Introduction
Unfiltered Fun in the R-Rated Doggy Comedy 'Strays - Step into a world where tails wag and tongues – both human and canine – are let loose in the uproarious romp that is 'Strays.' This R-rated dog comedy ventures into uncharted territory, offering a raucous and wildly entertaining journey through the lives of a scruffy yet endearing border terrier named Reggie, whose voice, brilliantly brought to life by the incomparable Will Ferrell, is as exuberant as it is contagious. From the very first bark, this film promises a symphony of foul-mouthed hilarity paired with heartwarming moments, encapsulating the essence of a unique cinematic experience. Join us as we delve into the mirthful mayhem, exploring the outrageous escapades of Reggie, Bug, and their canine companions in this rollicking adventure that is anything but your average dog tale.
News content
Just got my hands on the latest news article, and I'm looking to rewrite it for a blog post. Here's the original article: "Dog caper live-action featuring characters voiced by Will Ferrell and Jamie Foxx is 'not surprising' but 'tremendously fun,' writes Caryn James.
A scruffy yet endearing border
terrier with the voice of Will Ferrell kicks off Strays by delivering his sunny
take on the world. "Today's gonna be the best day ever!" he exclaims
enthusiastically, because "Every day is the best day ever!" It's a
strangely reminiscent line to what Barbie says in the opening of her film,
which might be the only point of comparison between that clever original
blockbuster and this immensely enjoyable yet often unsurprising dog comedy.
"Fun" might sound odd for an R-rated film seemingly packed with words that can't be printed as much as the number of animals on screen, but the rules of dog movies call for a heartwarming streak. Fortunately, Ferrell and Jamie Foxx, voicing Bug the Boston terrier who educates innocent Reggie about street life, keep the sentimentality minimal and elevate the film above its somewhat blunt screenplay. If you've watched the promisingly comedic trailer for Strays, you get the idea and probably catch the two-thirds of the movie that are the funniest.
This live-action film deploys trained dogs enhanced with special effects, interspersed occasionally with human presence. Will Forte plays Doug, Reggie's owner, a bumbling stoner who loses his dog due to his girlfriend leaving him. Doug keeps trying to get rid of Reggie, driving him far away, but Reggie sees it as a game they're playing, one he wins by coming back. Ferrell fits the role snugly, delivering the sweet, earnest enthusiasm he showed in Elf, and he's such a clever actor that he genuinely touches the heart when Reggie says, "I just really want to be home."
When Doug finally drops Reggie in a tough neighborhood, he encounters Bug, a scrappy fighter who insists that being a stray is the only way to live. You're free from lousy humans and can have sex with anything you want, including a random couch left on the street. Foxx sounds like he's channeling Samuel L. Jackson here, which isn't a bad thing. Between the rough language and streetwise delivery, it's as if Quentin Tarantino almost made a dog movie. In reality, the director is Josh Greenbaum, known for Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, and he keeps the action brisk.
As Bug convinces Reggie that Doug doesn't love him, Reggie decides to return the favor and bites off Doug's most cherished possession – his private part. It's funnier when Ferrell delivers it. And technically, that means Strays qualifies as a revenge movie.
Bug joins in the journey, along with two other pals. Randall Park voices Hunter, a gentle yet formidable Dane who flunks out of police academy and now works as a therapy dog in an elderly care facility. Maggie is a clever Australian Shepherd voiced with an Australian accent by Isla Fisher. Their trip back to Doug's is a sort of Homeward Bound with some un-trailer-ed adventures, including Josh Gad's appearance as the voice Bug calls the "dog narrator," reprising Gad's role from A Dog's Purpose (2017) in a more earnest manner. However, Dan Perrault's screenplay (who has written parody series like Players about gaming and the true-crime sendup American Vandal) struggles to overcome the one-note jokes about dogs sounding like foul-mouthed humans.
The film offers amusing and offbeat comedic moments. Reggie has a romantic encounter with a garden gnome, which he later views as his offspring. If you're not expecting more than that, Strays is pretty efficient. And there's a payoff when the crew returns home to Doug. Just imagine that "Wrecking Ball" song on the soundtrack for a reason."
Conclusions, suggestions and admin notes
Step into a world where tails wag and tongues – both human and canine – are let loose in the uproarious romp that is 'Strays.' This R-rated dog comedy ventures into uncharted territory, offering a raucous and wildly entertaining journey through the lives of a scruffy yet endearing border terrier named Reggie, whose voice, brilliantly brought to life by the incomparable Will Ferrell, is as exuberant as it is contagious. From the very first bark, this film promises a symphony of foul-mouthed hilarity paired with heartwarming moments, encapsulating the essence of a unique cinematic experience.
As the credits roll and the final howls echo, 'Strays' leaves us with more than just laughter; it leaves an imprint of unapologetic joy. While the profanity-laden dialogue might raise an eyebrow or two, the film's underlying message about friendship, resilience, and embracing life's unexpected adventures shines through. The unconventional charm of Reggie, Bug, and their motley crew of canine companions tugs at our heartstrings, reminding us that even in the most unexpected places, we can find genuine connections and a sense of belonging.
In a world where escapism and laughter are invaluable, 'Strays' stands as a testament to the power of unfiltered merriment. It's a reminder that sometimes, we all need a bit of delightful absurdity to brighten our days. So, grab your popcorn, gather your furry friends, and embark on this uproarious journey that will leave you with a grin from ear to ear. Here's to the filmmakers for daring to unleash such gleeful chaos, and to the charismatic cast whose voices brought these unforgettable characters to life. 'Strays' is a canine carnival you won't want to miss!"
Note from the Admin:
We hope you enjoy this rollicking ride through the world of 'Strays'! Remember, sometimes the most unexpected tales bring the biggest smiles. A huge shoutout to the cast, crew, and everyone who made this delightful escapade possible. Wagging tails and infectious laughter – that's the spirit of 'Strays'!)