other strays. Directed by Josh Greenbaum, the Aug. 18 release will leave viewers begging for more of Reggie’s story.
The movie opens and introduces Reggie and his abusive owner, Doug (Will Forte), who completely blindsides Reggie. Reggie truly believes Doug loves him, even when called profane nicknames and abandoned multiple times. This creates a hilarious, dark satire on the feel-good dog-owner trope.
When Reggie is eventually deserted, he meets a group of stray dogs: Bug (voiced by Jamie Foxx), Maggie (voiced by Isla Fisher) and Hunter (voiced by Randall Park). They lovingly teach him the way of life as a stray whilst embarking on a revenge journey against Doug.
The plot of the movie is consistently solid, with well-timed comedic breaks interspersed among the more exciting action scenes. In fact, much of the movie may remind audiences of an uncensored version of 2016’s “The Secret Life of Pets.”
Aside from its plot, the film’s soundtrack, composed by Dara Taylor, perfectly sets the mood for sentimental or hysterical scenes throughout the movie, leaving viewers thoroughly immersed in recognizable music.
In addition to the witty music, the visual aspects, such as the seamless computer-generated imagery of animated mouths on the dogs, is stunning. The color grading and other animations truly gives the film its classic comedy thrill.
Although the film offers endless lighthearted situations amongst the strays, audiences under 18 should be cautious of the profanity and dark humor that gives “Strays” its R-rating.
Overall, the movie is a must-watch for comedy lovers, ensuring Reggie’s place among the fictional canine elite.
