Now they have “gone and done it”, a road trip movie about our best friend the dog, voiced by human comedians. Sure they have released other motion pictures with talking dogs, but this one makes “raunchy” a normal language for the canines and takes the youngsters out of the audience. Rated as pervasive, even some truck drivers may think it’s a bit over the top. But, underneath all the vulgarity in both soundtrack and dialogue that includes cursing, goofy remarks about poop, sex and genitalia, is a heartwarming story of love and being wanted, friendship and revenge, hilarious revenge. Do I feel you will like the film? Perhaps if your favorite film is Sausage Party or if you are not easily offended by nasty language and make believe dog abuse. It’s definitely not for Kids. October 6, 2023 on Digital, October 10, 2023 on Blu-ray and DVD
Reggie (voice Will Ferrell) has been abused by his owner (Will Forte) over an incident that ruined his marriage. Completely overwrought of his own mistake, he takes playful and devoted Reggie to the city many hours from his house and drops him off to fend for himself. There he meets Gus (Jamie Foxx), Maggie (Isla Fisher), and Hunter (Randall Park) who have become stray dogs for similar problems with their owners. When Reggie wants to go back to his owner seeking revenge, the four take their lives in their own hands crossing miles of unfriendly territory, attacks in the wild and many other challenging complications.
The film does get hilarious at times (tongue in cheek) and the training of the dogs is quite amazing. CGI does help the depiction of the animals that were not injured in any way or actually abused according to the filmmakers.
EXCLUSIVE BONUS FEATURES ON BLU-RAYTM, DVD & DIGITAL:
“Talk Like a Dog” – Meet the humans behind the dogs as Will Ferrell, Jamie Foxx, Isla Fisher, and Randall Park discuss how they got into the canine mindset to voice their roles.
“The Ultimate Treat: Making STRAYS” – Go on a journey with filmmakers and cast and share in their joy at bringing this unique film to the big screen.
“Poop, Booms, and Shrooms” – You’d be surprised how challenging it is filming big scenes with non-human actors. In this piece we take a look at how the filmmaking team executed some of the film’s most memorable sequences.
“Will Forte: STRAY Actor” – Sit down with Will Forte and learn what it’s like playing someone we all hate. Filmmakers and his castmates join in to reveal why Will was the best man for the job.
“Training to be STRAY” – Sit, stay, pee, hump? Take a look at the creative methods used by trainers to get the canines to perform.
“A New Best Friend” – The bond between human and dog is undeniable. So much so that director Josh Greenbaum couldn’t resist bringing a stray from set home with him.
Feature commentary with Director/Producer Josh Greenbaum and Screenwriter/Producer Dan Perrault
Strays has been rated R by the MPAA for pervasive language, crude and sexual content, and drug use. There is suggested canine sexual content, animal genital comedy and some very nasty dialogue. Be cautious when deciding to allow immature children see the film as it does have many scenes that are inappropriate for youngsters.
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Voices Will Ferrell, Jamie Foxx, Isla Fisher, Randall Park, Brett Gelman, Live: Will Forte
Directed by: Josh Greenbaum
Written by: Dan Perrault
Genre: Comedy
MPAA Rating: R for pervasive language, crude and sexual content, and drug use
Running Time: 1 hr. 33 min. plus added extended time.
Video Release Date: October 6, 2023 on Digital, October 10, 2023 on Blu-ray and DVD
Original Theatrical Release Date:
Language: English
Reviewed Format: Digital
Audio: DTS Digital Surround 5.1
Video: Widescreen 16:9, 1.85:1
Subtitles: Digital Closed Captions, Spanish; DVD English, Latin Ameerican Spanish, French Canadian
Distributed by: Universal Pictures Home Entertainment
Released on: Digital, Blu-ray, DVD
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
